When your business has to change location, you want to plan ahead to prevent disruption and productivity loss. These tips can help minimize the impact on your business during the relocation period.
Before You Move Out
Know Your Cancellation Costs
If you get your services from a competitive retailer, you may have to pay exit fees to end the contract early.
Schedule to Discontinue or Transfer Services With Your Utility Companies in Advance
Contact your electricity, natural gas, and water utility providers with the date to discontinue billing for the services. Different retailers have different notification periods: Regulated retailers may only require 3-5 days’ notice, while competitive companies may need up to 45 days.
If you move out but still own the property, you are responsible for all monthly utility charges associated with the vacant location, including fixed costs such as administration, distribution, and local access fees. Learn more about idle billing charges and how to avoid them.
If you are selling your business property, schedule discontinuing service on the day the sale closes, and provide your retailer(s) with your forwarding address for your final utility bill.
Check if Your Leases Overlap
If your business is moving and you are responsible for two sites at the same time – even for a short period – tell your retailer that there will be an overlap in billing. When you receive your statement for the two sites, it will likely be larger than your usual monthly bill.
Confirm Your Utility Service Transfer or Disconnection Before Your Moving Date
Shortly before your moving date, call each utility service again to ensure that your utility billing service will be discontinued or transferred to your new address as scheduled. Confirm if you need any appointments to turn on service at your new site.
After You Move Out
Pay Your Final Utility Bill
Make sure you have paid monthly charges for all utilities you were responsible for up to the move out date. Keep in mind that utilities do not bill until several weeks after the actual usage. Expect a final bill within a month of the move out date. Contact your retailer if you did not receive this bill.
How We Can Help
The Utilities Consumer Advocate’s mediation officers can share advice on comparing utility rates, as well as provide information on utility issues and help settle disputes with your provider. Contact us toll-free at 310-4822, email at ucahelps@gov.ab.ca, or visit the Contact a Mediation Officer page for more information.