Does the time of year affect my gas renewal rate?

It can, since wholesale gas prices often rise during colder months when heating demand increases. However, this is one of several factors affecting price, and market conditions can vary from year to year regardless of season.

What is reassessed at gas contract renewal?

Suppliers typically reassess the estimated Annual Quantity based on the business's actual consumption over the previous contract, alongside proposing a new unit rate and standing charge reflecting current market conditions.

Should I compare gas renewal offers even if my current supplier's rate seems reasonable?

Yes, comparing against the wider market is worthwhile even if the offer looks acceptable, since gas prices and supplier margins vary and a better rate may be available elsewhere for the same consumption profile.

What happens to my gas supply if I don't respond to a renewal notice?

Gas supply continues uninterrupted, but the business is typically moved onto an out-of-contract or deemed rate once the fixed term ends without a new agreement in place. This rate is usually higher than a negotiated contract.

Business Gas Renewal Guide

Business Gas Contract Renewal

Business gas renewal follows a similar process to electricity, requiring notice within a set window before the contract ends to avoid defaulting onto an out-of-contract rate. Gas renewal timing can be particularly sensitive to seasonal market movements given how wholesale gas prices tend to shift with heating demand.

This page sets out how gas renewal timelines typically work, what to check in a renewal offer, and how seasonal timing can influence the rate a business is quoted.

Gas contracts typically specify a notice period of 30 to 120 days before the end date

Renewal quotes can be higher during peak winter demand periods

Comparing the renewal offer against the wider market is worthwhile before accepting

AQ estimates used for the expiring contract are usually reassessed at renewal

Gas renewal timing and seasonality

Because wholesale gas prices often rise during winter due to heating demand, a business renewing its gas contract in the autumn or winter may see a different rate than if the same renewal fell in spring or summer. This is not guaranteed, since wider market factors including storage levels and international supply also play a significant role.

Reviewing the Annual Quantity at renewal

At renewal, suppliers typically reassess the business's estimated Annual Quantity based on actual consumption during the previous contract term. If usage has changed significantly, for example due to expansion or reduced operating hours, this should be flagged so the new AQ reflects current usage rather than outdated estimates.

Compare business energy prices

Enter your postcode and business details to compare available commercial energy prices.

Get a quote 0141 628 9442

Comparing gas renewal offers

Request the renewal offer with a clear unit rate and standing charge breakdown
Compare against at least two or three alternative supplier quotes
Check the proposed contract length matches business needs
Confirm whether the Climate Change Levy is shown separately

Consequences of a missed gas renewal

If notice is not given before the deadline, gas supply typically continues under an out-of-contract or deemed rate, which is usually more expensive than a fixed contract rate. The business remains free to switch at any point afterwards, but should expect to pay the higher rate until a new contract is in place.

Business Gas Renewal: frequently asked questions

Related business energy pages

Business Energy RenewalA guide to how business energy contract renewal works, notice periods and the renew-versus-switch decision.Business Gas ContractsA focused look at how business gas contracts are structured, priced and terminated.Business Gas TariffsAn overview of business gas tariff structures, pricing drivers and contract options.Compare Business GasComparing business gas means matching your MPRN and annual consumption against supplier rates to check whether your current contract is competitive.