When you start a new business you will need energy, even if it is just for heat and light. Getting it right at the beginning can ensure you do not experience problems further down the line. The following pointers will ensure that energy is there when you need it and does not put your new business at risk.

• Include energy in your business plan – both as a business expense and as a cash flow item.
  
  
• Contact the supplier who is registered to your business premises (find out how to do this) as soon as you move in and ask it to make an offer for your supply (you have a choice, you don’t have to sign up with the same supplier) and then sign a contract with the supplier that makes you the best offer.
  
  
• Make suppliers work for you – get them to advise you on the best type of contract for your needs, and shop around – you have a choice and do not have to simply continue with the supplier who is currently registered to your premises.
  
  
• Make sure you choose the right kind of contract for your business needs. You will not be disconnected if you do not sign up with a supplier immediately, but you may be billed at out-of-contract (‘deemed’) rates for the period between moving in and signing a contract, which are likely to be higher than longer term contract rates.
  
  
• Pay as much attention to your energy contract as you do to all the other important start up issues – read it and make a note of your obligations before you sign and file it.
  
  
• Keep all your bills and correspondence so that you have something to refer back to if you think there has been a problem (to request a review of your consumption profile, for example).