Do electricity contracts differ for half-hourly metered sites?

Yes, half-hourly metered sites often have more detailed contracts reflecting time-of-day consumption patterns and sometimes pass-through network charges, whereas smaller non-half-hourly sites typically use simpler flat-rate contracts.

What happens if I need to leave my electricity contract early?

Leaving before the agreed end date usually results in an early termination charge based on the remaining contract term. The exact amount should be confirmed directly with the supplier before proceeding.

Am I liable for electricity charges after moving out of a premises?

You remain liable until you give the supplier correct notice of vacation and a final meter reading. Without this, charges can continue to accrue against your account even after you have left the premises.

Can a new tenant refuse to take over the existing electricity contract?

New occupiers are not obliged to continue the previous tenant's contract and typically start on a deemed rate with the incumbent supplier until they arrange their own agreement, which they are free to do with any supplier of their choice.

Business Electricity Contracts

Business Electricity Contracts Explained

A business electricity contract sets out the unit rate, standing charge and term over which a supplier agrees to supply electricity to a business premises. As with all business energy agreements, there is no statutory cooling-off period once the contract is confirmed, making it important to review terms carefully before agreeing.

This page focuses on the specific considerations for electricity contracts, including how half-hourly metered sites are typically contracted differently from smaller accounts.

Electricity contracts specify unit rate, standing charge and term length

Half-hourly metered sites often use more detailed, negotiated contract structures

Early exit before the term ends usually incurs a termination charge

New occupiers of a premises should arrange their own contract promptly to avoid deemed rates

Standard versus half-hourly electricity contracts

Smaller businesses on non-half-hourly meters typically sign standardised fixed-term contracts with a flat unit rate. Larger businesses on half-hourly meters may have contracts that include time-of-day pricing bands or pass-through charges for network costs that vary independently of the supplier's own margin.

Early termination charges

Exiting an electricity contract before the agreed end date usually triggers a charge, often calculated as a percentage of the remaining contract value or a fixed fee per remaining month. This is separate from any final bill and should be confirmed directly with the supplier if early exit is being considered.

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Change of tenancy for electricity supply

When a business vacates a premises, it should give notice to the electricity supplier along with a final meter reading to close its account correctly. Failing to do so can leave the outgoing business liable for charges incurred after departure, so this step should not be overlooked during a move.

Notify the supplier of the move-out date in writing
Take a final meter reading
Request a final bill and check for any termination charges owed

What matters most before signing

Confirm the exact unit rate and standing charge in writing
Check whether rates include or exclude the Climate Change Levy
Understand the early termination charge basis
Note the renewal notice period for future planning