Out-of-contract business energy rates: what they are and how to escape

What 'out-of-contract' means

When your business energy contract ends and you haven't signed a new one, your supplier moves you onto 'out-of-contract' (OOC) or 'deemed' rates. These aren't a negotiated tariff — they're a default fallback, typically 40-80% more expensive than the market rate you could get today.

Why suppliers price them so high

OOC rates are meant to be uncomfortable. They exist so that customers renew promptly and so that suppliers can price for the risk of a customer they can't hedge against because there's no fixed term.

How to move off OOC

You're not locked in — OOC customers can switch immediately with a standard 4-6 week transfer window. Every week you delay costs materially more than every week on a properly negotiated contract.

• Get a whole-of-panel quote today (Energy Tariff can turn one round in 60 seconds).
• Sign the new contract with the earliest possible start date.
• Your new supplier handles the transfer and notifies the old one.
• Once switched, set a calendar reminder for 4 months before the new end date.