Moving into premises ENGIE supplies without an agreed contract means you'll be on its default rates, which ENGIE says may be higher than contract rates. Its deemed and default rates for gas and electricity are published on its website.
ENGIE deemed and out-of-contract rates
What ENGIE calls them: deemed and default rates. ENGIE says that if you've moved into ENGIE-supplied premises without an agreed contract, "you'll be assigned default rates, which may be higher than contractual rates".
Where ENGIE publishes its rates: on its deemed and default rates page (opens in a new tab). There are separate documents for gas and for electricity, with electricity split into half-hourly and non-half-hourly meters. The terms that apply are there too.
How to move off them: ENGIE suggests contacting its sales team for advice on a contract, and you'll find the number on its rates page. Alternatively, you can get quotes from other suppliers.
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 ENGIE 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 ENGIE deemed rates
Can I leave ENGIE's out-of-contract rates at any time?
Yes. ENGIE's out-of-contract and deemed terms say that on out-of-contract rates you're free to leave at any time, as long as you pay what you owe for the energy you've used. ENGIE publishes its deemed and default rates on its deemed and default rates page, with separate gas and electricity documents.
What are ENGIE default rates?
They're the rates ENGIE charges if you've moved into premises it supplies without agreeing a contract. ENGIE says they may be higher than its contract rates.
Where can I find ENGIE's deemed rates?
You'll find them on ENGIE's deemed and default rates page, which has separate documents for gas, half-hourly electricity and non-half-hourly electricity.
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
- ENGIE, deemed and default rates page (opens in a new tab)
- ENGIE, out-of-contract and deemed contract principal terms (opens in a new tab)
- 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 ENGIE. This page is based on ENGIE's own published information and Ofgem's rules.