Pub takeovers · Energy handovers

Taking over a pub?

Get your energy accounts ready alongside the keys. We can help with supplier conversations, contract options and the paperwork around your handover.

Discuss your pub takeover

No bill or tenancy documents needed to start.

Your energy handover checklist

Use this alongside your pub company or landlord's handover process. The energy guidance below applies to Great Britain.

01
Before you take the keys
- Check with your landlord or pub company who will hold the electricity and gas contracts, including any separate accommodation or meters.
- Find out who currently supplies each fuel and tell them when you expect to become responsible. Keep your lease or completion evidence ready for their checks.
- Ask what rates will apply when you move in. Discuss contract options early, even if some handover details are still being confirmed.
02
On handover day
- Photograph every meter and its readings, including each electricity register. Record the date and keep the original photos, even if the meters are smart.
- Keep a note of the meter serial numbers and which parts of the premises they serve. Share the opening readings with the suppliers.
- Keep the signed handover record and supplier correspondence together so the dates and readings are easy to find later.
03
Once you are in
- Provide any further evidence the suppliers request and ask for written confirmation of the account start date and opening readings.
- Check your first bills against those records and the agreed rates. Raise differences promptly with the supplier and keep a record of the response.
- If you have not agreed a contract, check your current terms and compare your options. Keep track of the start date of any new agreement.

Where NEC can help

Tell us what has been arranged and what is still outstanding. We can help organise the information, liaise with suppliers with your authority and compare suitable contracts. Your supplier makes the final checks on the change of occupier.

Already received an unexpected bill? Ask for billing support.

Customer experience · The Old Ivy House

Putting a handover billing error right

After a change of tenancy had not been completed correctly, Mia helped challenge the resulting bill. The customer reports a £7,722.31 adjustment to that account.

Read the Old Ivy House story

Questions about taking over

Do I need a bill before contacting NEC?

No. Your pub name, contact details and a rough handover date are enough to start. We will explain which meter, supplier or tenancy information is needed next.

What happens if I use energy before agreeing a contract?

You may be on a deemed contract with the existing supplier. These rates can be more expensive than an agreed contract. Ask the supplier for the applicable terms and compare the unit rates, standing charges and contract length before choosing an offer.

Does contacting NEC complete the change of tenancy?

No. The suppliers need to be told about the change and check the evidence. With your authority, we can help organise the information and follow up with them. Each supplier confirms its own account arrangements.

What if I am already having problems with a bill?

Keep the bill, handover documents, meter photos and any correspondence. Use our billing support enquiry to describe the issue. We will ask for the evidence needed to investigate; there is no need to upload account documents to this website.

Reviewed 24 September 2026. See Ofgem's change of tenancy guidance, its business contract guidance and Citizens Advice on moving premises.

Tell us about your handover

Whether you are planning ahead or have already taken the keys, we can help you work through the next step.

Discuss your pub takeover

Comparing offers? Read how business energy contracts work.

Your energy handover checklist

Use this alongside your pub company or landlord's handover process. The energy guidance below applies to Great Britain.

Before you take the keys

Check with your landlord or pub company who will hold the electricity and gas contracts, including any separate accommodation or meters.
Find out who currently supplies each fuel and tell them when you expect to become responsible. Keep your lease or completion evidence ready for their checks.
Ask what rates will apply when you move in. Discuss contract options early, even if some handover details are still being confirmed.

On handover day

Photograph every meter and its readings, including each electricity register. Record the date and keep the original photos, even if the meters are smart.
Keep a note of the meter serial numbers and which parts of the premises they serve. Share the opening readings with the suppliers.
Keep the signed handover record and supplier correspondence together so the dates and readings are easy to find later.

Once you are in

Provide any further evidence the suppliers request and ask for written confirmation of the account start date and opening readings.
Check your first bills against those records and the agreed rates. Raise differences promptly with the supplier and keep a record of the response.
If you have not agreed a contract, check your current terms and compare your options. Keep track of the start date of any new agreement.

Questions about taking over

Do I need a bill before contacting NEC?

No. Your pub name, contact details and a rough handover date are enough to start. We will explain which meter, supplier or tenancy information is needed next.

What happens if I use energy before agreeing a contract?

Does contacting NEC complete the change of tenancy?

What if I am already having problems with a bill?