Out of contract business energy: what it costs and how to fix it
If your business energy contract has ended, you are almost certainly on expensive out of contract rates. Here is what that costs, and how OptiFlow Watch gets you back onto a good price, guaranteed.
The most expensive way to buy energy
When a business energy contract ends and you do not agree a new one, you roll onto out of contract or deemed rates, and these are the most expensive prices a supplier charges. In 2026, out of contract business electricity commonly runs at 32 to 45p per kWh against roughly 22 to 30p on a fixed contract, and out of contract gas around 11 to 14p against 6.5 to 9p. That is often 40 to 60 percent more for exactly the same energy.
Over a year that adds up fast. A business that would use 30,000 kWh of electricity and 50,000 kWh of gas can pay thousands more on deemed rates than on a decent contract. OptiFlow Watch spots when you are out of contract, finds the best available price and switches you, then keeps watching so it never happens again.
Figures are typical UK ranges for 2026 and are illustrative only; actual rates vary by supplier, usage, location and contract. OptiFlow Watch models the saving against your own bills.
Why out of contract costs so much
Electricity premium
Out of contract around 32 to 45p per kWh, versus 22 to 30p on a contract.
Gas premium
Out of contract around 11 to 14p per kWh, versus 6.5 to 9p on a contract.
40 to 60 percent more
Deemed rates are far higher for the very same energy.
Thousands a year
A mid sized SME can pay thousands extra on deemed prices.
Spotted automatically
OptiFlow Watch flags the moment you are out of contract.
Fixed for you
It finds the best price, switches you and guarantees a saving.
Common questions
What are out of contract energy rates?
They are the expensive default rates you pay when a contract ends and no new one is agreed, often 40 to 60 percent higher.
How do I get off them?
OptiFlow Watch finds the best available contract and switches you, then watches renewals so it does not recur.
How much more do they cost?
Typically 40 to 60 percent more per unit, which can be thousands of pounds a year for a mid sized business.
What does OptiFlow Watch charge?
A flat £49.99 a month, with a guaranteed saving.
More from OptiFlow Watch
Find out what your business is overpaying
OptiFlow Watch finds the best prices and guarantees a saving, for £49.99 a month. Book a call to get started.