Whenever you have no active contract, SSE Energy Solutions charges its Variable Business Rates. The rates apply automatically and carry on until you agree a new contract with SSE or move to another supplier.
SSE deemed and out-of-contract rates
What SSE calls them: Variable Business Rates, or VBR for short. SSE says they're "sometimes called out of contract rates or deemed rates", and you're on them if:
- you've moved into premises SSE supplies without agreeing a contract;
- your fixed-term contract has ended and no new one is in place;
- SSE supplies your premises under deemed terms, with no formal contract.
Where SSE publishes its rates: on its out-of-contract rates page (opens in a new tab), which links to its latest Variable Business Rates, its electricity and gas deemed terms, and its historic rates.
How to move off them: ask SSE for a business energy quote, or get quotes from other suppliers. SSE says: "If you decide to switch supplier, you don't need to give us notice." Until the new supplier takes over, you stay on Variable Business Rates.
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 SSE 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 SSE deemed rates
What are SSE out-of-contract rates?
SSE Energy Solutions calls them Variable Business Rates, and says they're sometimes called out-of-contract or deemed rates. You're on them if your fixed-term contract has ended with no new one in place, or you've moved in without agreeing a contract.
Are SSE Variable Business Rates the same as deemed rates?
Yes. SSE uses one name, Variable Business Rates, for both deemed and out-of-contract rates. They apply whether you've moved in without a contract or your fixed contract has ended.
Do I need to give SSE notice to switch?
No. SSE says you don't need to give it notice if you switch supplier while you're on Variable Business Rates.
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
- SSE Energy Solutions, out-of-contract 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 SSE. This page is based on SSE's own published information and Ofgem's rules.