Business Energy Comparison

To save your business money! Every penny you can save on your business utilities will help you increase your bottom line. Making sure you’re getting the best deal for your organisation will help you do this – whether you’re a local takeaway or a national travel agent. If you don’t, you can guarantee your competitors will.

There are loads of business energy comparison sites in the UK. However, none of them understand the commercial energy sector quite like Business Energy Comparison does.

The quotes and advice aren’t ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions based on business size or industry. They’re specifically tailored to your exact requirements, as well as the short and long-term goals of your business, so you can see the benefits of switching in the here-and-now and well into the future.

The latest Cornwall Insight forecast, based on Ofgem’s new methodology, is an 81% price cap rise in October 2022, causing a typical energy bill to £3,582 a year and a further 19% in January 2023 to £4,266 a year! Find out here if you should fix your energy prices until 2024.

Our energy experts handle the entire switching process for you. You’ll get the benefits of their expert knowledge, as they search the energy market to find the best energy tariff for your business.

Ready to switch your energy provider or have your electricity bills checked by an expert? Our energy experts are on here to help. Fill out our simple enquiry form to get started today!

Since the beginning of 2021, a substantial number of UK suppliers have gone out of business – with many of these suppliers offering both commercial and domestic energy tariffs.

Check out our list of suppliers that have ceased trading since the start of 2021.

To find the best possible deal for your business, it’s important to look at the unit rate, the standing charge, the type of tariffs and the mix of fuel sources that generate your energy (i.e., coal, renewable, nuclear etc.).

You should consider the supplier’s reputation when it comes to customer service too. There’s no better way to gauge whether a supplier is going to be right for you than by seeing what other businesses have to say about them.

You could potentially save up to 45% by switching your commercial utilities supplier. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

A letter of authority (or LOA) is a legal document that allows a third party, such as an energy broker, to correspond with other services, such as energy companies, on behalf of you and your business.

The LOA will outline and stipulate the tasks that the third party must undertake. It’s essentially a special permission slip that allows another person or party to speak to another business. Check out our letter of authority guide to find out more!

When comparing the energy market for a better deal, you may be asked for your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) and MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number).

We understand these technical terms can be confusing but within our guide we have included everything you need to know about MPAN and MPRN numbers.

Both electricity and gas are billed by kilowatt hours (kWh) as standard – with a kilowatt (kW) the unit of energy, and the kWh the amount of energy consumed per hour. Pretty simple, right?

There is some room for confusion, however. You may find that your gas meter records the amount of gas your business consumes in either cubic metres (m3) or cubic feet (ft3) – but you will almost always pay for these units in kWh.

What exactly impacts the price you pay though?

It’ll be down to the unit rate – the amount each individual unit you use is priced at. Its price will depend on numerous factors, including wholesale market conditions, where your business is located, its size and sector and how much energy it consumes.

You’ll also have to pay a standing charge – a flat daily billable rate that’s charged regardless of whether you use more energy than originally forecast or none at all. It’s paid throughout the duration of your contract and helps to cover the physical supply of your energy.

Many businesses favour fixed-term tariffs because they offer protection against sudden price rises. They offer a flat unit cost (a kWh rate) and a standing charge. And they’ll stay at that level throughout the duration of your contract. Your exact billed amount will, of course, depend on how much energy your business uses.

The opposite of fixed term rate, variable rate tariffs will change depending on wholesale market conditions. So, while you can be exposed to higher costs when the price of energy at wholesale rises, you can also benefit when it falls. These kinds of tariffs can make budgeting for energy costs a little more of a challenge.

Pass-through rates can be advantageous to businesses, but they can also present some risk. With them, you agree to some of your supply costs and charges upfront, with the remainder being variable for the duration of your contract. If costs fall, you can benefit. However, if they rise, you’ll face higher costs.

The cost of your business energy is dependent on a variety of factors including your energy consumption, business location, meter type, number of employees and much more.

The two factors you need to look at on your energy bill include:

• Standing charge – This is a standard daily rate to cover the cost of getting the energy to your business premises and is charged regardless of whether you have or haven’t used gas and electricity.
• Unit cost – This unit is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), this is the total you are charged for each unit of gas and electricity you use.

To enquire about business energy costs, get in touch with our energy experts and start your business energy comparison today.

The “Big Six” energy suppliers are the six largest business energy companies in the UK, based on the number of customers they serve. These companies are:

1. British Gas
2. ON,
3. Npower
4. EDF Energy
5. Scottish Power
6. SSE

Since the deregulation of the energy market in the UK, there are now many more suppliers to choose from. However, the term “Big Six” is still commonly used to refer to these major suppliers. Business Energy Comparison work with these suppliers including many other leading UK energy suppliers to provide customers with the best energy prices.

Domestic energy refers to the energy used in households, while business energy refers to the energy used by businesses or commercial entities. There are several key differences between domestic and business energy:

• Usage: The amount of energy used in households is generally lower than that used in businesses. This is because businesses typically have larger premises, and more equipment, and operate for longer hours.
• Tariffs: The tariffs for domestic and business energy are different. Business energy tariffs are usually based on the amount of energy used and the time of day it is used, whereas domestic tariffs are usually based on a fixed rate per unit of energy used.
• Metering: Business energy meters are usually more complex than domestic meters, as they need to measure energy usage for different parts of the business separately. This means that businesses may have multiple meters for different areas, such as lighting, heating, and machinery.
• Energy efficiency: Businesses are often more focused on energy efficiency than households, as reducing energy usage can have a significant impact on their bottom line. They may invest in energy-efficient equipment, adopt energy-saving practices, and conduct regular audits to identify areas where they can save energy.

Overall, the main difference between domestic and business energy is the level of energy usage, which can have an impact on pricing, metering, and energy efficiency measures.

Yes, dual fuel business energy tariffs are available for businesses that use both gas and electricity. These tariffs are like dual fuel tariffs for residential customers, and they allow businesses to purchase both gas and electricity from a single energy supplier. This is convenient for businesses, as it means they only must deal with one energy supplier and receive one bill for both their gas and electricity usage.

When choosing a dual fuel business energy tariff, it’s important to compare business energy prices and contract terms from different suppliers to find the best deal for your business. Factors to consider include the price per unit of gas and electricity, the length of the contract, and any additional fees or charges that may apply. It’s also important to ensure that the supplier you choose can meet the energy needs of your business and provide reliable service. Our energy experts are on hand to complete your entire switch to save you time and money.

Commercial energy contracts are typically calculated based on several factors, including energy consumption, the type of energy being used, and the current energy prices. Here are some of the key factors that are typically considered:

• Energy consumption: The first step in calculating a commercial energy contract is to determine how much energy a business is likely to consume over the contract period. This can be based on historical usage data or estimates of future usage, depending on the needs of the business.
• Type of energy: The type of energy being used will also affect the cost of a commercial energy contract. For example, business electricity and natural gas are typically priced differently, and renewable energy sources may be more expensive than traditional fossil fuels.
• Market conditions: The price of energy can fluctuate based on a range of market conditions, including supply and demand, geopolitical events, and weather patterns. Commercial energy contracts may include provisions that allow for price adjustments based on these factors.
• Contract length: The length of a commercial energy contract can also affect the pricing. Longer contracts may offer lower rates, but they also lock businesses into a particular pricing structure for a longer period.
• Other fees: Commercial energy contracts may also include additional fees, such as delivery fees, taxes, and regulatory charges. These should be considered when calculating the overall cost of a contract.

Overall, commercial energy contracts are complex and can vary depending on a range of factors. Businesses need to work with an experienced energy broker, like Business Energy Comparison, who can help you understand your options and choose the right contract for your business’s needs.

A standing charge is a fixed fee that is charged by utility companies (such as electricity, gas, or water) for the provision of basic services, regardless of the amount of energy used. This charge is typically applied to cover the cost of maintaining the infrastructure and pipelines required to provide the energy, as well as additional costs such as invoicing and customer service.

In the case of energy bills, for example, the standing charge is typically applied on a daily or monthly basis and is added to the cost of the energy used (which is charged at a separate rate, usually measured in kilowatt-hours. The purpose of the standing charge is to ensure that the energy company can cover its fixed costs, regardless of the amount of energy used.

Whilst switching your business gas and electricity supplier, the supply to your premises will not be disrupted.

The pipes and connections that supply your business energy will not be interrupted as they are owned and maintained by your area’s distribution company.

If you are unsure of when your business energy contract comes to an end, there are many ways to find this out.

Firstly, you can find your contract end date on a recent bill or your original contract as well as your notice period in which you must tell your provider that you are switching energy suppliers.

Secondly, you can get in touch with your energy supplier by email or telephone, and they will be able to advise you on your contract end date.

Lastly, if you are classed as a micro business, you will receive a renewal letter at least three months before your contract is due to come to an end. Your renewal letter will also inform you of out-of-contract rates which are known to be expensive. If you are in your renewal period, get in touch with our energy experts today who will be able to secure a cheaper deal for your business.

Reducing energy consumption can have several benefits for a business, including:

• Lower Energy Costs: One of the most significant benefits of reducing energy consumption is cost savings. By using less energy, businesses can reduce their utility bills and save money on operational costs.
• Improved Efficiency: Energy-efficient technologies and practices can help businesses operate more efficiently, reducing the amount of energy needed to perform the same tasks. This can improve productivity, reduce downtime, and increase overall efficiency.
• Environmental Benefits: Reducing energy consumption can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment. This can help businesses improve their public image and attract environmentally-conscious customers.
• Compliance: Many countries and regions have regulations and standards for energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing energy consumption, businesses can comply with these regulations and avoid penalties.
• Long-Term Savings: Investing in energy-efficient technologies and practices can provide long-term cost savings for businesses. While the initial investment may be higher, the savings from reduced energy consumption can be significant over time.

Overall, reducing energy consumption can provide significant benefits for businesses, including cost savings, improved efficiency, environmental benefits, compliance with regulations, and long-term savings.

There are a few other ways to find out who your supplier is:

• Check your latest bill – Your latest business energy bill will show the name of your current gas supplier, along with other information about your contract. This includes how much your unit rates and standing charges are, your account number, the name of the plan that you’re on, when it is due to renew, and a contact number to discuss your plan.
• Check your emails – Most energy suppliers now offer paperless billing, which means your energy contract is handled online via email and your supplier’s website. If you can’t find a paper bill, it’s worth searching your emails.
• Contact the local distribution company – You can contact the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 6081524 or use the Find My Supplier website. But before you do, you’ll need to find out what your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) is. This is a unique code that identifies your property and its gas supply. To find your MPRN, check on your meter for several between six and 10 digits. You’ll also be able to find your MPRN number on a gas bill, usually listed under ‘Details of charges’ and listed as ‘Meter Point Reference’.