Secure your new business energy deals in just 30 seconds.
It has never been easier to compare business energy suppliers. Despite this, many businesses still overpay for their business energy by accepting the renewal offer that comes through the post.
We offer a comprehensive business energy comparison service allowing our business customers to switch entirely online, any time of day or night. You'll see energy prices from top UK suppliers in just 30 seconds!
To avoid expensive rates, it is always a good idea to compare business energy prices against your renewal quote.
Each business is different and that is reflected in the energy tariff that is best suited to particular circumstances. Here are some of the most common business tariffs according to regulator Ofgem that you may want to consider:
You will agree on a unit rate that is charged per kWh of energy used. This is locked in for the duration of your contract. However, this does not mean you will pay the same amount each month. The more you use, the more you pay.
The unit rate you pay will fluctuate in line with wholesale market activity. Opposite to fixed, a variable tariff means you may pay a different unit rate per kWh of energy used each month.
Businesses are placed on a rollover contract automatically if a new contract has not been agreed upon prior to the current contract's end date. These rates are often more expensive than other tariff unit rates.
An Economy 7 tariff offers multiple prices for different times of the day. This will usually be a peak rate during the day and a lower off-peak rate in the evening and at night.
On the surface, no standing charge tariffs look very attractive. Some businesses operating seasonally, or less frequently may benefit from this type of contract. Energy suppliers often compensate for no standing charge with higher rates.
This is great for businesses conscious of their carbon footprint and would like to source renewable energy to operate their business. Some energy suppliers have entered the market offering renewable energy as standard and is a popular choice.
As every business is unique, getting a true picture of how much your business energy bills should be is quite difficult. Business energy suppliers will charge different rates based on a variety of factors including location, consumption levels and even industry.
However, you can find the latest average prices per kWh for business gas and business electricity prices by size in the UK.
Data below is correct as of June 2023, and data is from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero survey of energy suppliers. Annual cost is based on average electricity use of each respective band. Business electricity prices exclude Climate Change Levy (CCL), while annual cost excludes daily standing charge. These prices reflect a live market and are subject to fluctuation.
Business Size | Annual Electricity Consumption | Average Business Electricity Price (pence per kWh) | Annual Cost, Excluding Standing Charge (£) |
---|---|---|---|
Very Small | 10 MWh | 30.0p | £2,996 |
Small | 260 MWh | 27.8p | £72,193 |
Small/Medium | 1,250 MWh | 30.6p | £381,972 |
Medium | 11,000 MWh | 26.4p | £2,898,368 |
Large | 45,000 MWh | 27.5p | £12,388,362 |
Very Large | 110,000 MWh | 25.1p | £27,577,000 |
Extra Large | 150,000+ MWh | 22.5p | £33,810,000 |
Overall Average Business Electricity Price | 27.3p | - |
Source: Gov.Uk. Data accurate as of June 2023
Business Size | Annual Gas Consumption | Average Business Gas Price (pence per kWh) | Annual Cost, Excluding Standing Charge (£) |
---|---|---|---|
Very Small | 139 MWh | 9.3p | £12,941 |
Small | 1,528 MWh |
5.7p |
£87,373 |
Medium | 15,278 MWh | 5.0p | £766,931 |
Large | 152,778 MWh | 4.8p | £7,379,153 |
Very Large | 694,445 MWh | 4.8p | £33,611,138 |
Overall Average Business Gas Price | 5.9p |
Source: Gov.Uk. Data accurate as of June 2023
The data above is sourced from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's quarterly survey of energy suppliers, and the average price for each size of consumer is obtained by dividing the total quantity of purchases, for business electricity and business gas respectively, into their total value. Prices shown are fully delivered prices, including all elements except VAT and Climate Change Levy.
The annual usage figures shown are a mean of the consumption bands in the data, excluding standing charges, and this mean figure has been used to calculate the annual cost. The bands cover a large range of non-domestic usages - from micro businesses on the high street, to the largest of power-intensive industrial sites, so for simplicity sake usage has been converted to MWh. To convert MWh to kWh and get a sense of where your business fits on this table, simply multiply by 1,000.
Read the table below for an idea of how much the price of energy is for our customers, in annually consumed kWh.
Business Size by Consumption (kWh) | Electricity Unit Rate (p/kWh) | Gas Unit Rate (p/kWh) |
---|---|---|
Very Small/ Micro (up to 5,000 kWh) | 28p | 11.7p |
Small (5,000-15,000 kWh) | 28p |
9.7p |
Medium (15,000-25,000 kWh) | 28.6p | 9.3p |
Large (25,000-50,000 kWh) | 28p | 9.1p |
Very Large (50,000-100,000 kWh) | 27.8p | 8.3p |
These prices are based on internal data for December 2023 banded by the typical customer consumption we see. For this example, we assume that each business opts for a 2-year fixed-rate contract.
The charts displayed below highlight how commercial energy prices have significantly fallen and stabilised. With predictions by Cornwall Insight suggesting that prices will increase in January 2024. Beyond this date, it is a heavy guessing game and prices could go up or down.
Whether you’re looking for a new business energy deal or switching home energy, we’re here to help you. To switch to business electricity or business gas, click here.
The graphs above reflect average business gas and business electricity prices per kWh for annual consumption of 25,000 kWh of each fuel on a 2-year fixed-rate tariff for December 2023.
The most important element of securing competitive business energy quotes is to have accurate consumption information. This is usually referred to as annual usage.
Business energy comparison has a few more complexities than when you switch your home energy. One significant difference is that you cannot change your gas and electricity suppliers together. This has several benefits, including finding the best business energy rates for each fuel.
Many of our customers switch their gas and electricity at the same time and fix the rates for the same number of years. This is a way to streamline the process to make things a little easier - we also take care of all the admin on the business’s behalf when they switch through our comparison service.
Before securing your next business energy contract, it is important to factor in any energy efficiency strategies you may be planning in the near future. There are some excellent strategy resources available from the Energy Savings Trust.
Although not mandatory, it helps to have any meter numbers, readings and previous business energy bills to hand.
You can compare business energy prices in as little as 30 seconds and complete your switch entirely online. Our expert energy team will keep you updated on the progress of your switch via our online tracker.
This is a complex question to answer as it often changes daily. Also, prices vary by region and consumption.
However, we can offer insight into averages based on a fixed consumption level. The example below is not set in stone and is based on a consumption of 25,000 kWh of both gas and electricity.
*Prices updated December 2023.
The Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS) is applied automatically when business energy prices hit a certain level. The scheme is in place until March 2024.
Switching business energy suppliers and tariffs does not impact your eligibility for the scheme.
Fuel | Discount Available per kWh | Discount Cap |
---|---|---|
Electricity | £19.61 | £302 per MWh |
Gas | £6.97 | £107 per MWh |
Region | Electricity Unit Price (p/kWh) | Gas Unit Price (pence per kWh) |
---|---|---|
London | 27.3p | 9.2p |
North East | 28.7p | 9.3p |
North West | 28.4p | 9.3p |
East Midlands | 27.9p | 9.3p |
West Midlands | 28.2p | 9.2p |
Yorkshire | 28.2p | 9.3p |
East | 27.8p | 9.1p |
South East | 28.1p | 9.4p |
South West | 29p | 9.4p |
South | 28.4p | 9.4p |
Scotland | 29.7p | 9.2p |
North Wales/ Merseyside | 30.8p | 9.3p |
South Wales | 28.6p | 9.4p |
Based on internal pricing data with regions split using parameters set by the Energy Networks Association. Updated December 2023.
Understanding how the market operates can help you secure better business energy rates. The main indicator of a great time to switch is when wholesale energy prices dip. However, this isn't the only time that securing your energy bills is a good idea.
Many factors play into how business energy prices are calculated, and it isn't only based on the wholesale market. You could pay a cheaper business energy tariff if you have lower annual consumption, you're located in a certain area and different meter types can pay lower rates.
A business operating mostly in the evenings and weekends may benefit from Economy 7 & 10 meters - whilst larger companies may require a half-hourly meter if they have a peak load electricity usage of 100kw and above.
Before committing to a long-term business energy contract, it’s worth taking some time to evaluate how and when your business uses its energy.
At Energy Helpline, we’re dedicated to helping you find great small business energy rates without the hassle. Comparing the latest business energy prices is simple. All you need to get started is your postcode. You can then view a wide range of business energy tariffs from our trusted suppliers.
Our self-service online platform was designed with small businesses in mind. You can compare energy prices and switch anywhere, at any time. Get started today with our simple online energy comparison.
Large business energy customers have access to tailored tariffs to meet the needs of higher demand. It can be difficult to reduce business energy bills in a larger organisation, so it is important to obtain a structured tariff bespoke to your business.
We have a team dedicated to finding bespoke business energy tariffs to meet the commercial needs of your large business and help your company become more energy efficient.
When you switch business energy with Energy Helpline, we only need your postcode and business name to get started.
With your permission, we use smart data to find the name of your current supplier and meter numbers.
It helps if you can give us an idea of how much energy you use - by giving us either of your monthly or annual usage or spend - and let us know whether you're currently out of contract. But don't worry, we can still compare rates even if you don't have this information to hand.
Once you've seen the quotes and chosen the deal you like best, we'll take care of the switch for you. We'll even look after your renewals to make sure you never overpay for energy again.
Commercial energy supplies generally come under a contract, which will automatically renew each year. If you want to change supplier, you need to give your current supplier a minimum of four weeks' notice.
However, if you are new to the premises then you won't automatically be placed in a contract, so you are free to find a new contract when you wish. We recommend that you do this as soon as possible because most suppliers charge high "out of contract" rates.
A Standing Charge is a daily fee set by the supplier. This is separate to Unit Rate. Standing Charges have risen over the last few years and can vary quite significantly from supplier to supplier.
It's always important to consider the full annual cost of any quote as standing charges will impact your overall bill.
kWh is a measurement which equates to how much energy you’re using. Energy suppliers will charge an amount of money for each kWh unit rate you use for both gas and electricity.
The price that energy suppliers charge depends on your contract and market conditions. For example, an energy supplier may charge 32p per kWh of electricity you use.