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.
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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.
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
Enter your business details in our form. If you need help or have questions, call our energy experts on 01242 32 31 31.
We’ll show you a list of business energy quotes and tariffs that fit your needs.
Look over the options and choose the one you like. Your new supplier will handle the switch.
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?
Choosing the right energy supplier for your business isn’t just about cost; it’s about finding a provider that understands your needs, offers reliable service, and can adapt to the changing energy landscape.
Supplier reputation and stability
In an unpredictable energy market, the reliability of a supplier is crucial. It’s worth choosing suppliers with a history of consistent service and financial stability. Over the years, some suppliers have faced challenges, leaving businesses with unexpected rate hikes, or having to find a new supplier altogether.
Range of suppliers
We’ve partnered with a broad range of energy suppliers to ensure every business finds its match. Here are some of the suppliers on our list:
Mainstream Suppliers | Emerging Suppliers |
---|---|
British Gas | BG Lite |
Crown Gas & Power | British Gas Plus |
EDF Energy | Opus Energy |
ScottishPower | Smartest Energy |
SSE | TotalEnergies |
Valda Energy | Yü Energy |
If your business has a high energy demand, we offer specialised services, from tailored procurement strategies to detailed bill assessments. We also have a wider range of providers for such businesses:
Additional Providers |
---|
Corona Energy |
Engie |
Eon |
Haven |
Hudson |
Npower |
Orsted |
Smartest |
Squeaky |
Independent and green energy suppliers
Beyond the big names, there’s a world of emerging brands that often bring innovative offerings, competitive rates, and excellent customer service. If sustainability is on your agenda, many of these suppliers champion green energy, sourcing power from renewable methods and even offering eco-friendly gas options.
Tailored solutions for your business
Your energy needs are as unique as your business. It’s essential to understand the variety of tariffs out there, from fixed-term contracts that lock in a rate to more flexible options that can adapt to market changes.
Support and expertise
Navigating the energy market can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to simplify things, offering guidance, answering questions, and ensuring you’re always getting value for money.
Government initiatives
The UK government often introduces schemes to support businesses with their energy costs. One such initiative is the Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which can provide some financial relief, especially if rising energy bills are a concern.
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.
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What are the latest business energy rates?
When searching for the most competitive business energy rates, it’s beneficial to understand the rates that businesses of a similar size to yours are currently paying for their gas and electricity. This can provide a benchmark and help ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
To give you a clearer picture, we’ve compiled the average business gas and business electricity prices for 2023:
Latest business gas rates in 2023
Business size | Gas unit price per kWh | Gas daily standing charge |
---|---|---|
Micro Business | 10.0p | 96.4p |
Small Business | 9.5p | 58.1p |
Medium Business | 9.0p | 94.3p |
Large Business | 8.7p | 116.7p |
Latest business electricity rates in 2023
Business size | Electricity unit price per kWh | Electricity daily standing charge |
---|---|---|
Micro Business | 29.4p | 55.5p |
Small Business | 28.6p | 79.2p |
Medium Business | 28.8p | 89.0p |
Large Business | 28.1p | 94.7p |
Please bear in mind that these rates can vary based on factors like your meter type and business location. The prices you’re quoted might differ from these averages. The figures provided represent the average unit rates and standing charges observed for each business size during a specific period in 2023. Rates do not include any potential discounts from schemes like the Energy Bills Discount Scheme.
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
Small Businesses
Medium-sized Businesses
Large Businesses
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?
The cost of your business energy bill is influenced by various factors, including the type of deal you’re on, your energy consumption patterns, the energy efficiency of your premises, and even the location of your business. However, to provide a general idea of what businesses might expect to pay, here are some average estimates based on business size:
Business Size | Estimated Annual Gas Bill | Estimated Annual Electricity Bill |
---|---|---|
Micro Business | £1,352 (based on annual usage of 10,000kWh) | £3,143 (based on annual usage of 10,000kWh) |
Small Business | £2,350 (based on annual usage of 22,500kWh) | £6,724 (based on annual usage of 22,500kWh) |
Medium Business | £4,619 (based on annual usage of 47,500kWh) | £14,005 (based on annual usage of 47,500kWh) |
Large Business | £6,081 (based on annual usage of 65,000kWh) | £15,801 (based on annual usage of 55,000kWh) |
It’s essential to note that these are just average figures. The actual rates and bill size can vary depending on your meter type, business location, and other factors. The prices you’re quoted might differ from these averages.
For a more detailed understanding of business energy bills and how they’re calculated, you might consider checking our guide on understanding business energy bills. Always remember to compare different suppliers and deals to ensure you’re getting the most value for your money.
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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
Blend and extend tariffs
Flex approach tariffs
Pass-through tariffs
Who is the cheapest business energy supplier?
Determining the cheapest business energy supplier can be a bit challenging as prices fluctuate based on various factors, including market conditions, regional differences, and consumption levels. However, based on our latest data as of October 2023, here’s a breakdown of some of the suppliers and their respective rates:
Supplier | Electricity Unit Price (p/per kWh) | Gas Unit Price (p/per kWh) |
---|---|---|
EDF | 29.8p | 10.3p |
British Gas | 32.6p | 10.1p |
Opus Energy | 26.6p | N/A |
ScottishPower | 28.3p | 9p |
BG Lite | 32p | 9.5p |
Valda Energy | 29.8p | 9.7p |
Smartest Energy | 28.9p | 8.5p |
While the table provides a snapshot of the current rates, the actual cheapest supplier for your business may vary based on your specific needs and consumption patterns.
It’s always a good idea to compare business energy suppliers to find the most suitable and cost-effective option for your business.
Furthermore, business energy prices have been on a decline, with unit rates dropping every month since October 2022. The average cheapest price has decreased from almost 80p per kWh in October 2022 to just under 28p in October 2023, resulting in significant savings for businesses.
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.