Energy is one of the biggest fixed costs for UK businesses. But here’s the thing many decision-makers overlook: it’s not just what deal you choose, it’s when you choose it.
Locking in at the wrong time - or worse, doing nothing and rolling onto default rates - can quietly drain thousands from your bottom line each year.
This guide breaks down why timing matters, how renewal windows work, and what practical steps your business can take to make sure you’re always ahead of the market.
The Renewal Trap: Why Most Businesses Overpay
When a contract comes to an end, suppliers don’t just let you carry on at the same rate. Instead, you’re either:
- Rolled onto a default 'out-of-contract' tariff, which can be 40–60% higher than market rates.
- Given a short renewal window, where if you don’t act quickly, you’ll be tied into whatever your supplier decides.
For example, a small manufacturing firm spending £2,000/month on energy could see costs rise by £800–£1,200 overnight simply by missing their renewal notice. That’s money straight out of your profit margin - with zero operational changes.
Why Timing is Everything
Energy prices don’t move in straight lines. They rise and fall with global supply, demand, and geopolitical events. That’s why two businesses locking into the exact same contract terms at different times can see wildly different costs.
- Early action = choice and leverage. The earlier you look at renewals, the more options are on the table.
- Last-minute panic = limited deals. Wait until the deadline, and suppliers know they’ve got you cornered.
- Market dips = opportunity. By monitoring the market across months, you can lock in when prices ease, not when they spike.
How Long Before Renewal Should You Act?
Most businesses wait until the last 30 days. That’s already too late.
At Resolve, we advise starting the process 6 - 12 months before your contract ends. That way:
- You can benchmark rates across suppliers.
- You have time to decide between fixed vs flexible contracts.
- You can spot dips in the market and lock in savings.
- You’re never stuck scrambling to renew under pressure.
Think of it like booking flights. The earlier you look, the better the choice, the better the price.
Real-World Example: The Cost of Waiting
One of our clients, a catering business in Liverpool, delayed reviewing their renewal until just weeks before expiry. By then, prices had spiked.
We compared what they ended up paying to what they could have secured three months earlier:
- Actual contract: £3,400/month
- If timed earlier: £2,600/month
- Annual difference: £9,600
That’s nearly £10,000 lost - just by waiting too long.
The Resolve Advantage
We don’t just check prices once and send you a quote. Our role is to monitor, advise, and act at the right time so you never get caught out.
Here’s what we do for our clients:
- Market monitoring: Daily updates on wholesale prices and supplier movements.
- Bill reviews: Checking your usage, rates, and charges against market benchmarks.
- Smart timing: Advising when to move early, and when to hold.
- Basket buying: Pooling clients together to access bulk rates that small businesses usually miss out on.
The result: consistently lower costs, less stress, and complete clarity on your energy position.
FAQs: Renewal Timing
Can I lock in a new deal before my contract ends?
Yes. In fact, most suppliers allow you to agree a new contract up to 24 months before the current one finishes
What if prices fall after I lock in?
That’s always possible, but by acting early, you avoid the risk of sharp increases. We also help clients consider flexible products if they want to keep options open.
What happens if I do nothing?
Your supplier will roll you onto their default tariff. This is almost always the most expensive option available.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Timing your renewal isn’t about luck. It’s about monitoring, planning, and acting before the market forces your hand.
If you’re 6–12 months away from renewal, now is the time to review your options. If you’re already close, don’t wait another day.
Request a free bill review today and let Resolve show you exactly what your business could save.
If you're looking to save money on your energy bills then why not get in touch today? The close relationships Resolve Energy has developed with over 24 of the UK’s biggest business energy suppliers allows our energy experts to source the best business energy rates available for your company right when you need them. Request a free quote today and start saving money on your energy.
