How to compare and switch energy tariffs or suppliers when shopping around for a new business energy contract.
Switching your business energy
Are you looking for ways to save money on your business energy bills? It’s possible to save hundreds of pounds a year by switching to a new energy tariff or supplier.
Businesses need to be aware of the different tariffs available in the market and make sure they pick the right one. This guide will help you understand the process of switching your business to a new energy tariff or supplier, and how it can save you money.
The first step is to find out your current energy supplier and what type of tariff you are on. If you’re not sure, you can check your current utility bill or contact your current supplier. It’s important to know what type of tariff you’re on so that you can compare it with potential new deals.
Once you know what type of tariff you’re on, you can start to look for a new supplier. You can use a business energy comparison website to do this, which will compare the different tariffs available from different suppliers. It’s important to make sure you read through all the terms and conditions of the tariff, and make sure you understand the different types of energy tariffs available.
When you’ve chosen a new tariff, you’ll need to contact the new supplier and get them to switch you over. They’ll usually ask for some information about your business and the amount of energy you expect to use each month. It’s important to provide accurate information, as this will help ensure that you’re getting the best deal for your business.
Once the switch is complete, you should start to see savings on your energy bills. It’s also important to be aware that the saving you make will depend on the amount of energy you use, as well as the type of tariff you’re on.
Switching to a new energy tariff or supplier is a great way to save money on your business energy bills. With the correct information and research, you can find the best deal for your business and start enjoying the savings.
How many businesses switch? What Ofgem’s research found
Ofgem’s non-domestic research (a survey of 1,000 businesses in Great Britain on non-domestic contracts, July to September 2024) found that 33% of businesses had switched supplier in the last 12 months, up from 26% in 2023. More of them also said the switching process was easy: 78%, compared with 60% in 2023. A third of businesses surveyed used an energy broker to switch.
Ofgem’s energy price cap only covers domestic default tariffs. There is no price cap on business energy, so comparing and negotiating is how a business controls its rates.
Business switching checklist
- Check your contract end date and exit fees. If you’re in a fixed term, read the early termination terms and work out whether a new deal still saves money once any fee is paid.
- Confirm your meter type and readings. Half-hourly sites are priced differently from standard meters, and errors here cause billing disputes.
- Gather 12 months of bills or meter reads, plus any planned changes that will affect usage, such as new equipment or longer opening hours.
- Prepare for credit checks. Suppliers commonly ask for company and director details, and smaller firms may be asked for a deposit.
- Compare the whole contract: unit rates, standing charges, contract length, any pass-through charges and VAT. Most business energy is charged at 20% VAT.
- Ask your current supplier for a renewal price. A retention offer is sometimes the best deal.
- Ask any broker how it is paid. Ofgem requires broker fees to be shown in a contract’s principal terms.
- Take a meter reading on the switch date and keep a copy, then check your first bills against the quote.
Remember there is no cooling-off period on business energy contracts. Contract types, notice windows and micro business rules are explained on our business energy comparison page, in business energy switching windows explained and in micro business energy contracts.
Sources
- Ofgem: Non-domestic 2024 research report (published 13 March 2025, checked 15 October 2026)
- Ofgem: Get a business energy contract