Energy plays a vital role in today’s dynamic business landscape. Enterprises of all sizes are searching for an energy supplier that’s reliable and cost-effective. With the many options available, selecting the ideal supplier can be daunting. So, here’s a guide on business energy suppliers to help you energize your organization’s future.
Who Are The Best Business Energy Suppliers?
Top 10 Business Energy Suppliers
Here are some of the best business electricity and gas suppliers in the UK:
- British Gas
- Opus Energy
- EDF Energy
- Octopus Energy
- E.ON
- Scottish Power
- Scottish and Southern Energy
- Npower
- Haven Power
- Total Gas & Power
How to Compare and Switch Business Gas and Electricity Suppliers
Aim to compare upwards of 10 quotes from business energy suppliers. This is to ensure you get the best deal possible. Here’s how you can compare business energy suppliers:
1. Assess your current energy usage
Review your current gas and electricity consumption to understand your energy needs. Take note of factors such as peak periods, business utilities, and any requirements specific to your business.
2. Research energy suppliers
Conduct a simple online search for reputable business energy suppliers that cover your area. When compiling a list of viable options, consider factors such as general pricing, contract terms, and customer reviews.
3. Request individual quotes
Contact shortlisted suppliers to request a quote based on your business’ needs. Ensure you have comprehensive details on your current energy situation to make the quote as accurate as possible.
4. Compare quotes, customer service, and support
Carefully check the quotes received. After determining which quotes are most suitable, compare other aspects. Look at the company’s reputation, support features on offer, and contract terms.
5. Negotiate terms
After settling on a supplier, get in touch to negotiate terms. This is crucial, as many suppliers are open to adjusting their terms to win your business.
6. Notify your current supplier
Once terms have been agreed with your new supplier, inform your current provider of your intention to switch. They will then follow up with a set of instructions for the change to be made.
7. Confirm the switch
Ensure you receive written confirmation from your new energy supplier of the contract terms. Be sure to review the details carefully and clarify any discrepancies before finalising the switch.
Switching energy suppliers can be a painless experience – but it’s important to bear in mind that there’s always a chance that your switch is rejected. Rejection can occur for various reasons, but the most common is when you have an outstanding debt with your current supplier.
In this sense, consulting a business energy expert could streamline the process of comparing suppliers, resolving issues, and switching.
Why Switch Business Gas and Electricity Suppliers?
There are many reasons why people switch business energy suppliers, but attaining favourable business energy tariffs tends to be the primary consideration. Beyond pricing, there are other factors that could be the reason why you might want to switch energy suppliers:
Better contract terms
Switching providers often presents the chance of obtaining contract terms that better align with your business needs. This could include factors such as contract duration, payment terms, and flexibility in terms of adjusting how much energy you can be supplied.
Enhanced customer service
Substandard customer service is a common reason why customers seek out new suppliers. By switching, you can select a reputable business energy supplier offering reliable customer support. One consideration is whether the business energy provider resolves issues as they arise.
Green energy options
Nowadays, both small and large businesses are looking towards renewable energy to reduce their energy costs. You could switch to a renewable energy supplier and obtain lower energy prices, reduce your carbon footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Innovative solutions
The competitive nature of the business electricity and gas market means that suppliers are finding forward-thinking ways to improve their services for UK businesses. Some suppliers offer additional services, such as smart metering, energy efficiency advice, and industry-tailored energy solutions.
How Much Could Your Business Save by Your Switching Energy Supplier?
The unique nature of each business makes it impossible to provide an exact estimate of potential savings. However, if your business hasn’t renegotiated its energy tariff in a while, you may be overpaying.
To determine the appropriate energy usage for your business, you’ll need an understanding of the average gas and electricity consumption rates for businesses of similar sizes. Here are the average gas and electricity consumption rates according to business size:
Micro businesses
- Average business electricity consumption – 5,000 kWh – 15,000 kWh
- Average business gas consumption – 5,000 kWh – 15,000 kWh
Small businesses
- Average business electricity consumption – 15,000 kWh – 25,000 kWh
- Average business gas consumption – 15,000 kWh – 30,000 kWh
Medium businesses
- Average business electricity consumption – 30,000 kWh – 50,000 kWh
- Average business gas consumption – 30,000 kWh – 65,000 kWh
Large businesses
- Average business electricity consumption – 50,000 kWh +
- Average business gas consumption – 65,000 kWh +
These consumption rates serve as a general reference only.
How Do Business Energy Contracts Work?
To sign-up for an Economy 7 tariff, you’ll need to have a special meter – specifically designed to provide two sets of usage readings.
Business energy contracts can be cheaper due to bulk buying. These contracts are longer than domestic energy ones, making early termination more difficult. They also don’t have a cooling-off period, nor offer duel fuel deals. Each business requires a tailored quote, for one, making it hard for many to compare business energy suppliers.
How Are Commercial Energy Plans Calculated?
To calculate how much business customers will pay, commercial energy suppliers take into account the specific needs and characteristics of a business. Here are some key factors that determine how commercial energy plans are calculated:
Energy usage
Suppliers may offer different pricing structures based on the contract’s duration. Long-term contracts typically provide more stable pricing. Short-term contracts generally allow for more flexibility and adaptation to market conditions.
Time of use
Businesses with specific peak and off-peak energy consumption patterns may pay according to time-of-use tariffs. Tariffs offer different pricing levels based on the time of day or day of the week.
Pricing structures
There are two common pricing structures with commercial energy plans:
- Fixed-rate plans: With fixed contracts, the energy price per unit remains the same throughout the contract.
- Variable-rate plans: Variable contracts may change subject to market price fluctuations
Additional fees
It’s common for business energy bills to include additional fees, such as standing charges. These are fixed fees for the provision of a business gas or electricity supply.
Contract terms and conditions
Business energy suppliers include specific terms and conditions in their contracts to outline the rights and obligations of all parties. These terms generally cover payment terms, exit fees, and renewal procedures.
How Long Does It Take To Switch Business Energy Supplier?
Because of Ofgem’s Faster Switching scheme, switching gas and electricity suppliers can be done within five working days. However, the length of this process is largely dependent on whether you’ve provided your chosen supplier with the necessary information.
It’s important to remember that the switch won’t come into effect until your current contract has lapsed or been cancelled. Despite this, you should always endeavour to move fast to find and lock in favourable gas and electricity rates.
Compare the Best Business Energy Suppliers With Business Energy Comparison
When switching business energy suppliers, there are a myriad of factors at play. Because of this, it’s best to invest your trust in business energy experts.
At Business Energy Comparison, we have a dedicated team of energy specialists who understand the complexities of the commercial energy market and are well-equipped to find you a deal tailored to your business’s unique requirements.
Don’t let high energy costs hold your business back. Partner with Business Energy Comparison and take control of your energy expenses today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce my business electricity bill?
Here are some ways to reduce your energy bill:
- Seek out electricity deals: While making a business energy comparison, look for suppliers offering the most attractive business energy deal.
- Conduct an energy audit: This can help you find a more suitable business energy supply and develop ways to promote energy efficiency.
- Change your electricity supplier: This is generally the best way to reduce your energy bill. Look for small business energy suppliers or a business energy supplier offering green energy solutions.
Who are the "Big Six" energy suppliers?
The “Big Six” refers to the six largest business electricity suppliers in the UK: British Gas, EDF Energy, E. ON, Npower, ScottishPower and SSE.
Is renewable energy cheaper?
According to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency, renewable energy is the cheapest form of power. Take this into account when making a business energy comparison.
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