Renewal Checklist: 12 Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Your energy renewal letter lands on the bar. A supplier rep rings, urging you to “lock in today” before prices rise. It feels urgent, even threatening. Many landlords sign quickly just to make the problem go away. But rushing a contract renewal is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make in the pub trade. Once your signature is down, you’re bound for years, often on terms that favour the supplier, not you.

This checklist arms you with twelve sharp questions to ask before you sign. Each one pulls hidden costs into the open and keeps control where it belongs: with you, the landlord. Use them with any supplier, at any renewal. If a rep can’t answer clearly, that’s your warning sign.

1. What’s the standing charge – and why?

Most landlords focus on the unit rate, but the standing charge quietly eats your margins. Ask suppliers to break it down: metering costs, admin fees, “industry charges.” If they can’t justify it, it’s padding. Pubs often discover they’re paying more in standing charges than in actual energy use during quieter months. Don’t let that pass unnoticed.

2. Is the quoted rate fixed, variable, or blended?

A “fixed” contract might not be fully fixed. Some suppliers build in pass-through charges for distribution, balancing, or policy levies. A variable deal might sound flexible but can swing with the wholesale market. A blended rate hides spikes by smoothing them over a term. Always press for a plain-English explanation: “Will my price per unit stay the same from start to finish?” If they can’t say yes, keep digging.

3. How long is the term – and why that length?

Three-year contracts often trap landlords at inflated rates long after the market has cooled. Suppliers push longer terms because it guarantees them income. Sometimes, short terms carry a premium but give you flexibility. The right length depends on your pub’s forecast, not the supplier’s script. Ask what happens if you want to exit early – and get it in writing.

4. Are there auto-rollover clauses?

Suppliers love silent rollovers. If you miss the renewal window, you’re locked into new terms automatically, often at punitive rates. Ask outright: “Does this contract roll over?” If yes, demand removal. You should decide your future, not a clause buried in page ten of a PDF.

5. What’s included in the ‘green tariff’ claim?

Many pubs now want to show environmental responsibility, but not all green tariffs are equal. Some are backed by genuine renewable supply, others just by certificates. Don’t pay a premium unless you know what you’re buying. Ask the supplier how your tariff is sourced and what evidence they can show.

6. What fees or charges sit outside the unit rate?

Contracts hide extras: metering costs, capacity charges, settlement fees. They might not appear in the headline quote but will show up in your bill. Insist on a full list before you sign. If the supplier resists, that’s a red flag. Your pub should not be a cash cow for “industry pass-throughs” you don’t understand.

7. How is estimated consumption calculated?

Your quoted rate is often based on how much energy the supplier thinks you’ll use. Get clarity: “What usage level is this contract assuming?” If it’s inflated, you’ll pay higher standing charges or tiered rates. If it’s underestimated, you’ll face reconciliation costs later. Your bills should reflect your pub, not a spreadsheet guess.

8. What happens if my business changes?

Pubs aren’t static. You might extend your hours, add a kitchen, or even sublet part of the building. Ask suppliers how the contract adapts to change. Many contracts punish growth with new charges. Don’t sign until you know your flexibility.

9. What are the payment terms?

Some suppliers demand direct debit. Others offer quarterly billing. Hidden in those terms can be cashflow pressure you don’t need. Match the payment schedule to your trade rhythm. A supplier unwilling to discuss options may not be the right partner for your pub.

10. What support do I get if there’s a dispute?

Disputes are inevitable: a misread meter, an unexplained spike, a billing error. Ask how the supplier resolves issues. Do you get a named account manager, or a call centre queue? The answer tells you whether they see you as a partner or just another account number.

11. How is commission handled?

Brokers often build commission into the unit rate. That’s not wrong, but it should be transparent. Ask directly: “What’s included for broker commission?” If you don’t get a straight answer, assume the worst. Transparency saves you money and keeps the relationship clean.

12. What’s my notice period?

Miss it, and you’re stuck. Some notice periods run six months, others only thirty days. Know it now, not later. Put the date in your calendar the day you sign. The landlord who plans ahead always beats the one who reacts late.

How to use this checklist

You don’t have to be a contract lawyer. These twelve questions cut straight to the traps that cost pubs the most. Print them, keep them behind the bar, and bring them out whenever a renewal call comes in. Suppliers work on speed and confusion. Your defence is patience and clarity. The more questions you ask, the more they reveal – and the stronger your hand becomes.

Link back to Contract Negotiation hub, and explore Bill Validation to check whether your current bills already hide errors.