Business Energy Comparison

Compare Business Energy Prices, Suppliers & kWh Rates

We work with a panel of trusted business energy suppliers, so you can switch with confidence.

Compare business energy prices

or call now on 01242 323 131

  • Octopus Business
  • OPUS Energy
  • British Gas
  • e-on Energy
  • SSE Energy
  • British Gas Lite
  • EDF Energy
  • Scottish Power

Why switch business energy suppliers?

Staying loyal to your current energy supplier might seem like the straightforward choice. However, it’s not always the most financially savvy one. When fixed-rate deals lapse, suppliers often transition businesses to their pricier out-of-contract rates.

What’s more, many energy providers reserve their most competitive offers for new customers. This leaves their long-standing clientele paying more than they should. Even if you renegotiate a new contract with your current supplier, there’s a chance another provider has an even better offer on the table.

It’s not just about chasing the lowest rates. The energy market has its share of turbulence. Numerous suppliers have faced financial challenges in recent years. This volatility has left many businesses stranded with suppliers they didn’t choose, often at less-than-favourable rates.

That’s why it’s crucial to partner with a provider that offers competitive rates. But they should also have the stability and track record to navigate the market’s ups and downs.

This is where our expertise comes into play. We collaborate with a select group of reputable energy suppliers. This ensures you get both excellent rates and dependable service.

Thousands of UK businesses trust us annually to compare energy deals. Our combination of cutting-edge technology and seasoned experts simplifies the switching process. Whether you’re considering a new supplier or renegotiating with your current one, we’re here to secure the best possible deal for your business.

 

How our business energy comparison service works

1

Enter your business details in our form. If you need help or have questions, call our energy experts on 01242 32 31 31.

2

We’ll show you a list of business energy quotes and tariffs that fit your needs.

3

Look over the options and choose the one you like. Your new supplier will handle the switch.

4

In 4-6 weeks, the switch will be complete. Sit back and enjoy the savings on your next energy bill.

Compare commercial energy quotes online

Who is the best energy supplier for your business?

Who are the big six energy suppliers?

The term “Big Six” refers to the six dominant and long-standing energy suppliers in the UK market. These suppliers have been at the forefront of the energy industry for years and have garnered significant market share. Here’s a breakdown of the Big Six:

Supplier Parent/Group
British Gas Centrica
EDF EDF Group
Eon E.ON Group
Npower RWE Group
ScottishPower Iberdrola Group
SSE SSE Group

While the big six continue to hold a significant portion of the market, it’s worth noting that there’s been a surge in challenger brands in recent years. These emerging suppliers are steadily gaining ground, offering competitive rates and innovative services.

The reputation and size of the Big Six often give businesses a sense of security when considering a switch. However, it’s essential to remember that bigger doesn’t always equate to better. It’s always a good idea to explore all options, big or small, to ensure you’re getting the best deal and service for your business.

Compare commercial energy quotes online

What are the latest business energy rates?

How much energy does the average business use?

The amount of energy a business consumes largely depends on its size and the nature of its operations. However, to provide a general understanding of the typical energy usage for businesses, we’ve compiled the average energy consumption figures for both small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger businesses:

Business Size Average Gas Usage (kWh/year) Average Electricity Usage (kWh/year)
Micro businesses 10,000 15,000
Small Businesses 25,000 25,000
Medium-sized Businesses 45,000 50,000
Large Businesses More than 65,000 More than 50,000
Microbusinesses

Microbusinesses

These are the smallest type of businesses, often operated by a single person or a few individuals. On average, they consume around 10,000 kWh of gas and up to 15,000 kWh of electricity annually.
Small Businesses

Small Businesses

Slightly larger than microbusinesses, small businesses typically use around 25,000 kWh of gas and up to 25,000 kWh of electricity each year.
Medium-sized Businesses

Medium-sized Businesses

These businesses have a larger operational scale and, as a result, consume an average of 45,000 kWh of gas and up to 50,000 kWh of electricity annually.
Large Businesses

Large Businesses

The most energy-intensive of the lot, large businesses can consume more than 65,000 kWh of gas and over 50,000 kWh of electricity in a year.

It’s essential to note that these figures are average estimates. The actual energy consumption for a business can vary based on several factors, including its operational hours, the nature of its work, the efficiency of its equipment, and more.

For a more detailed understanding tailored to your business, it’s always a good idea to consult with our energy experts or use tools that can provide insights based on your specific needs and operations.

What is an average business energy bill?

Compare commercial energy quotes online

What support is the government offering for high business energy bills?

The UK government has rolled out schemes to aid businesses grappling with escalating energy bills. These initiatives focus on providing discounts on unit rates for specific non-domestic gas and electricity contracts.

What is the Energy Bills Discount Scheme

Launching on April 1, 2023, the Energy Bills Discount Scheme will replace the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. This isn’t a business energy price cap but offers discounts on the unit rate for contracts inked on or after December 1, 2021, covering variable, deemed, and out-of-contract rates. The scheme’s duration is 12 months.

Key aspects:

  • Discounts are granted when rates are below a set threshold.
  • A baseline rate exists, determining the lowest possible discounted rate. Rates nearing this baseline might only receive a partial discount.
  • It remains prudent to compare business energy suppliers to lock in the most competitive rates. Opting for a fixed deal can insulate businesses from price fluctuations and avert the shift to typically higher out-of-contract rates.

Eligibility for the Energy Bills Discount Scheme

The scheme is accessible to:

  • Entities on a fixed non-domestic energy contract from December 1, 2021, onwards.
  • New fixed-rate, deemed, out-of-contract, or variable-rate contracts.
  • Large enterprises on flexible purchase contracts, especially those classified under the Energy Trade Intensive Industries.

However, conditions apply:

  • Rates below the government’s threshold disqualify businesses.
  • Only a partial discount is granted if the full amount isn’t necessary to align rates with the government threshold.

Discount and threshold rates

Business Type Energy Source Discount Threshold
Most Businesses Gas Approx. £0.00697 (0.7p per kWh) 10.70p per kWh
Electricity £0.01961 (2.0p per kWh) 30.20p per kWh
Energy Trade Intensive Industries Gas 4.0p 9.9p per kWh
Electricity 8.9p 18.5p per kWh

What types of business energy tariffs are available?

Businesses have a variety of energy deals to choose from, tailored to their unique needs and consumption patterns.

The main types of business energy tariffs include:

  • Fixed-term business gas and electricity tariffs
  • Blend and extend tariffs
  • Flex approach tariffs
  • Pass-through tariffs

Now, let’s delve deeper into each type:

Fixed-term business gas and electricity tariffs

Fixed-term business gas and electricity tariffs

With a fixed-term tariff, businesses agree to pay a set price for energy for a specific duration, often ranging from one to five years. This type of deal provides budget certainty as businesses are shielded from price hikes during the contract term. However, they won’t benefit from potential price drops either.
Blend and extend tariffs

Blend and extend tariffs

Blend and extend tariffs offer a middle ground. If energy prices drop, businesses can blend the rate from their current contract with a new, lower rate and then extend the contract duration. This approach provides some flexibility while still offering price protection.
Flex approach tariffs

Flex approach tariffs

For businesses with a higher risk tolerance, flex approach tariffs can be appealing. Prices are set monthly, quarterly, or annually based on market rates. While there’s potential for savings when market prices are low, there’s also a risk of higher costs when prices spike.
Pass-through tariffs

Pass-through tariffs

In a pass-through tariff, while the energy unit rate might be fixed, other charges like network fees or green levies are passed directly to the business. This can result in variable monthly bills, but it offers transparency as businesses can see exactly what they’re paying for.

Who is the cheapest business energy supplier?

Benefits of using Utility Saving Expert:

Comparing and switching commercial electricity supplier can be done in minutes. The process is straightforward:

  • Our business energy comparison service is completely free for you with no hidden costs or charges. We pride ourselves on our transparency.
  • We offer a 100% impartial analysis of the commercial energy market. Our business energy price comparison engine was the first to be 100% impartial.
  • Our results reflect up-to-the-minute pricing, to deliver your company the best business energy rates available.
  • Our customer service is second to none and we are there every step of the way.
  • Because we care, 10% of all our profits go to charity.
  • We have a wealth of Social Sector experience.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Climate Change Levy (CCL)?

The Climate Change Levy (CCL) is a government tax on energy delivered to non-domestic users in the United Kingdom. It’s aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in business operations.

 Currently, businesses are charged (per kWh) £0.00775 for electricity and £0.00672 for gas. The new rate from 1 April 2024 will be £0.00775 for both gas and electricity for commercial users.

Can I consolidate energy billing if I own multiple properties?

Yes, you can. Consolidating your business’s energy consumption under a single invoice can be achieved by using a multi-site meter. This streamlines the administration of managing gas and electricity bills across multiple properties. You’ll potentially cut costs when merging various business locations under one energy contract (using a multi-site meter).

Will my business supply be disrupted when switching energy providers?

No. Your new energy provider will switch your business energy contract without any hassle or disruption to your supply.

Is domestic energy different from commercial energy?

Yes, domestic and business energy differ in many ways. Businesses usually use more energy at different time frames when compared to domestic energy usage. Suppliers set different rates to reflect these volumes and usage patterns.

How much can I save by switching business energy providers?

You could potentially save £1,401 on your annual energy bills when comparing and switching commercial energy suppliers using Utility Saving Expert.

Is the business energy feed-in tariff still available?

No. The Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) scheme was a government initiative that rewards local businesses and residents for generating green energy. The scheme ran until April 2019 and no longer accepts new applications.

However, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) replaced this initiative in January 2020 and will run until 31 March 2024.