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 gas quotes
Commercial gas is quoted per site. Share your MPRN and annual usage and we will bring back fixed-term gas quotes from UK business suppliers.
Compare deals nowReady to compare business gas?
Run a full market comparison before you commit. It takes about five minutes and your supply is never interrupted.
How business gas comparison works
Business gas contracts are priced against your MPRN, your annual consumption band and your credit profile. Prices are held for a short window, often only 24 to 72 hours, so quotes move quickly.
Most commercial gas contracts are fully fixed for one to five years. Larger consumers can access flexible purchasing, where volume is bought in tranches across the contract term.
As with electricity, quoted rates exclude VAT and the Climate Change Levy, and there is no price cap protecting business customers.
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 gas with us
Quotes on your MPRN
Pricing is built from your actual meter and consumption band, not an average.
Short quote windows handled
We move fast so an accepted price does not expire before paperwork is complete.
Fixed terms to five years
Lock your gas unit rate and standing charge for the whole contract period.
Renewals tracked
We monitor your end date so you avoid deemed and out-of-contract rates.
business gas 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 purchasing | Variable | Volume bought in tranches, suited to larger consumers | Contract specific |
| Deemed rates | Variable | Default rates with no contract in place, most expensive option | None, switch any time |
| Green gas contract | Fixed | Biomethane blend or carbon-offset commercial gas | Termination charges may apply |
How much does business gas cost?
Commercial gas rates exclude VAT and the Climate Change Levy. Pricing depends on consumption band, contract length and credit assessment.
| Electricity | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical unit rate | Not applicable | 6p to 8p per kWh |
| Standing charge | Not applicable | 30p to 90p per day |
| Typical annual spend | Not applicable | £1,900 (25,000 kWh small business) |
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 gas: pros and cons
Pros
- Bespoke rates based on your site's real consumption
- Fixed contracts up to five years for budget certainty
- Green gas options available on commercial terms
- Renewal window tracked so you never roll over by accident
Cons
- No price cap for business customers
- Quotes expire within days, so decisions need to be quick
- Termination charges apply if you exit a fixed contract early
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 gas deals
Fix for price certainty today. It takes just minutes.
How to compare business gas 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 business gas
Your MPRN and annual gas consumption in kWh, both printed on a recent bill, plus your current contract end date. That is enough to request live prices from the commercial market.
If your usage is seasonal, such as hospitality or manufacturing with shutdown periods, share a full year of data. Seasonal profiles are priced differently to flat consumption.
How to compare and switch business gas
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 gas FAQs
How long are business gas quotes valid?
Often only 24 to 72 hours, because suppliers price against live wholesale markets. Fast acceptance protects the rate you were quoted.
Can I switch business gas mid-contract?
Generally not without termination charges. Most switches happen inside the renewal window, typically the last 6 to 12 months.
What is an MPRN?
The Meter Point Reference Number identifying your gas supply. It appears on your bill and is required for any commercial quote.
Do I pay VAT on business gas?
Yes, normally 20%. Low-usage sites, charities and some non-business use qualify for the reduced 5% rate.
What are deemed gas rates?
Default rates that apply when no contract is in place, for example after moving into new premises. They are the most expensive rates available and worth escaping quickly.
How long does the switch take?
Typically four to six weeks from signing, covering objection checks, validation and the agreed supply start date.
Written by the Grow Your Business editorial team · Updated 25 July 2026