Changing the location of your business can be a time consuming and often stressful endeavour. You want to ensure you can get normal operations up and running as quickly as possible.
When moving your business to a new premises there are a few essential steps you need to get done, to ensure a smooth transition and minimise the disruption to your operations.
Transferring your electricity supply
Getting your business utilities sorted as quickly as possible should be a high priority when moving to a new premises.
Notify your electricity retailer of your moving dates. You’ll generally need to provide at least 5 business days’ notice to your electricity retailer, however, make sure to check the terms and conditions to make sure they don’t require a longer notice period.
Ensuring your electricity supply is connected at the new premises as soon as you need it by advising your energy retailer in advance will help you avoid being charged for energy after moving out of a premises, or causing delays in having your electricity supply transferred to your new site when you move in. Your energy retailer should be able to organise the transfer for you, to make the move as seamless as possible.
You will require a final meter reading when you vacate the premises to bill for the last of your usage. Unless you have a remotely-read smart meter, you’ll need to make sure your meter is accessible for that final read. You will want to schedule your final meter reading when you have finished your office move and clean, as the power may be turned off when the final reading is taken, and this can occur as early as 8am in the morning.
Also, if possible, turn off the fuse for the main meter once you no longer require power at your old premises.
You should also check if there is a disconnection or reconnection fee for transferring your energy supply to a new location. Depending on where your new premise is located, you may find that you have a new electricity distributor, new tariff and pricing, or both.
Inform necessary parties of your move
Moving to a new premises impacts on your business, but also various people associated with your business.
Inform the necessary parties of your moving date and the new location of your business premises. Depending on your business, you may have shareholders and suppliers who need to be informed in a timely manner. If you have suppliers, keep in mind that moving your business premises may impact how long it takes for products to get to you, and the charges involved may alter.
You also may need to set up billing for services other than your electricity supply, which may require providing notice of your change in location.
And don’t forget to tell your customers of your move!
Assess your office equipment
Moving business premises can be a good opportunity to assess your equipment and office appliances.
If you’re downsizing to a smaller office space, it’s a good time to go through your appliances and equipment to determine what you need, and what will fit within your new space. Don’t bother moving anything you no longer need, and get rid of any unnecessary equipment.
If you’re moving to a bigger work space due to business growth, you may need to invest in additional equipment. More equipment can result in more energy consumption, so it may be a good idea to replace any outdated equipment with more energy efficient models for your new business premises.
Have a plan & check accessibility
Have a plan for where everything is going to go before you move. This will make it easier to stay organised and have everything you need set up as quickly as possible in the new premises, and help avoid any delays within your business operations.
Make sure you check accessibility for moving your equipment and appliances into your new premises. Also, check the location of your energy meter at your new premises, as you may need to get someone to do a meter reading for your energy bills.
Connecting your new location
If the power is already on, then you may just need to arrange for a meter reading to transfer the site. However, if the power is off at your new premises, you may need to arrange to visit the site in order to check if the main switch is off, and that there is no exposed wiring or damaged electrical equipment prior to getting your electricity supply transferred.
Retailers are required to check if electrical work has been done or is being planned – so check with your agent before arranging the connection. If electrical work has been completed or is planned, you will need to provide certification that the site is electrically safe before it can be re-connected.
If the power is not connected, and the main switch is left on, then the power may not be connected when you need it.
If you’re moving out of your business premises, take the stress out of it by transferring your electricity supply with Next Business Energy.