When your business uses energy from EDF without a contract, EDF charges its deemed prices. These have no fixed term, so you can move onto a fixed contract at any time. EDF publishes its small business deemed prices on its website.
EDF deemed and out-of-contract rates
What EDF calls them: deemed prices. A small business that uses EDF's energy "without entering into a formal agreement", for example after moving into new premises, goes onto EDF's deemed contract. EDF also publishes separate prices for what it calls Extended Supply, which apply if your tariff ends before the end of its fixed term or you don't meet the terms of your contract. When a fixed term ends in the normal way, EDF moves you onto a variable tariff, such as Freedom for Business.
Where EDF publishes its rates: on its small business tariff page (opens in a new tab), which lists both the small business deemed prices and the Extended Supply prices as PDF documents, each showing the date its prices apply from. EDF's deemed terms are on its small business terms and conditions page (opens in a new tab).
How to move off them: you can ask EDF for a fixed contract quote or get quotes from other suppliers, and you'll keep paying deemed prices until your new contract starts.
Are you on them?
Have a look at your latest bill. You're probably on deemed or out-of-contract rates if:
- it says "deemed", "out of contract", "variable" or "default";
- it shows no contract end date, or one that has passed;
- you moved into the premises and never agreed a contract;
- your rates went up sharply around the date your contract was due to end.
Our guide to deemed and out-of-contract rates explains the difference between the two, and your rights.
On EDF deemed or out-of-contract rates? Our free check compares your rates, standing charges and contract terms with today's market. A specialist will then ring to talk you through it, with no obligation. You don't need a bill to start.
What the rules say
Ofgem, the energy regulator, requires suppliers to take all reasonable steps to make sure their deemed contract terms aren't "unduly onerous", and to keep their deemed rates easy to find. Deemed rates can still cost more than a contract, because your supplier can't buy your energy in advance.
There's no fixed term on deemed rates, so you can move onto a contract whenever you're ready. If you're a microbusiness on out-of-contract rates, you don't have to give notice or pay a termination fee to leave them. Larger businesses should check their old contract for a notice period. For a microbusiness on a rolling (evergreen) contract, the notice can't be longer than 30 days.
You can usually move onto a new contract at any time, so it's worth comparing business electricity and gas prices.
Ready to get off deemed rates? Our free check compares your rates, standing charges and contract terms with today's market. A specialist will then ring to talk you through it, with no obligation. You don't need a bill to start.
Questions about EDF deemed rates
What are EDF out-of-contract rates?
When a fixed term ends in the normal way, EDF moves you onto a variable tariff, such as Freedom for Business. Its Extended Supply prices apply if your tariff ends early or you don't meet the terms of your contract, and its deemed prices apply if you use energy without a contract.
Where can I find EDF's deemed rates?
EDF publishes them on its small business tariff page, as PDF price documents. It updates them, so check the date on each one.
Does EDF charge deemed rates to new tenants?
Yes. If you move into premises EDF supplies and use energy without agreeing a contract, you're on EDF's deemed contract until you agree one or switch.
Can I switch supplier while I'm on deemed rates?
Yes. Deemed rates have no fixed term, so you can agree a contract with your current supplier or switch to another one. You'll stay on deemed rates until the switch goes through, which can take a few weeks.
Are deemed rates the same as out-of-contract rates?
Not always. Deemed rates apply when you use energy with no contract in place, such as after moving in, while out-of-contract rates apply when your contract ends without a new one. Some suppliers charge the same for both.
Sources
- EDF, small business tariff page (opens in a new tab)
- EDF, small business terms and conditions page (opens in a new tab)
- EDF, small business terms and conditions (opens in a new tab) (June 2026): you move onto a variable tariff at the end of your fixed term; when Extended Supply prices apply.
- Ofgem, guidance on deemed contracts
- Ofgem, get a business energy contract
- Ofgem, electricity supply standard licence conditions: condition 7A, including leaving out-of-contract rates without notice or a termination fee (7A.13B).
Energybench isn't connected with EDF. This page is based on EDF's own published information and Ofgem's rules.