Letter of Authority Explained
Last updated: 2026
When you ask us to compare the market for you, we often need to speak to your current and prospective suppliers to get the right information and arrange a switch. A Letter of Authority, or LOA, is the simple document that lets us do that on your behalf. Here is exactly what it means in plain English.
What a Letter of Authority is
A Letter of Authority is your written permission for Smarta Switch to act for you when dealing with your business utility suppliers. It tells your current supplier and any supplier we are quoting that we are allowed to contact them on your behalf, ask for information about your account, and arrange a switch once you have agreed to one.
It applies across the services we broker for you: business energy, water, broadband, merchant services (card processing) and business mobile.
What it lets us do
- Contact your current suppliers to confirm your contract end dates, rates and usage, so we can compare like-for-like.
- Request the meter and account details we need, such as your MPAN, MPRN, water supply point and similar identifiers for your other services.
- Approach prospective suppliers for quotes using your business details.
- Arrange the switch with the supplier you choose, once you have confirmed you want to go ahead.
What it does not let us do
This is the important part, and we want to be clear about it. A Letter of Authority does not give us control of your money or the power to commit you to anything without your say-so.
- It does not let us move your money. We never get access to your bank account, and we never set up or change a direct debit.
- It does not let us sign contracts for you. No switch happens until you have seen the deal and confirmed you want it. The supply contract is between you and the supplier.
- It does not tie you in. You can review what we find and decide not to switch. There is no obligation.
Why we use one
Suppliers will not share account information or process a switch with a third party unless they can see you have authorised it. The Letter of Authority is what unlocks that, so we can do the legwork for you instead of you chasing your suppliers yourself.
How to cancel it
You can withdraw your Letter of Authority at any time. Just email us at hello@smarta.today and we will stop acting on your behalf, tell any suppliers we were quoting with, and remove your details from our active broking work.
Issued by
SMARTA Reductions (SW) Ltd, trading as Smarta Switch. 80-84 Union Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth, Devon PL1 3EZ. Companies House number: [Companies House number to be confirmed].
Ready to start? Upload your bill and we will send the Letter of Authority for you to sign next, or speak to us on 01752 875100.