Guide
How to switch energy supplier
What happens on switching day, how long it takes and what you need to have ready.
Read guideCompare business energy quotes
Business energy is quoted, not listed. Tell us your postcode, meter number and usage and we will run the market for bespoke gas and electricity quotes for your business.
Compare deals nowReady to compare business energy?
Run a full market comparison before you commit. It takes about five minutes and your supply is never interrupted.
How business energy comparison works
Business energy works differently to domestic. There is no price cap, tariffs are not published, and every quote is priced individually against your consumption profile and credit position.
Contracts run from one to five years and are usually fixed for the whole term. There is no cooling-off period for micro-business contracts signed verbally or in writing, so accuracy at quote stage matters.
Rates are also quoted excluding VAT and CCL. Most businesses pay 20% VAT, though qualifying low-usage sites can drop to 5%.
How do wholesale prices and the price cap affect my bills?
- Suppliers buy energy in bulk on the wholesale market. When global prices rise, the cost of supplying your property rises with them.
- Ofgem's price cap sets the maximum unit rate and standing charge for default tariff customers — it caps rates, not your total bill.
- The cap is reviewed every three months, so a standard variable tariff can change price four times a year.
- Because the cap limits unit cost only, the more you use the more you pay — efficiency still matters on every tariff.
- If you're not on a fixed deal you're likely paying close to the maximum legal rate, and a fix can shield you from future rises.
Why compare business energy with us
Bespoke market quotes
We request live prices from commercial suppliers based on your actual meter and consumption.
Renewal window managed
We track your contract end date so you never roll onto expensive out-of-contract rates.
Multi-site handled
Portfolios of sites can be quoted together for consistent rates and a single renewal date.
Contract terms explained
Unit rate, standing charge, term length and pass-through costs set out in plain English.
business energy tariff types
Availability varies by region and meter type. Always check the exact rates quoted for your postcode before you switch.
| Tariff | Type | Rate structure | Exit fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed term contract | Fixed | Unit rate and standing charge fixed for 1 to 5 years | Termination charges may apply |
| Flexible / pass-through | Variable | Wholesale element fixed, network costs passed through | Varies by contract |
| Deemed rates | Variable | Default rates when no contract is in place, typically the most expensive | None, switch any time |
| Green business tariff | Fixed | REGO-backed electricity on a fixed commercial term | Termination charges may apply |
How much does business energy cost?
Business rates are quoted excluding VAT and the Climate Change Levy. Actual pricing depends on your meter profile, consumption, credit rating and contract length.
| Electricity | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical unit rate | 24p to 29p per kWh | 6p to 8p per kWh |
| Standing charge | 35p to £1.50 per day, by meter size | 30p to 90p per day |
| Typical annual spend | £3,200 (small business, 15,000 kWh) | £1,900 (small business, 25,000 kWh) |
Will prices fall soon?
Bills have already eased this year as green levies move onto the ECO scheme and general taxation, worth around £150 a year to a typical household on both variable and fixed tariffs.
The reduction comes through unit rates, so what lands on your bill depends on how much you use. Analysts expect a gradual drift downwards rather than a sharp drop — locking in a rate you're comfortable with is still the safer play.
| Price cap level | Annual cost for an average medium-usage household paying by Direct Debit |
|---|---|
| 1st July to 30th September 2026 | £1,720 (est TBC/Ofgem) |
| 1st October to 31st December 2026 | £1,755 (predicted) |
| 1st January to 31st March 2027 | £1,701 (predicted) |
| 1st April to 30th June 2027 | £1,668 (predicted) |
| 1st July to 30th September 2027 | £1,655 (predicted) |
Expert advice
With eight in 10 households worried about bills rising, there's a real opportunity to protect yourself by locking in a fixed deal for 12 months or more that gives certainty on the price you'll pay — especially over the coldest months.
“Not only can you save against the current cap, fixing now also shields you from high prices for at least a year.”
business energy: pros and cons
Pros
- Bespoke pricing rather than one-size-fits-all tariffs
- Longer fixed terms give budget certainty up to five years
- Escape expensive deemed and out-of-contract rates
- We manage the paperwork and the transfer
Cons
- No price cap protection for business customers
- No cooling-off period on most micro-business contracts
- Early termination charges can be significant on fixed contracts
How to choose the best deal for you
When you switch, there are a few things worth checking.
- 1
Price
The price you see on our comparison pages is based on your estimated usage over a year. The lower the unit rate and standing charge, the less you pay — but always check the projected annual cost, not just the headline rate.
- 2
Exit fees
If you leave a fixed deal after the 14-day cooling-off period, you might pay an exit fee for each fuel. Deals with low or no exit fees give you flexibility if prices fall.
- 3
Deal length
Most deals run for 12 to 24 months. During that time your unit rate is locked in, so you know exactly what you'll be charged even if the market rises.
Which is the cheapest supplier in the UK?
The cheapest supplier is different for everyone. It depends on how much energy you use, what you pay now, the deal you're on and where you live. When you compare with us, we only show the deals actually available for your property or business.
Compare business energy deals
Fix for price certainty today. It takes just minutes.
How to compare business energy prices
Comparing on our site takes a few minutes and could take a serious chunk off your annual bill.
1. Enter your postcode
Your postcode lets us show the correct regional unit rates. If you have a recent bill to hand, even better — accurate figures give accurate results.
2. Compare available deals
You'll see every deal available in your area, ranked on estimated annual cost, along with tariff type, contract length, exit fees and supplier ratings.
3. Confirm your switch
Once you've found the deal you like, confirm and we'll do the rest. Your supply is never interrupted and you don't need to contact your old supplier.
When shouldn't I switch?
Think twice if the exit fee or penalty for leaving is bigger than the saving you'd make. Exit fees start at around £50 per fuel and can reach £250, which wipes out a lot of deals.
Work out what you'd save over the full length of the new contract, then subtract what it costs to leave your current one. If the number is still positive, switching makes sense.
3 things to do if you can't switch
If switching isn't right just now, there are still ways to make sure you're not paying more than you need to.
Track your usage
A smart meter or a monthly bill check is the easiest way to spot rising costs early and act before your next renewal.
Submit regular meter readings
Without a smart meter, regular readings make sure you're charged for what you actually use rather than an estimate.
Consider efficiency upgrades
Insulation, draught-proofing and a more efficient boiler cut your bills every year, whatever tariff you're on.
What we need to quote your business energy
A recent bill gives us everything: your MPAN or MPRN, annual consumption, current unit rate and contract end date. Without it we can still quote, but the rates will be indicative.
Most suppliers accept renewal quotes up to 12 months before your end date, and locking in early protects you if the market rises. If you are already out of contract you can switch immediately.
How to compare and switch business energy
1
Share your details
Business name, postcode, meter number and current contract end date is all we need.
2
We run the market
Our team requests bespoke quotes from business energy suppliers for your consumption profile.
3
Compare your quotes
See unit rates, standing charges and contract lengths side by side with no jargon.
4
We complete the switch
Sign your new contract and we manage the transfer with your old supplier. No downtime.
Why choose Grow Your Business?
Wide choice of deals
We compare a broad range of deals from suppliers across the UK, so you can find the right fit for your home or business.
Exclusive and cashback
We work hard to bring you exclusive deals, along with cashback and other incentives where they're available.
Simple and fast
It takes just a few minutes to compare with us — and the deal you find could be well below what you pay today.
Is switching hassle-free?
Yes. Most suppliers are signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee, which means a quick, hassle-free transfer. Your new supplier resolves any problems and your old supplier refunds any credit balance within 14 days of your final bill.
What are the different types of tariff?
There are more options available than ever, which makes it easier to pick the tariff type that fits how you actually use energy — and to stop overpaying by default.
Fixed rate tariffs
Fixed rate tariffs lock your unit rates and standing charges for the length of the contract, so wholesale market and price cap changes don't affect you mid-term.
Standard variable tariffs
Standard variable tariffs are usually the most expensive. They're capped by the price cap, so when the cap moves every quarter, your unit rates move with it.
Dual fuel tariffs
Dual fuel means gas and electricity from the same supplier, which can be cheaper than buying them separately. Compare both ways to see which wins for you.
Renewable / green tariffs
Most suppliers now offer electricity backed by renewable generation. Green gas is harder to source, so check exactly what's being matched.
Prepayment tariffs
Prepayment means topping up in advance at the meter. It's often pricier than a credit meter, but suppliers must offer at least one prepay option.
Time-of-use tariffs
Economy 7 and smart tariffs offer cheaper overnight rates. They work well for EV owners and anyone who can shift heavy use to off-peak hours.
Suppliers we compare
From household names to newer challenger brands, we cover a wide range of UK suppliers.
British Gas
EDF Energy
E.ON Next
Octopus Energy
OVO Energy
ScottishPower
Utilita
Shell Energy
Good Energy
So Energy
Outfox the Market
Utility WarehouseComparing with us is a no-brainer
“It took me a couple of minutes to compare energy prices and switch, with all the faff of switching and payments done for you. I've just saved close to £480 per year in gas and electricity.”
Jennifer, Constantine
Energy guides
Guide
Understanding the price cap
What Ofgem's cap actually limits, and why your bill can still go up.
Read guide
business energy FAQs
Is there a price cap on business energy?
No. Ofgem's cap applies to domestic customers only. Business rates are set contract by contract, which is why comparing matters more.
When can I switch business energy?
Usually within your renewal window, typically the last 6 to 12 months of your contract. Out-of-contract customers can switch straight away.
What are deemed rates?
The default rates applied when you occupy a property without agreeing a contract, or when a contract ends. They are almost always the most expensive rates available.
Can I get a business energy contract with poor credit?
Often yes, though you may face higher rates, a security deposit or a shorter contract term.
Do I pay VAT on business energy?
Yes, at 20% for most businesses. Low-usage sites and charities may qualify for the reduced 5% rate and CCL exemption.
How long does a business energy switch take?
Typically four to six weeks from signing, because commercial transfers involve supplier objections checks and contract validation.
Written by the Grow Your Business editorial team · Updated 25 July 2026