Extending your portfolio's electricity contracts: start 9 months before expiry
For a real estate portfolio, starting to review the electricity contract one month before expiry is not enough. Here is the timeline that creates a real negotiation position.
Time is the most important currency in negotiations
In a portfolio with tens or hundreds of metering points, one month of preparation time is far too short. By then, the supplier will know that you have no alternatives – and the offer will reflect that.
A timeline that works
- 9 months before expiry: Inventory metering points, contract lengths, and historical consumption
- 6 months before: Issue an RFP or request alternative offers
- 4 months before: Negotiate, compare, and request clarifications
- 3 months before: Formally terminate (regardless of whether you switch or stay)
- 1 month before: Sign the new contract
Common mistakes made by real estate companies
- The inventory is never seriously conducted – reliance is placed on the supplier's system data
- The RFP is sent to too few suppliers (4–6 is the minimum for a large portfolio)
- Termination is not sent until a new contract is in place – by then, the negotiating position has already been lost
- The incumbent supplier receives the final bid, cementing their information advantage
Would you like a personal review?
This guide provides free knowledge from Savera and is intended to give you concrete points to check on your own. We are an independent advisor in business electricity – if you would like us to specifically review your contracts, invoices, or consumption, you are welcome to book a free initial consultation.
Tip: Always formally terminate your contract within the termination window – even if you think you want to stay. It's free to back out, but expensive to miss the window.