SEFE Energy, formerly Gazprom Energy, charges out-of-contract rates when your contract ends and no new one is in place. If you're at premises it supplies and never had a contract, you pay its deemed rates instead. In either case, SEFE says you don't need to give notice to leave, and there's no termination fee.
SEFE Energy deemed and out-of-contract rates
What SEFE calls them:
- Out-of-contract (OOC) rates apply when "an energy contract between the customer and supplier comes to an end" and no new rate has been agreed. You pay them "until a new contract is put in place".
- Deemed tariff rates cover cases where there was never a contract, for example when a new tenant moves into a site SEFE supplies.
Where SEFE publishes its rates: on its out-of-contract and deemed rates page (opens in a new tab), which lists the last six months of rates. Older rates are on a separate page. SEFE advises checking the page regularly, and says: "Based on current market conditions, we expect to continue increasing these rates."
How to move off them: you can sign a supply agreement with SEFE, or switch to another supplier. SEFE says "you are not required to give any form of notice" to leave its out-of-contract or deemed rates, and there's no termination fee if you switch away.
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 SEFE Energy 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 SEFE Energy deemed rates
What are SEFE Energy out-of-contract rates?
SEFE charges out-of-contract (OOC) rates when your contract ends and no new rate has been agreed, until a new contract is in place, you move out or you switch supplier. It lists the last six months of rates on its out-of-contract and deemed rates page, and you don't need to give notice to leave them.
Is SEFE Energy the same as Gazprom Energy?
Yes. SEFE Energy is the company formerly known as Gazprom Energy.
Do I need to give SEFE notice to leave its out-of-contract rates?
No. According to SEFE, you don't need to give any notice to leave its out-of-contract or deemed rates, and there's no termination fee for switching away.
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
- SEFE Energy, out-of-contract and deemed rates page (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 SEFE Energy. This page is based on SEFE Energy's own published information and Ofgem's rules.