> Case Study
Full Utility Setup for a New Business: No Gas or Electricity Meter Installed
When a new business owner in Sutton, Birmingham contacted Energy Solutions about setting up a commercial unit, the case quickly revealed a far bigger challenge than a standard energy switch. The premises had no active electricity or gas meters installed at all – meaning the business could not even begin operations until the most basic utilities were physically and contractually arranged from scratch.
The Situation
A new business owner in Sutton, Birmingham was setting up a commercial unit and contacted Energy Solutions for support. On reviewing the case, a major issue became clear: the premises had no active electricity or gas meters installed, the customer expected to start operations within a short timeframe, and they were also trying to arrange other services such as waste management and payments simultaneously. This meant the business could not even begin operations until the basic utilities were physically and contractually arranged - a far more involved starting point than a typical energy switch.
The Task
The responsibility taken on by Energy Solutions was to:
- Identify the correct utility setup route from scratch
- Coordinate meter installation and supplier onboarding
- Avoid delays that could impact the business launch
- Provide additional services - waste, payments, and broadband - where possible
- Ensure the customer had a single point of contact for everything
The Action
Energy Solutions first confirmed the property status and contacted the relevant utility channels to determine the new meter installation requirements. The customer was guided through the new connection process step by step, with timelines and required documentation explained clearly from the outset.
Energy Solutions then coordinated directly with suppliers and managed the onboarding process to initiate:
- Electricity meter installation request
- Gas supply feasibility check and setup initiation
Constant communication was maintained with the customer throughout, so they understood realistic timelines rather than false promises. While the utility connections were being processed, Energy Solutions also supported the business with parallel services:
- Arranged business waste management with a flexible pay-per-collection contract and no long-term commitment
- Set up a Worldpay payment solution so the business could be ready for transactions as soon as operations started
- Advised on future broadband setup options to streamline full business readiness
Honest advice was also given about contract timing, ensuring the customer did not commit to unnecessary early energy contracts before the meters were fully active.
Key Learning
In new business setups, the value is not just in selling contracts – it is in guiding the customer from zero infrastructure to full operational readiness with clarity and control.
Results
Meter Installation
Electricity and gas meter installation processes were successfully initiated
Roadmap and Timeline
The customer had a clear roadmap and timeline for full utility activation
Operational Setup
The business was able to prepare its operational setup in parallel, rather than waiting blindly
Additional services
Additional services - waste management and payments - were successfully arranged
Guidance
The customer appreciated the structured and transparent guidance provided throughout a complex setup
About Energy Solutions
Energy Solutions is an independent UK business energy broker based in Cardiff. Since 2016, we have helped businesses of all sizes – from brand-new commercial units to large multi-site portfolios – manage their energy and utility setup with complete transparency and no hidden fees. Whether you are starting from zero infrastructure or simply need a better deal, we are here to help.