Business Electricity Comparison

Compare Business Electricity Prices, Suppliers & kWh Rates

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

Compare business electricity prices

or call now on 01242 323 131

  • SSE Energy
  • e-on Energy
  • Octopus Business
  • OPUS Energy

How To Compare Business Electricity Rates

Comparing business electricity rates goes beyond looking for the cheapest deal. It involves knowing your annual electricity consumption, your current supply type, and which commercial electricity contract you’re currently on. Armed with this knowledge, you’re better equipped to compare electricity tariffs from various energy suppliers.

Whether you’re a micro business or a large enterprise in the UK, Utility Saving Expert can help you find the best deal by comparing prices from various reputable energy suppliers within minutes.

And with the high cost of electricity, cutting costs can substantially increase business profitability.

Switching suppliers can potentially reduce your electricity bill by 45%.

Before you start comparing, here’s what you need to do first:

  • Annual electricity usage: Check your past energy bills for yearly electricity consumption, usually represented in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
  • Annual electricity spend: Know your annual spend on commercial electricity and the current price per kWh rate (p/kWh) you’re charged.
  • Know your supply type: This could be standard, Economy 7, or Economy 10, for example.
  • Contract status: Are you tied into a contract with your current business electricity supplier? If so, will you incur exit fees?
  • Contract end date: Knowing when your current business electricity contract ends helps you plan for making the switch.

Understanding these key factors will help you with your business electricity comparison.


What Makes Our Comparison Tool Stand Out?

Business Electricity Suppliers We Work With

British Gas

As the UK’s largest energy provider, British Gas supplies more than 350,000 businesses. Zero-carbon electricity is standard, and 100% renewable electricity tariffs are available.

EDF Energy

EDF is one of the largest business electricity providers for SMEs. EDF offers online account management, smart metering, and EV charging services.

SSE

Business electricity tariffs with both fixed-price plans and fully flexible contracts are available. SSE generates 100% renewable electricity from their own wind and hydro assets.

Valda Energy

Valda offers 24/7 account management with flexible business electricity payments.

Crown Gas & Power

Crown Gas & Power is known for its competitive pricing and has been serving the UK for over two decades.

Scottish Power

Scottish Power, part of the Iberdrola Group, offers competitive renewable electricity prices to the domestic and non-domestic sectors.

We’ve partnered with a mix of established and up-and-coming UK business electricity suppliers to help you find the ideal fit for your operational needs.

These established players offer competitive rates and have well-developed customer infrastructure in place.

Emerging energy suppliers

Additional energy suppliers

Compare 2024 Business Electricity kWh Rates

Why Should You Switch Business Energy Suppliers

Choosing to switch your business electricity supplier can be done for various reasons but often ties back to reducing operational costs to boost company profits.

Other reasons include:

  • Better customer service
  • A commercial electricity tariff that is customised to your business needs
  • An energy supplier that allows you to track and monitor your electricity usage via smart meters or energy-monitoring sensors
  • Green business electricity tariffs that align with your sustainability goals

 

What to consider when switching business electricity suppliers

Before making the switch, Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator suggests considering:

Supplier customer service

Supplier customer service

Research the reputation offered by potential suppliers. Utilise online review platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Yelp to gauge the public’s perception. Reliable customer service is crucial for addressing any issues that might arise.
Price competitiveness

Price competitiveness

Compare the overall cost of different plans, including unit rates, standing charges, and any additional fees. The cheapest business electricity supplier might not always be the best for your business – look for a balance between affordability and features that meet your needs.
Green options

Green options

If environmental sustainability is a priority for your business, consider switching to a green energy supplier that sources electricity from renewable sources.
Contract flexibility

Contract flexibility

Choose a contract with a suitable notice period for termination and clear information on exit fees (if applicable) to avoid unexpected costs.
Notice periods

Notice periods

Understand the time frame involved in changing suppliers to avoid disruptions to your business operations.
Incentives

Incentives

Some suppliers offer cashback or other benefits for switching to their plans. Consider these bonuses when weighing up your options.
Maintenance charges

Maintenance charges

Compare any additional fees associated with different plans, like meter maintenance charges, to get a clear picture of your business electricity contract.
Cooling-off period

Cooling-off period

Check if the energy supplier offers a grace period after signing a contract in case you change your mind.
Broker fees (if applicable)

Broker fees (if applicable)

If you’re using an energy broker, understand how their fees work with the contract. Are they a one-off charge or added to your ongoing usage costs?

Terminating your existing contract prematurely

If you terminate your contract with your current business electricity supplier, you may be liable for exit fees. While each energy deal is structured differently, you’ll likely have to pay out the balance of your electricity contract.

An electricity supplier will generally charge 5% to 15% of your estimated business electricity supply for the remainder of the contract, including both unit price per kWh and standing charges.

Alternatively, some suppliers may require you to pay wholesale prices for the remaining kWh units. This could work out cheaper, especially if market prices have dropped.

Contract durations

Consider the following:

  • Opt for short-term deals: Choose a shorter contract length if you anticipate finding a better deal soon.
  • Cheaper deals with long-term contracts: Locking into a lower rate with a longer commitment can offer significant savings.

Exploring new commercial electricity providers

Compare commercial electricity prices from new energy providers in the market as they often offer lower rates or better contract terms. Additionally, green energy suppliers offer competitive rates alongside environmental benefits – for example, British Gas’s electricity supply fuel mix consists of 43% renewable energy.

4 Simple Steps To Switch Business Electricity Suppliers

1

Enter your business postcode details on our form. If you need help, call our energy experts on 01242 32 31 31.

2

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

3

Compare the different business energy contracts and choose the one you like. Your new supplier will handle the switch on your behalf.

4

Your switch will be complete within 4 to 6 weeks; sit back and enjoy the savings on your next energy bill.

Are Business Electricity Prices Falling?

Business Electricity Prices by Business Size 2024

Let’s look at the latest UK commercial electricity prices:

Business SizeElectricity per kWhStanding Charge (per day)Annual Electricity Cost
Very Small/Micro (up to 5,000 kWh)25.1p69.4p£1,508.31
Small (5,000 – 15,000 kWh)25p78.9p£1,537.99 – £4,037.99
Medium (15,000-25,000kWh)25.8p78.9p£4,157.99 – £6,737.99
Large (25,000-50,000kWh)25p116.2p£6,674.13 – £13,348.26
Very Large (50,000-100,000kWh)24.6p116.2p£12,724.13 – £25,448.26

Note: All the above 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 observed for each business size during a specific period in 2024. Rates do not include any potential discounts from schemes like the Energy Bills Discount Scheme or CCL.

Regional Business Electricity Prices for 2024 (England, Scotland & Wales)

RegionUnit Price (per kWh)Standing Charge (per day)Annual Cost (£)
London 27.3p55.3p 7,027
North East28.7p84.7p7,490
North West28.4p68.8p7,361
East Midlands27.972.5p7,242
West Midlands28.279.2p7,344
Yorkshire28.279.8p7,335
South West29p84.4p7,555
North Scotland29.7p76.7p7,707
Central & Southern Scotland29.5p95.6p7,712
North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire30.8p97.2p8,053
South Wales28.6p81.2p7,459

Pricing is based on 25,000 kWh of annual business electricity consumption on a two-year fixed-rate deal.
Prices updated March 2024.

Cheapest Business Electricity Rates by Supplier

SupplierUnit Price (per kWh)Standing Charge (per day)
Scottish Power 21.9p91p
Opus Energy23p200.4p
Smartest Energy24.4p63.1p
Valda Energy24.6p66.1p
EDF Energy25.5p50p
British Gas Lite28.1p42p
British Gas28.7p62p

All prices are from March 2024 with a usage of 25,000 kWh per year for a two-year contract.

How to find the cheapest business electricity rates

Compare Business Electricity Rates & Prices

Understanding business electricity pricing

Understanding business electricity prices is a crucial step in your comparison journey. Since the energy price cap does not apply to the non-domestic sector, the cost of business electricity prices is influenced by several factors.

These include:

  • Contract terms
  • Geographical location of your business
  • Size and nature of your business premises
  • Your chosen supplier and their pricing policies
  • The specific tariff you’re on
  • The type of meter installed at your premises
  • Your typical energy consumption patterns

Contract terms

  • Fixed rate vs variable rate: Fixed electricity tariffs offer more stability which is beneficial for budgeting and financial planning purposes. Variable rates offer potentially lower electricity prices but carry higher risks due to fluctuating price structures.
  • Contract length: Business electricity contracts typically range in duration from three months to five years. However, the best option depends on your business’s needs in terms of both flexibility and price stability.

Short-term deals, ranging from three months to one year, offer more flexibility to switch should you find a better deal elsewhere.

Long-term deals are beneficial as you can “lock in” electricity prices for an extended period, usually between one and five years.

Location

Business electricity tariffs vary depending on your geographical location. This is due to factors like grid infrastructures, distribution lines, and local energy generation sources.

For instance, a business in South Wales will pay higher business electricity rates (29 p/kWh) as opposed to a business operating in London (27.3 p/kWh)

Size of Premises

Larger businesses with more square footage and equipment generally consume more electricity than smaller premises.

These businesses will benefit from installing a half-hourly meter, where a maximum demand of 100+ kW is consumed in any half-hour period during the day. This potentially translates to lower electricity tariffs from energy providers due to higher consumption volumes.

Supplier

Different suppliers have various pricing structures and plan options.

It’s crucial to compare plans from multiple suppliers to find the one that offers the most competitive rates and aligns with your business needs.

Tariff

Each electricity tariff comes with its own pricing structure.

For instance, fixed rates lock in unit prices, whereas variable rates fluctuate. Deemed rates are the most expensive tariffs and are applied when no contract is in place.

It’s crucial to compare business electricity rates from various suppliers to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your business.

Type of Meter

  • Traditional meters – record electricity supply and usage over the billing period.
  • Smart meters – provide real-time data on business electricity consumption patterns, allowing for better cost management. Smart meters identify peak usage times and opportunities to reduce overall consumption.
  • Half-hourly meter – also known as an HH or 00 meter, is generally geared toward larger businesses with high energy (i.e. gas and electricity) consumption. They send electricity (and gas) readings to the supplier every 30 minutes.

Typical Energy Usage

Naturally, businesses with higher electricity consumption will see higher business energy bills. Analysing your past bills to understand your average annual usage (kWh) is crucial for comparing plans and estimating potential costs under different options.

Use Utility Saving Expert’s online quote comparison tool to find the most cost-effective business electricity deals. It’s a quick and easy way to compare business electricity rates and prices from top suppliers.

Overview of business electricity tariffs

Let’s take a deep dive into the various business electricity tariffs available:

Fixed-Rate Business Tariffs

Fixed rates lock in electricity prices for the entire duration of your business electricity contract. It is the most popular choice for businesses because it offers price stability and peace of mind.

Green Electricity Tariffs

Green – or renewable electricity – tariffs are when your electricity supplier matches the electricity you buy with renewable energy sources. If sustainability is what you’re after, opt for green tariffs to reduce your carbon footprint and potentially save money on your energy bills.

Pass-Through Tariffs

Pass-through rates are charges on a business’s energy bill for costs that are beyond the control of the energy supplier, such as transmission, distribution, and government levies.

Variable kWh Rate

This plan adjusts your unit price monthly based on the wholesale market. It’s flexible and can save money when prices drop, but budgeting can be tricky as costs fluctuate.

Out-of-Contract Business Rates

If you don’t switch plans before your contract ends, you automatically go onto much higher “out-of-contract” rates when no contract is in place.

Rollover Tariffs

Rollover tariffs are essentially a penalty for inaction.

Businesses may find themselves with rollover tariffs when they “forget” to renew or renegotiate new contract terms with their current supplier.

Business Smart Meters

Smart meters track your exact energy usage and send the readings automatically. This means no more estimated bills or manual meter readings – you only pay for the electricity you use.

Deemed Business Rates

Deemed business rates are applied when businesses move into new premises without having set up an electricity contract with a new supplier. They have one of the highest electricity rates!

Commercial Electricity Comparison, Made Simple

What makes up your business electricity bill?

Deciphering what makes up your business electricity bill is crucial for navigating the waters of electricity price comparison and is key for managing energy costs effectively.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll typically find:

Day and night unit rates

These are the unit costs for electricity used during the day and night, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Fixed-rate contracts offer a stable unit price, while variable rates fluctuate with the market.

Standing charges

This is a fixed daily fee charged by your supplier for providing electricity access, regardless of your usage.

Contract details

This section shows your current tariff, contract end date, and any potential exit fees.

Energy usage

You’ll see your consumption for the billing period, often compared to the same period last year. This helps you track your energy efficiency efforts.

Account information

These include your account number, Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN), and payment due date(s).

Meter readings

Indicates the start and end meter readings for the billing period (i.e. shows how much electricity you’ve used).

VAT

20% Value Added Tax (VAT) is applied, with some businesses qualifying for a reduced rate of 5%.

Government levies

The Climate Change Levy (CCL) is a mandatory government environmental tax most businesses pay on gas, electricity, and solid fuels. It’s used to encourage greener energy practices to align with the Net Zero Strategy. The new charges from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 are £0.775 p/kWh for both gas and electricity supply.

Ready to reduce electricity costs? Use Utility Saving Expert’s comparison tool to find the best deals on business electricity today!

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How to optimise your business electricity bills

There are several ways to optimise your business electricity bills, such as:

Energy conservation

The most cost-effective way to reduce your electricity bill is simply to use less energy.

Implement practices like switching off lights (or opting for LED bulbs) and electronics during non-use hours, switching to A-grade energy-efficient appliances, and optimising heating and cooling systems.

Useful Insight: LED bulbs can save up to 80% on lighting costs, while lowering heating temperatures by just 1°C can reduce electricity/fuel consumption by 8%!

Invest in high-quality insulation

Ensuring your commercial property is well-insulated with double-glazed windows and ceiling insulation can reduce energy consumption by up to 10%.

Business relocation

If your lease is expiring, consider relocating to a building with better energy efficiency features. Look for properties with modern insulation, efficient lighting systems, and possible on-site renewable energy sources like solar panels.

Top tip: Energy contracts are tied to the business premises, not the business owner. So, if you’re relocating, you can exit your commercial contract early without penalties.

Secure a multi-site deal

Negotiate a multi-site deal with your supplier if you have multiple business locations. Bundling your energy needs and potentially securing a better bulk discount can lead to significant cost savings.

Timing your tariff switch

Don’t wait until your current contract expires before you make the switch.

Monitor wholesale electricity market trends and consider switching to a new plan with a better rate before your contract automatically rolls over to a potentially more expensive option.

Utility Saving Expert’s comparison tool can help you track market changes and identify the best deals.

Top tip: Energy prices peak during winter months. Consider switching energy providers towards the end of summer for the best electricity deals.

Optimise energy usage with commercial smart meters

Upgrade to a commercial smart meter. These intelligent meters provide real-time data on your energy consumption, allowing you to identify peak usage periods and implement targeted energy-saving strategies. By understanding your consumption patterns, you can make informed decisions about optimising energy usage and reducing costs.

Why choose Utility Saving Expert for your business electricity switch?

Fast online price comparison

Compare business gas and electricity prices and switch your provider within minutes.

Transparent, unbiased advice

We pride ourselves on being open and transparent.

We offer impartial, unbiased comparisons of the commercial energy market, ensuring you get the best rates based on your specific needs.

Wide range of reliable suppliers

We’ve partnered with a wide range of energy suppliers, such as British Gas, Npower, EDF Energy, and Octopus Energy, ensuring you get both excellent rates and dependable service within minutes.

Hassle-free switching process

Every year, thousands of UK businesses rely on us for our innovative technology and expert team to simplify the process of switching suppliers. Whether you’re thinking about moving to a new supplier or discussing terms with your existing one, we’re committed to getting you the most favourable deal possible.

Guaranteed best electricity prices

Our cutting-edge system uses the latest pricing to find you the most competitive deals, every time.

Socially-conscious business comparison

We donate 10% of our profits to charities that combat fuel poverty, extending our positive influence beyond just your business.

Compare business electricity prices, suppliers & kWh rates

Utility Saving Expert can help you get cheaper Business Electricity by comparing quotes from top UK providers. Use our handy online comparison tool to compare quotes based on your specific needs and what you want from your business electricity.

Compare quotes with Utility Saving Expert today.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I fix my business electricity rates?

It’s beneficial for businesses to fix their electricity rates (i.e. fixed-rate tariffs) as this allows for better budgeting and financial planning.

Is business electricity cheaper than residential?

Business electricity has cheaper tariffs when compared to domestic electricity due to higher consumption volumes. However, additional charges like 20% VAT (only 5% for domestic) and the Climate Change Levy can make business energy bills seem more expensive overall.

Will my business electricity meter need to be replaced if I switch supplier?

Standard meters usually don’t need to be replaced, but smart meters may need replacing if they are incompatible with your new energy supplier.

Who are the Big Six energy suppliers in the UK?

The “Big Six” are dominant energy providers in the UK who hold the largest market share, namely:

  1. British Gas
  2. EDF Energy
  3. E.ON
  4. Npower (now a subsidiary of E.ON Energy)
  5. Scottish Power
  6. SSE Energy

Is the Energy Bills Discount Scheme still available for high-consuming businesses?

No, the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) ran for 12 months from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2024, replacing the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) from the previous year.

How much electricity should my business be using and what is the cost?

Electricity consumption varies widely depending on the size of your business, location, current tariffs, and the amount of electricity you use.

For instance, microbusinesses – using up to 5,000 kWh of electricity – can expect to pay around £1,506.21 for annual electricity bills. Larger businesses – using 25,000 – 50,000 kWh of electricity – can pay up to £13,348.26 for annual bills.