What is business energy and how is it different from domestic energy?

Business energy is the gas and electricity your organisation uses for day-to-day operations. Business tariffs and contracts often differ from domestic plans in pricing, contract length, billing options and eligibility. If your supply is used for commercial purposes, you’ll typically need a business energy plan.

Can Energy Plus help me switch business electricity and gas?

Yes. Energy Plus can guide you through switching your business electricity and/or gas. In most cases there’s no disruption to your supply because the energy continues to come through the same network—only your supplier and contract change.

How do I get a business energy quote?

You can request a business energy quote by providing a few details such as your business name, postcode, current supplier (if known) and your meter numbers (MPAN for electricity and/or MPRN for gas). If you have a recent bill, it helps us match your supply quickly and accurately.

What information do I need to switch business energy?

To switch business energy, you’ll typically need your supply address and postcode, electricity MPAN and/or gas MPRN, current supplier details, your current contract end date (if you’re in contract), and an estimated usage figure (kWh) or a recent bill.

Will my business energy supply be interrupted when I switch?

No—switching supplier should not interrupt your business electricity or gas supply. The physical network remains the same; your billing and contract simply move to the new supplier.

Can you help if my business is on deemed or out-of-contract rates?

Yes. If your business is on deemed, variable or out-of-contract rates, you may be paying more than necessary. We can help you review your options and move to a fixed plan where appropriate to improve cost certainty.

Do you offer fixed-rate business energy contracts?

Yes. Fixed-rate business energy contracts are commonly available and can help you budget by locking in unit rates for an agreed term. The best option depends on your usage, risk preference and contract length.

What is an MPAN and MPRN and where can I find them?

An MPAN is your electricity meter point administration number, and an MPRN is your gas meter point reference number. You can usually find them on your energy bill, often in a section labelled ‘Supply details’ or ‘Meter details’.

Can I switch if my business has multiple sites or meters?

Yes. If you have multiple sites, meters or a portfolio, we can help coordinate quotes and contracts across your locations. Having a list of addresses and MPAN/MPRN numbers will speed up the process.

Is renewable or green business electricity available?

Yes. Green business electricity options may be available, depending on supplier and product. If renewable supply is important to your organisation, tell us when requesting a quote so we can factor it into the options presented.

How can I lower my business energy costs?

Common ways to reduce business energy costs include moving off deemed/out-of-contract rates, choosing a contract length that matches your risk appetite, improving efficiency (LED lighting, controls, insulation), monitoring usage, and considering smart or half-hourly metering where suitable.

Business energy comparison & quotes (UK)

Q: How long does a business energy switch take?

Switch times can vary depending on your current contract and cooling-off periods. If you’re out of contract, switching can often be completed in a few weeks. If you’re in contract, you may need to wait until your renewal window to avoid exit fees.

Compare whole-of-market business electricity and gas quotes in minutes. We’ll explain how pricing works, what you’ll need, and what to watch for—before you switch.

Quotes for limited companies, sole traders, charities and multi-site businesses
Support for smart, non-half-hourly and half-hourly meters
Transparent guidance on contract length, pass-through charges and fees

Get your business energy quote How switching works

Estimates shown are indicative only. Prices and availability vary by location, meter type, credit checks and supplier terms.

Business energy: the fast answer

If you’re out of contract or nearing renewal, comparing business electricity and gas is usually about unit rate, standing charge, contract length and meter type—plus any pass-through charges (especially for larger sites). The “best” deal is the one that fits your usage pattern, risk preference and operational needs.

Most small firms should compare now if…

Your contract ends within ~6 months
You’ve moved in and don’t know your tariff
You’re on “deemed”/out-of-contract rates

Key inputs that change quotes

Postcode + MPAN/MPRN (where available)
Annual usage (kWh) and day/night split (if any)
Meter type: NHH, HH, smart

What to check before you sign

Are charges fixed or pass-through?
Contract end date + exit fees
Billing method (DD / invoice) and credit checks

Quick caveat: Business energy is priced differently from home energy. There’s usually no price cap for business contracts, and quote structures vary by supplier, meter type and credit profile.

Get business energy quotes (whole-of-market)

Share a few details and we’ll match you with suitable suppliers and tariffs across the market. If you don’t have your MPAN/MPRN to hand, we can still start with your postcode and business type.

What happens next: We’ll use your details to prepare quote options and contact you to confirm meter/usage information where needed. No obligation—terms vary by supplier.

What you’ll typically need

Business name and primary contact details
Postcode and (if available) MPAN for electricity and/or MPRN for gas
Estimated annual usage (kWh). If unknown, we can use recent bills
Contract end date (if you’re renewing)

Multi-site or half-hourly? If you have multiple meters or half-hourly (HH) supply, pricing often depends on consumption shape, capacity and network charges. We may request interval data or recent invoices to provide like-for-like comparisons.

Request a quote

Tell us where you are and how to reach you. We’ll respond with available options for your business setup.

How business energy switching works (UK)

1) Confirm your supply

We identify your meter(s), network area and current contract status (renewal, out of contract, or moving premises).

2) Compare quote structures

You’ll see unit rates and standing charges, plus whether other costs are “all-in” or pass-through.

3) Choose contract length

Most fixed deals run 1–3 years. Shorter may suit flexibility; longer may suit budget certainty.

4) Supplier onboarding

The new supplier handles the switch. You keep supply—no interruption—while the back-office transfer completes.

Timing note: Start early. Many businesses can secure renewal pricing months ahead of contract end. Switching rules and timelines can vary depending on your supplier, meter type and whether there are outstanding issues (e.g., debt, disputed reads).

Compare business energy contract types

Use this as a quick decision aid. Exact naming and inclusions differ by supplier, so always check the quote schedule and contract terms.

Option	How it’s priced	Best for	Watch-outs
Fixed (all-in)	Unit rate + standing charge are fixed; other charges bundled (where offered).	Smaller sites wanting predictable bills and simpler comparisons.	May have higher headline rates than pass-through. Exit fees likely.
Fixed (pass-through)	Supplier margin fixed; some network/policy costs billed at cost.	HH or larger users where pass-through can be more competitive.	Bills can vary with industry charges. Compare assumptions carefully.
Deemed / out-of-contract	Default rates applied when you’ve not agreed a contract.	Short-term only, e.g., after a move.	Commonly more expensive and less predictable. Act quickly.
Flexible / variable	Rates can change with notice, depending on supplier product.	Businesses prioritising shorter commitment.	Budget risk if rates rise. Terms and notice periods differ.

Decision checklist: who it suits

Fixed all-in often suits you if…: You want easy comparisons, stable budgeting, and you’re a low/medium user on a single meter.
Fixed pass-through often suits you if…: You have HH supply, multiple sites, or want transparency on non-energy costs.
Flexible/variable might suit you if…: You expect to move premises soon or don’t want exit fees—accepting rate-change risk.

Who it may not suit

Fast growth (usage changing significantly): a quote based on last year’s usage may mis-estimate costs.
Complex estates (landlords, sub-meters, managed properties): responsibilities for bills can be unclear—confirm who is the bill payer.
Sites with capacity/reactive power exposure: you may need deeper analysis than a simple p/kWh comparison.

Tip: If two quotes look similar, compare the contract schedule line-by-line (billing frequency, payment method, late payment charges, and any “non-energy” line items).

Two realistic scenarios (with assumptions)

Scenario A: small café (electricity only)

Assumptions (illustrative): 12,000 kWh/year, single-rate meter (NHH), standing charge 60p/day, unit rate 28p/kWh, 365 days, prices exclude VAT and any site-specific charges.

Component	Calculation	Estimated annual cost
Usage	12,000 kWh × £0.28	£3,360
Standing charge	£0.60 × 365	£219
Total (ex VAT)		£3,579

What changes this most: day/night split (if applicable), payment method, and whether the quote is truly all-in.

Scenario B: light industrial unit (electricity + gas)

Assumptions (illustrative): Electricity 55,000 kWh/year at 23p/kWh, standing 75p/day. Gas 90,000 kWh/year at 6.5p/kWh, standing 35p/day. Excludes VAT and any pass-through volatility.

Fuel	Usage + unit rate	Standing charge	Estimated annual cost
Electricity	55,000 × £0.23 = £12,650	£0.75 × 365 = £274	£12,924
Gas	90,000 × £0.065 = £5,850	£0.35 × 365 = £128	£5,978

Total (ex VAT): £18,902/year (illustrative). For larger users, HH vs NHH, capacity, and pass-through structures can materially change outcomes.

Important: These scenarios are examples to help you understand bill components—not savings claims. Your actual quote depends on supplier availability, network region, meter configuration, payment terms, consumption pattern and credit checks.

Costs, exclusions & common pitfalls (UK business energy)

Most issues come from comparing like-for-unlike. Use the cards below to sanity-check any quote before you commit.

VAT & CCL (Climate Change Levy)

Business energy may be billed with VAT and Climate Change Levy depending on eligibility. Some quotes show ex-VAT. Always confirm whether figures include VAT and any levy treatment.

Pass-through charges

Some contracts separate non-energy costs (e.g., network and policy charges). These can move over time. If you want budget certainty, ask for “all-in” options where available.

Auto-rollover / renewal windows

Many business contracts have notice periods. Miss the window and you may roll onto higher rates or a new term. Check your contract end date and termination notice requirements.

Exit fees & change of tenancy

Fixed terms often include early termination fees. If you might move premises, ask what happens under a change of tenancy (COT) and whether the contract can be transferred.

Meter readings & billing accuracy

Estimated bills can distort costs—especially after a switch or move-in. Provide up-to-date reads where possible and keep opening/closing reads for records.

Payment method & credit checks

Some suppliers offer different pricing for Direct Debit versus invoice. New or higher-risk businesses may face deposits or alternative terms.

Exclusion to be aware of: If you’re in a managed building, serviced office, or landlord-supplied arrangement, you may not be able to choose your supplier directly. We can still advise on next steps and what to ask your landlord/agent.

Business energy FAQs

Is there a price cap for business energy in the UK?

Typically, no. The domestic energy price cap does not generally apply to business contracts. Business pricing is based on wholesale markets, network costs, contract structure and supplier terms.

What’s the difference between deemed rates and out-of-contract rates?

A deemed contract can apply when you move into premises and start using energy without agreeing terms. “Out-of-contract” is often used when a fixed term ends and you haven’t renewed. Both can be higher than negotiated contracts.

Can I switch business energy if I rent my premises?

Usually yes if your business is the named bill payer on the meter. If energy is included in rent or managed by a landlord/agent, you may not be able to switch—ask who holds the supply contract and what metering is in place.

What are MPAN and MPRN, and do I need them?

MPAN identifies your electricity supply point; MPRN identifies your gas supply point. They help suppliers quote accurately, especially for multi-meter sites. If you don’t have them, we can start with postcode and follow up.

How long does a business energy switch take?

Timelines vary by supplier and circumstances, but many switches complete without disruption to supply once the new contract starts. If there are meter issues, incorrect details or a change of tenancy in progress, it can take longer.

What’s a half-hourly (HH) meter and why does it matter?

HH meters record usage every 30 minutes. Quotes often depend on when you use energy (your load profile) and may include different charge structures. For HH sites, comparing “all-in” versus “pass-through” is especially important.

Will I pay exit fees if I switch before my contract ends?

Often, yes for fixed contracts—exit fees can be significant. Always check your contract terms and notice period before agreeing a new start date. If you’re unsure, we can help you interpret the renewal window.

Are green business energy tariffs available?

Yes—availability depends on supplier and meter type. Definitions vary (e.g., backed by certificates). If green credentials matter to you, ask what evidence is provided and whether it changes the quote structure.

Trust, methodology & sources

Page governance

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: April 2026

How we assess “good” business energy options

Our guidance is based on how UK business energy contracts are commonly structured and what drives total cost and service outcomes. When we compare quote types, we focus on:

Total estimated cost (unit rate + standing charge, plus likely non-energy components where shown)
Price certainty (all-in vs pass-through exposure)
Contract suitability (term length, meter type compatibility, multi-site support)
Operational fit (billing method options, credit terms, support for change of tenancy)

Limitations: Published examples on this page are illustrative and not live market prices. Supplier offers can change daily and may depend on credit checks, meter data quality, and your consumption pattern (especially for HH).

Reputable UK sources we reference

Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — guidance on energy market rules and consumer protections.
Citizens Advice energy advice — practical information on bills, complaints and switching.
GOV.UK — general UK government guidance (including business support schemes where applicable).

We recommend checking your contract terms and supplier documentation for the most accurate, business-specific information.

Ready to compare business energy?

Get whole-of-market quote options matched to your meter type and renewal date. We’ll highlight key terms so you can choose with confidence.

Get your business energy quote Review contract types

Quotes are subject to supplier checks and final contract confirmation. Always review terms, notice periods and any fees before signing.

Popular pages:

Page 1 of 5 Next → Show all Business Energy

Updated on 4 May 2026