Energy Guide

Multi-site estates

Business energy steps when opening or acquiring a site

What should we do about energy when acquiring or opening another site?

Treat energy as part of the property and operational handover. Identify every electricity and gas supply, establish the responsible legal entity and date, take readings, contact the existing supplier and check whether a negotiated, deemed or inherited arrangement applies. Add the site to the estate record before buying across the portfolio.

Written by Energy Guide editorial team · Specialist review: Pending · Source checked:

Capture the handover evidence

Record the completion or occupation date, dated opening readings, meter serial numbers, MPANs and MPRNs, site address, prior occupier information where available and the legal entity taking responsibility. Photograph meters without capturing unnecessary personal information.

Establish the current position

Notify the existing supplier promptly and ask for the applicable tariff, responsibility start date and termination route in writing. Do not assume the seller's or landlord's commercial terms transfer to the new occupier.

  • Check for landlord-controlled or shared supplies
  • Find every meter and supply point
  • Identify vacant-unit and common-area consumption
  • Record network and capacity information
  • Add renewal and notice dates to the estate register

Then choose the procurement route

A prompt temporary decision may be necessary, but avoid a long contract before checking estate plans, planned works, solar or EV requirements and whether the site should join a wider portfolio arrangement.

Sources

These sources support the explanation above. Check the linked source for current rules and eligibility.

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