What protections do micro-businesses have on energy?
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In short: Ofgem classifies micro-businesses — typically fewer than 10 employees and turnover or balance sheet under set limits — for enhanced contract rules: clear key terms on bills, notice before out-of-contract rates apply, and ability to switch more easily from rollover contracts placed after specific regulatory dates.
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Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
Micro-business definitions use employee count, annual turnover and energy consumption — very high kWh users may fall outside micro status despite small headcount.
Suppliers must provide principal terms, contract end dates and renewal windows on bills — use these to avoid silent rollovers to deemed rates.
Cooling-off rights apply to some doorstep and telesales business contracts — distance sales regulations give 14 days to cancel certain agreements.
If struggling to pay, speak to supplier early — disconnection rules for business differ from domestic protections but suppliers must follow licence conditions on fair treatment. See business energy explained.
Primary source: ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-businesses/micro-businesses
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