EnergyPlus · May 2026

Business electricity prices UK (June 2026): unit rates, standing charges & how to compare

Business electricity quotes are typically split into a unit rate (p/kWh) and a standing charge (p/day). Both depend on your meter profile, your supply region, your annual kWh and the contract term you choose.

Get a personalised quote Read the fast answer

Editorial information, not financial advice. Prices and policy can change — always confirm against the supplier and Ofgem.

Business electricity prices in June 2026 — quick view

Indicative all-in unit rates for small and micro businesses on 12–24 month fixed contracts sit in the 24–28 p/kWh band in May 2026, with standing charges typically 60–100 p/day. Half-hourly (HH) sites are quoted around their time-of-use profile and can land anywhere between 20 and 32 p/kWh depending on load shape.

Quick checklist (May 2026):

  • Pricing splits into unit rate (p/kWh) + standing charge (p/day).
  • HH sites are quoted on time-of-use profile, not just annual kWh.
  • Contract length, payment method, credit profile and region all move the headline.
  • Microbusiness status can change supplier rules around sales and complaints.
Last updated
May 2026
Reviewed by
Energy Specialist
Audience
UK households & small businesses

Get a tailored quote

Share a few details and we’ll match you to suppliers and tariffs that suit your home, meter and usage. The aim is to make quotes comparable — same term, same assumptions — so you can decide with confidence.

What we’ll do with your details: request and present supplier quotes, and contact you about your comparison. You can ask us to stop at any time.

What changes your quote most

Annual kWh

Drives the unit-rate portion of your bill.

Meter type

Single-rate, Economy 7/10, smart, half-hourly all price differently.

Postcode & region

Standing charges and tariff availability vary by network region.

Term & start date

Fixes of 12/18/24/36 months trade certainty for flexibility.

Compare options now

No obligation. If you don’t know your usage, an adviser can help estimate it.

Start your comparison

By submitting, you confirm this is for a UK home energy comparison. We’ll use your details to provide quotes and contact you about your comparison. You can opt out at any time.

Tip: Your MPAN (and MPRN for gas) helps suppliers price more accurately. Both are on a recent bill.

Understanding UK business electricity prices in 2026

A clear, current overview to help you choose with confidence.

Unit rate vs standing charge

Unit rate covers consumption; standing charge covers fixed network and meter costs. Low-usage sites feel standing charge more; high-usage sites feel unit rate more.

Half-hourly and three-phase

If your meter profile is 00 (HH) or you're on a three-phase supply, expect bespoke quotes that price your day/night/peak shape, not a one-size-fits-all unit rate.

Out-of-contract and deemed rates

If your contract ends and you don't switch, you'll typically roll to deemed/out-of-contract rates — often 30–50% above contract rates. Move quickly if you're already on these.

Pass-through vs all-inclusive

All-inclusive contracts bundle network and policy costs into one unit rate. Pass-through contracts itemise some non-energy costs separately — they look cheaper on the headline but can move during the term.

Compare like-for-like

Indicative ranges for May 2026 — your quote depends on your meter, region, term and credit. VAT (commonly 20%) is on top.

What to compare Typical range (May 2026) Notes
Small office (non-HH, ~12,000 kWh/yr) 26 p/kWh + 70 p/day ≈ £3,377/yr before VAT.
Small workshop (~50,000 kWh/yr) 24 p/kWh + 90 p/day ≈ £12,329/yr before VAT.
HH site (~250,000 kWh/yr) 22–28 p/kWh + 150–300 p/day Profile-shape dependent.
Deemed/out-of-contract 30–50% above contract rates Move quickly if you're here.
Three-phase, small commercial +0 to +10% vs single-phase Network charges differ by region.

How to compare UK business electricity prices in 2026

  1. 1. Pull your last bill

    You need MPAN, annual kWh, profile class (00 = HH), and your contract end date.

  2. 2. Decide your term

    12 / 24 / 36 months trade certainty for flexibility. Match to your business outlook.

  3. 3. Compare like-for-like

    All quotes must use the same kWh, term and assumptions. Use the form below to start.

  4. 4. Check the contract specifics

    Pass-through vs all-inclusive, exit fees, billing cadence, paper bill surcharges.

  5. 5. Sign before your renewal window closes

    Most suppliers price-lock for 30–90 days once they quote — sign before that window expires.

Common pitfalls to avoid

The most frequent issues we see when households and businesses act on what looks like a good deal.

  • Comparing only the unit rate — standing charge can swing annual cost by hundreds of pounds.
  • Missing your renewal window and landing on deemed rates.
  • Signing a pass-through contract without modelling non-energy cost movements.
  • Forgetting credit checks — pricing can change after the supplier runs a credit check on the business.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between business and domestic electricity prices?

Business prices are contract-driven and depend on your site, credit profile and usage. Domestic prices are governed by the Ofgem price cap and the supplier's tariff range — they don't apply to non-domestic supply points.

Are business electricity prices capped in the UK?

Not in the way the domestic cap works. Business contracts are market-based. There have been temporary government interventions in extreme price events; check GOV.UK for current schemes if announced.

What's a deemed rate and why is it expensive?

Deemed rates apply when you take over a supply without a contract, or when your fix ends without a new one in place. Suppliers price the risk into the rate — often 30–50% above contract pricing.

Am I a microbusiness?

Typically: fewer than 10 employees with under €2m turnover/balance sheet, or under 100,000 kWh of electricity (or 293,000 kWh of gas) consumption. Microbusiness status gives extra rules on sales practices and complaints.

Does paying by direct debit make my business electricity cheaper?

Sometimes — some suppliers price by payment method. Always confirm what payment method the quote assumes.

Will a smart meter cut my business electricity bill?

Not automatically. It improves data quality and can unlock time-of-use tariffs, but the price is still driven by contract terms and consumption pattern.

Can I switch business electricity supplier mid-contract?

You can, but you'll typically face termination charges. Better to wait until the contract end window (often 3–6 months before expiry) and re-tender.

How accurate are online business electricity prices?

Use them as a ballpark. The accurate number comes when a supplier checks your MPAN, profile class and credit. The form on this page initiates that process.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page governance

Reviewed by
Energy Specialist
Last updated
May 2026

How we keep this page current

We refresh this page each month against the latest Ofgem cap, supplier tariff changes and current scheme guidance. Worked numbers are illustrative; quotes you receive via the comparison form are personalised to your meter and postcode.

Editorial independence: our priority is clarity and like-for-like comparison. Where commercial relationships exist, options are still presented on suitability and the information available at the time.

Reputable UK sources we reference

If you spot anything that looks out of date (a rule change, a new scheme), please contact EnergyPlus so we can review and update this page.

Ready to compare?

Get whole-of-market options matched to your meter and postcode. We’ll help you compare like-for-like and explain the terms before you decide.

Start my comparison Read the FAQs

You’re in control: compare options, ask questions, and only proceed if the terms suit you.

Back to Business Energy



Updated on 3 Jun 2026