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Business energy comparison UK — compare and switch

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Compare Business Energy Prices

As a business owner, it’s essential to keep your overheads low, and one way to do this is to switch your business energy supplier to a more affordable one. We help you compare business energy prices using our business energy comparison tool to find a deal that works for your business needs and budget. Here are some reasons why you should switch your business energy supplier:

  1. Save Money: By comparing business energy prices, you can save money on your energy bills. We help you find the best deals from a range of suppliers, so you can choose a tariff that suits your budget.
  2. Better Service: Switching to a new supplier can help you get better customer service. You can choose a supplier that offers better support and has a reputation for providing excellent service to its customers.
  3. Easy Switching: We make it easy for you to switch your business energy supplier. We take care of all the paperwork and ensure a smooth transfer from your old supplier to your new one.

What is Business Energy?

Business energy is the term used to describe the gas and electricity supply to non-domestic properties such as offices, shops, factories, and warehouses. It includes both the energy used by businesses for heating, lighting, and powering equipment, as well as the supply and distribution infrastructure required to deliver that energy.

What to consider when you compare business energy suppliers

When you compare business energy suppliers, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the key things to keep in mind:

  1. Tariff Options: There are different types of business energy tariffs available, including fixed-rate tariffs, green energy tariffs, and variable rate tariffs. You should consider which tariff is best for your business needs and budget.
  2. Contract Length: The length of the contract is an important consideration when comparing energy suppliers. Some suppliers offer shorter contracts, while others require longer-term commitments.
  3. Customer Service: Good customer service is essential when choosing a business energy supplier. You want a supplier that is responsive, helpful, and has a good reputation for customer service.

What business energy tariffs are available?

Suppliers offer a range of business energy tariffs to suit your business needs. Here are some of the different types of tariffs :

Fixed-rate tariffs

With a fixed-rate tariff, you pay a set price for your energy for a set period. This can help you budget more effectively and avoid price hikes.

Green energy tariffs

Green energy tariffs are becoming increasingly popular, and they allow you to use renewable energy sources for your business energy needs. This can help you reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainable energy production.

Variable rate tariffs

With a variable rate tariff, your energy prices can go up or down depending on the market. This can be a good option if you want flexibility and don’t mind price fluctuations.

How to switch business energy suppliers

Switching business energy suppliers with us is simple. Here’s how it works:

  1. Provide us with your details: Tell us a bit about your business and energy usage, and we’ll provide you with a range of quotes from different suppliers.
  2. Choose a supplier: Review the quotes and choose a supplier that suits your needs and budget.
  3. Sign up: We’ll take care of the paperwork and ensure a smooth transfer from your old supplier to your new one.

By switching to a new business energy supplier, you can save money, get better service, and reduce your carbon footprint. Get in touch with us today to start comparing business energy prices.

How Comparison Works

Here’s a concise step‑by‑step guide to switching business energy suppliers with our partner:

  1. Get a personalised quote – Start by entering your business postcode (or address) into our comparison tool. The system finds your meter details and typical usage to generate a list of quotes from multiple suppliers.

  2. Gather your information – To ensure accurate pricing, have your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas and Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity ready, along with your business address, desired contract start date and an estimate of your annual consumption. This information is usually on your latest bill.

  3. Compare and choose a deal – Review the available tariffs and pick the one that fits your needs. You’re free to stay with your current supplier if they offer a competitive deal. Both fixed‑rate and variable‑rate tariffs are available, and large users may need specialised meters.

  4. Complete the switch – After you’ve selected a tariff, our partner manages the entire switching process on your behalf. They liaise with the old and new suppliers and keep you updated at each stage. Your energy supply is not interrupted; only the company billing you changes.

  5. Time it right – Plan your switch during the contract’s renewal window—typically one to six months before the end date—to avoid being rolled over onto expensive “out‑of‑contract” rates. If you move premises, the previous tenant’s supplier will keep supplying you at high out‑of‑contract rates until you arrange a new deal.

  6. Separate gas and electricity – Dual‑fuel tariffs are for households only. Businesses must switch gas and electricity separately, though you can still use the same supplier for both fuels by signing separate contracts

  7. Be aware of credit‑score effects – Your company’s credit score may influence which suppliers and tariffs are available, and a lower score could mean higher deposits or additional conditions

Following these steps helps you find the most cost‑effective energy tariff for your business with minimal hassle.

Business Energy FAQs

Got questions about your business energy? Look at these business energy FAQs and you could find all of the answers that you’re looking for.

No, your business energy supply should not be affected if you switch suppliers. This is because the gas and electricity infrastructure and the meter at your property are owned and maintained by the local distribution network, not your energy supplier. The only change you should notice is a different supplier name on your bills, and potentially lower energy costs.

If you have multiple business premises, you can choose to have a separate energy contract for each site or a consolidated contract that covers all your properties. The choice will depend on your business needs and energy usage patterns. A consolidated contract may offer benefits such as lower tariffs and simplified billing.

A Letter of Authority (LOA) is a document that authorizes a third party, such as a broker or consultant, to act on behalf of your business when dealing with energy suppliers. It allows the third party to access your energy account information, negotiate tariffs and contracts, and make changes to your energy supply arrangements. An LOA is required for brokers and consultants to provide energy procurement services to your business.

The main difference between domestic and business energy is the way it is priced and billed. Business energy tariffs are usually more complex and offer different pricing structures, depending on the size and usage of the business. Domestic energy tariffs are simpler and usually charge a fixed rate for the energy used. Business energy tariffs may also include additional charges such as standing charges, capacity charges, and distribution charges.

Yes, some business energy tariffs do offer a dual fuel option, which means that you can have both your gas and electricity supplied by the same energy supplier. This can simplify your billing and administration and may also offer cost savings. However, not all energy suppliers offer dual fuel tariffs for businesses, so it’s important to check with your supplier or broker to see if it’s an option for you.

You can find your MPAN (for electricity) or MPRN (for gas) on your current business energy bill. It’s usually a 13-digit number for MPAN, and a 10-digit number for MPRN. You’ll need this to get accurate quotes and to switch suppliers smoothly.

The best time to switch is during your contract’s renewal window—often 1 to 6 months before the contract ends. If you switch earlier or after the renewal date, you may incur early-termination fees or be forced onto an out-of-contract rate, which is usually more expensive.

You’ll typically need your latest energy bill (to get meter details like MPAN/MPRN), proof of your business address (e.g. business rates, lease, or utility bills), business name and legal registration number, and an estimate of your annual usage. Having all this ready speeds up the switch.

Yes. Many business energy contracts are based on usage bands. If your consumption falls below or rises above the band you signed up for, your rates (or standing charges) may be adjusted. Some meters are half-hourly, meaning suppliers track usage more precisely and charge accordingly.

Not always. Green or renewable business energy tariffs sometimes cost a little more upfront, but many now offer competitive or even lower prices when factoring in government incentives, supplier offers, and long-term savings. Always compare the total cost, including any green premium and whether the supplier guarantees renewable supply.

No. The Ofgem energy price cap limits default domestic tariffs in Great Britain. It does not set prices for shops, offices or other non-domestic supplies. Budget from a business quote, not from household typical-bill figures.
The comparison is free for your business. EnergySwitch may earn a commission or affiliate fee from a supplier or partner if you take a contract through this site. Rankings are based on published methodology, not paid placement. You can decline quotes, renew where you are, or go direct.

Toggle CoNo. Renewal is the usual time to look, because you can avoid out-of-contract rates and early-termination fees. It is still worth asking your current supplier for a retention price and comparing the whole contract — length, standing charges and fees — not only the unit rate. Staying can be the better commercial choice.ntent

Toggle CoOnly if the supply is genuinely non-domestic. A household meter used mainly as a home remains a domestic supply and should be compared as household energy. Using the wrong class of tariff can create billing and tax problems. If you are unsure, check how the meter is registered and compare on the matching page.ntent

Illustrative business energy rates  outdated example (not current market data)

These historical figures are included only as an illustration. They are not current market prices and must not be used to budget or compare a live contract.

Who business energy comparison is for

Answer: This page is for organisations in Great Britain that pay non-domestic electricity and/or gas bills — offices, shops, hospitality, warehouses, workshops, clinics, charities and similar sites — and want to compare commercial contracts, not household tariffs.

Use it if you have a business meter, a company, partnership, sole-trader or charity account, one site or several, and you can find an MPAN (electricity) and/or MPRN (gas) on a bill. Microbusinesses and larger users can both start here; half-hourly and multi-site portfolios may need extra paperwork.

Do not use this for a home energy bill. Domestic gas and electricity — including a home office on a household meter — is a different market with different rules, VAT and the Ofgem price cap. Compare those on compare gas and electricity. The domestic energy price cap does not set business prices.

  • You (or a colleague) can sign a commercial energy contract, or you understand what a Letter of Authority (LOA) would allow someone else to do on your behalf.
  • You know roughly when your current contract ends, or you are already out of contract.
  • You want quotes to compare — not a claim that any one supplier is “cheapest for UK business”.

How business energy comparison and switching works

Business switching is still a change of who bills you, not of the wires and pipes. Supply should not be interrupted. Unlike most household switches, there is typically no 14-day consumer cooling-off period, contracts are longer, and leaving early can trigger termination fees. Time the process to your renewal window. For the household process (different rules), see how to switch energy supplier.

  1. Get your references off a bill. Electricity MPAN (the supply number, often 13 digits) and gas MPRN (often 10 digits), plus address, current supplier, contract end date and estimated annual kWh.
  2. Start a business comparison. Use the business comparison tool with your postcode and usage. Gas and electricity are usually quoted as separate contracts, even if you keep the same supplier for both.
  3. Compare more than the unit rate. Standing charges, contract length, termination / exit fees, Climate Change Levy, capacity or availability charges (where they apply), billing method, and whether rates change if your usage band changes.
  4. Ask your current supplier for a renewal price too. A retention offer can beat a new-supplier quote once you include switching time and any fees. Staying is a valid outcome.
  5. Read the contract before anyone is appointed. If a broker or partner asks for a Letter of Authority, check whether it is “information only” or lets them switch you, and how they are paid.
  6. Complete the switch in the renewal window. That is often one to six months before the end date. Miss it and you can roll onto out-of-contract rates, which are typically higher. Plan extra time if you are moving premises — the previous occupant’s supplier may keep charging until you put a new contract in place.
Household energy Business energy
Ofgem default-tariff price cap can apply No domestic price cap — commercial prices are negotiated
Often dual-fuel on one switch Usually two contracts (gas and electricity), even with one supplier
Typical home switch around 21 days; 14-day cooling-off on most tariffs Timing depends on contract, credit checks and paperwork; cooling-off is not the household model
VAT on domestic energy at the reduced rate (and a temporary electricity VAT change in 2026/27 — see the price cap hub) VAT is usually at the standard rate; many businesses can reclaim it. Climate Change Levy may apply
You compare and apply yourself You may compare yourself or authorise a third party via an LOA

Your company’s credit standing can affect which suppliers quote and whether a deposit is required. Large or half-hourly sites may need interval data, not just an annual kWh estimate.

How EnergySwitch is paid — and Letters of Authority

Business comparison through EnergySwitch is free for your organisation to use. As with other UK comparison and brokerage routes, EnergySwitch may earn a commission or affiliate fee from a supplier or partner if you take a contract or complete a switch through this site. That is how the service is funded. It is not an extra line on your energy invoice from us.

We compare independently. Rankings and recommendations are based on published methodology, not paid placement. Commission does not entitle a supplier to a higher position. You remain free to decline every quote, renew with your current supplier, or go direct.

If anyone asks you to sign a Letter of Authority, treat it as a legal appointment. An LOA can let a third party see your account data, request quotes, and — if the wording allows — switch your supply. Only sign if you understand the scope, the end date, and how that party is paid. You do not have to appoint a broker to compare or to switch. For affiliate-link wording, see our terms of use.

Worked example (illustrative — not a quote)

Figures below are made up to show the arithmetic. They are not live business rates, not an average, and not a saving you should expect. Business prices vary by region, meter, credit, contract length and wholesale conditions. Always use a real quote.

A high-street shop uses 12,000 kWh of electricity a year and has rolled off a fix onto out-of-contract rates. Ignore VAT (often reclaimable) and Climate Change Levy for this sketch so the method is visible.

Illustrative out-of-contract Illustrative 24-month quote
Unit rate 32.0p/kWh 27.0p/kWh
Standing charge 80p/day 90p/day
Energy (12,000 kWh) £3,840 £3,240
Standing charges (365 days) £292 £328.50
Illustrative annual total £4,132 £3,568.50

On those invented numbers the quote is about £560 a year lower. That gap only counts if:

  • your real usage is close to 12,000 kWh (a quiet or much busier year changes both sides);
  • you are actually out of contract, so there is no termination fee to subtract;
  • the 24-month quote does not include extra availability or capacity charges your site incurs;
  • you are happy to be tied in — leaving 12 months later with a £150-per-meter fee would need to be costed too.

If the same shop still had four months left on a fix, you would add any early-termination fee and compare that total with the cost of sitting tight until the renewal window. Sometimes the current supplier’s retention price wins. Run your own business comparison rather than scaling this example.

When a business should not switch (caveats)

  • You are inside a contract and the termination fee is larger than the benefit. Diarise the renewal window instead of switching the week you think of it.
  • You only compared a unit rate. A lower p/kWh with a higher standing charge, a worse usage band, or a long lock-in can cost more.
  • You are about to move, fit a new meter, or change how the site is used (for example installing charging points or dropping a night operation). Quote after you know the new load, or you can land in the wrong band.
  • Credit, deposits or site access are unresolved. A switch can stall. Get those straight first.
  • The site is actually domestic. A house, flat or home-based business on a household meter belongs on compare gas and electricity, not here.
  • You were asked to sign a wide LOA you do not understand. Pause. Compare without appointing anyone, or narrow the authority to quotes only.

Household cheap deals lists and the Ofgem typical-bill figures (£1,663 / £1,723) are not business prices. Do not use them to budget a commercial site. If you also want to cut use — not just the rate — some of the practical ideas on energy saving advice (LEDs, heating controls, draughts) still apply to small premises, but the tariffs and schemes are different.

Compare business electricity and gas with your MPAN/MPRN and usage, and keep household switching on the domestic journey.

Business energy comparison — extra FAQs

These questions add to the FAQs already on this page (supply interruption, multi-site, LOA, MPAN/MPRN, renewal windows and documents). They do not replace them.

Does the Ofgem energy price cap apply to business energy?

No. The Ofgem energy price cap limits default domestic tariffs in Great Britain. It does not set prices for shops, offices or other non-domestic supplies. Budget from a business quote, not from the household typical-bill figures.

How is EnergySwitch paid for business energy comparison?

The comparison is free for your business. EnergySwitch may earn a commission or affiliate fee from a supplier or partner if you take a contract through this site. Rankings are based on published methodology, not paid placement. You can decline quotes, renew where you are, or go direct.

Should my business always switch at renewal?

No. Renewal is the usual time to look, because you can avoid out-of-contract rates and early-termination fees. It is still worth asking your current supplier for a retention price and comparing the whole contract — length, standing charges and fees — not only the unit rate. Staying can be the better commercial choice.

Can I put a home office on a business energy tariff?

Only if the supply is genuinely non-domestic. A household meter used mainly as a home remains a domestic supply and should be compared as household energy. Using the wrong class of tariff can create billing and tax problems. If you are unsure, check how the meter is registered and compare on the matching page.

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