British Gas vs E.ON Next: Business Energy Comparison

British Gas and E.ON Next are two of the biggest names in UK energy, and both supply gas and electricity to businesses of every size. British Gas Business is part of Centrica and describes itself as Britain's largest business energy supplier, with over 400,000 business customers. E.ON Next is the supply brand of E.ON UK, part of the German-owned E.ON Group, which also completed its takeover of OVO in October 2026.

They're set up differently for business customers. British Gas runs everything from an online-only brand for micro businesses (British Gas Lite) to wholesale purchasing for sites using more than 1GWh a year. E.ON Next focuses on micro, small and multi-site businesses, and passes larger users to its sister company, npower Business Solutions.

TLDR: E.ON Next is the stronger choice for most micro and small businesses, thanks to much better complaints and service data and 100% renewable electricity on fixed tariffs bought direct. British Gas suits higher-usage, multi-site and large businesses, and in our quote data it was cheaper for electricity and for gas above roughly 15,000 kWh a year.

This guide compares tariffs, contract lengths, pricing, renewable credentials, customer service, smart tech, and fees, using each supplier's published documents, Citizens Advice data, Trustpilot, and the quotes we collected in October 2026. If you already know your usage, you can go straight to our business energy comparison.

British Gas vs E.ON Next at a Glance

Which Supplier Offers Better Tariffs?

Neither British Gas nor E.ON Next publishes a standard business rate card for fixed contracts. Your quote depends on:

• Business location and network region

• Annual consumption

• Industry type

• Meter type, including whether you have a smart or half-hourly meter

• Contract length

• Credit profile

• Network and policy charges at the time you buy

The bigger difference is range. British Gas sells to almost every type of business through several brands and plans. E.ON Next keeps a simpler line-up for smaller businesses and hands larger customers to npower Business Solutions.

Is British Gas the Greener Supplier?

On supplier-wide figures, yes. According to the fuel mix disclosures for April 2025 to March 2026, British Gas Trading supplied 45% renewable and 46% nuclear electricity, with emissions of 42g of CO2 per kWh.

E.ON Next's fuel mix was 27.3% renewable and 53.2% natural gas, at 322g/kWh, covering homes, small businesses and corporate customers together.

At product level, the picture is closer. E.ON Next includes 100% renewable electricity on selected fixed tariffs bought direct, while British Gas includes Zero Carbon electricity (renewable plus nuclear) as standard and lets contracted customers opt in to 100% renewable electricity at no extra cost. Gas isn't green by default with either supplier.

British Gas Tariffs

Fixed Price Energy Plan

British Gas's most popular plan fixes your unit rate for one, two or three years, according to its business price plans page. You need to pay by Direct Debit to get the plan's savings, and Zero Carbon electricity is included as standard.

Best for:

• Small and medium businesses that want budget certainty

• Businesses that want low-carbon electricity without paying extra

British Gas Lite

An online-only, fixed-price brand for small businesses, with a free smart meter, Direct Debit payments and web chat support. There's no phone line, and Lite customers can't opt in to the 100% renewable electricity offer.

Best for:

• Micro businesses happy to manage everything online

• Owners who don't need phone support

Renewable Business Energy

A plan for businesses using more than 150,000 kWh of gas or electricity a year, with a 100% renewable fuel mix. British Gas also sells renewable and carbon-neutral gas options.

Best for:

• Larger businesses reporting on Scope 2 emissions

• Businesses with public sustainability targets

30-Day Flexible and Variable Price Plans

British Gas lists a 30-day Flexible energy plan in its business terms and conditions. Its Variable Price Plan applies when a fixed plan ends without renewal. Rates can rise or fall; British Gas writes to you 30 days before any change, and you can move to another plan at any time.

Best for:

• Businesses uncertain about their premises or usage over the coming months

Multi-Site and Commercial Landlord Plans

A multi-site plan brings several premises under one contract, and commercial landlord energy offers fixed and flexible contracts that cover tenant changes and short-term vacancies.

Best for:

• Retail chains, franchises and property managers

Flex Advantage

For businesses using more than 1GWh a year, Flex Advantage lets you buy energy in blocks through an online purchasing portal and manage commodity risk.

Best for:

• Manufacturers and large multi-site organisations

E.ON Next Tariffs

Fixed Business Tariffs

E.ON Next offers fixed business tariffs over one, two or three years, quoted online or by phone, according to its business electricity and gas page. Its Best Price Direct Promise says eligible customers using less than 10,000 kWh a year always get its best fixed price when buying direct online.

Best for:

• Micro businesses and sole traders

• Businesses that want to buy direct without a broker

100% Renewable Fixed Tariffs

Selected fixed-price tariffs include 100% renewable electricity for small businesses that sign or renew directly with E.ON Next, according to its business energy page. The claim is backed by E.ON's own renewable assets, agreements with UK generators and renewable electricity certificates. A smart meter is required where eligible, and exit fees apply.

Best for:

• Small businesses that want renewable electricity as standard

• Businesses already on, or happy to have, a smart meter

Multi-Site and Property Tariff

A quote route for businesses with two or more premises, or for landlords and property managers acting for another business, managed through one online account.

Best for:

• Small chains and property portfolios

Large and Corporate Solutions

E.ON Next's large business threshold is more than 100,000 kWh of electricity and/or 293,000 kWh of gas a year, with turnover of £2 million or more and more than 10 employees. These customers are directed to npower Business Solutions.

Best for:

• Higher-usage businesses that want a bespoke contract within the E.ON group

EV Charging, Solar and Battery

E.ON Next sells EV chargers for businesses, from single wall-mounted units to charge point rows for fleets, plus business solar and battery systems.

Best for:

• Businesses with fleet vehicles or roof space

Tariff Comparison Table

How Do Contract Lengths Compare?

British Gas Contract Terms

E.ON Next Contract Terms

Contract Length Scorecard

What Do Deemed Rates Look Like?

Both suppliers publish deemed rates, which apply if you move into premises they supply without agreeing a contract. These rates come from British Gas's electricity and gas schedules and E.ON Next's deemed contracts page.

For a micro business using 10,000 kWh of electricity a year, that works out at about £4,980 on British Gas deemed rates and between £5,185 and £5,695 on E.ON Next's, before VAT and CCL. That compares with fixed-rate bills of around £3,200 to £3,400 based on each supplier's average October 2026 quotes. For 10,000 kWh of gas, the two are almost level at around £1,980 to £2,080.

In practice, the bigger risk is what happens when your fixed term ends without a new deal:

• British Gas moves you onto its Variable Price Plan, which it describes as able to go up or down, with 30 days' written notice of any change.

• E.ON Next moves you onto a new Flexible Business Plan at the rates in your renewal letter, according to its business terms and conditions. If you've given notice to leave, out-of-contract prices apply until your switch completes, and E.ON Next says these are higher than its variable plan.

Under Ofgem's rules for microbusinesses, a supplier can't ask for more than 30 days' notice to end a contract, and must send renewal information before your fixed term ends. Diary your end date and compare quotes at least 90 days before it.

Our deemed contract energy rates guide explains why default rates sit so high, and our E.ON Next review covers its renewal process in more detail.

British Gas vs E.ON Next Pricing Structure

Every business energy quote from either supplier is made up of the same parts: a unit rate, a standing charge, non-energy (pass-through) costs, any broker commission, VAT and the Climate Change Levy.

What Did Each Supplier Quote?

These are the average rates quoted between 1st and 12th October 2026, taken from our average business energy prices guide.

Applied to typical usage, those averages give the following annual costs:

Illustrative only. Based on average quotes, not your quote. Excludes VAT and CCL.

Two things stand out. British Gas was cheaper for electricity at every usage level. For gas, E.ON Next's very low standing charge made it cheaper for small users, but its higher unit rate meant British Gas became cheaper above roughly 14,600 kWh a year.

Unit Rate

The price per kWh you use. In our October 2026 data, the gap on electricity was small (0.9p/kWh), while the gap on gas was large (4p/kWh in British Gas's favour).

Standing Charge

The fixed daily charge you pay regardless of usage. Low-usage sites, such as storage units or small offices, should pay as much attention to this as to the unit rate. E.ON Next's average gas standing charge was less than a fifth of British Gas's in our data.

Pass-Through Charges

Non-energy costs make up a large part of every business bill. These include:

• Transmission and distribution network charges

• Balancing costs

• Government schemes such as the Renewables Obligation, Contracts for Difference and Feed-in Tariffs

• Capacity Market charges

• Metering charges

Before you sign with either supplier, ask whether these non-energy costs are fixed for your whole term or can be passed through if they rise. Our guide to pass-through vs fully fixed energy contracts explains the difference.

Broker Commission

Both suppliers sell direct and through brokers. If you buy through a broker or comparison service, commission may be built into your unit rate. Since October 2024, Ofgem has required suppliers to show broker commission on microbusiness and small business contracts, so check your contract or ask for the figure.

Advance Payments and Credit Checks

Both suppliers credit check business customers. E.ON Next's terms let it check directors and partners, ask for a deposit, change your payment method or raise prices if a check before supply starts raises concerns. British Gas can also ask for a security deposit where your credit profile is weaker.

VAT

Most businesses pay VAT at 20% on energy. A reduced rate of 5% applies if you use no more than 33 kWh of electricity or 145 kWh of gas a day on average, according to HMRC's guidance on VAT on fuel and power. Sites under these thresholds are also exempt from the Climate Change Levy.

Pricing Transparency Comparison

Which Supplier Has Better Renewable Energy Credentials?

British Gas Sustainability Initiatives

Offers:

• Zero Carbon electricity, backed by REGOs and nuclear declarations, as standard on fixed plans

• 100% Natural Renewable Electricity opt-in at the same price as Zero Carbon for contracted customers, excluding British Gas Lite

• Renewable Business Energy plans with a 100% renewable fuel mix for sites above 150,000 kWh

• Renewable and carbon neutral gas options

Pros:

• 91% zero-carbon supplier-wide in 2025/26, against a UK average of 62%

• Emissions of 42g/kWh, well below the UK average of 179g/kWh

• Free upgrade to 100% renewable electricity for most contracted customers

Cons:

• Zero Carbon relies heavily on nuclear: its 2025/26 product mix was 64% nuclear and 36% renewable

• British Gas's opt-in terms say failing to supply REGOs for the renewable opt-in isn't a breach of contract

• Lite customers can't access the renewable opt-in

E.ON Next Sustainability Initiatives

Offers:

• 100% renewable electricity on selected fixed tariffs signed or renewed directly

• Backing from E.ON's own renewable assets, UK generator agreements and certificates

• EV chargers, solar panels and battery storage for businesses

• E.ON Optimum energy dashboard to track and cut consumption

Pros:

• Renewable electricity included as standard on qualifying SME fixed tariffs, not as a paid add-on

• Practical decarbonisation products for businesses ready to invest

Cons:

• Supplier-wide mix was only 27.3% renewable and 322g/kWh in 2025/26, well above the UK average

• Requires a smart meter where eligible and a direct purchase

• No business green gas option advertised

Sustainability Comparison

Customer Service Comparison

We've used three measures: the Citizens Advice non-domestic complaints table, which ranks business suppliers by weighted complaints per 10,000 customers; the Citizens Advice star rating, which mostly reflects household service; and Trustpilot.

British Gas Support

Channels:

• Phone and web chat for British Gas Business customers

• Web chat only for British Gas Lite

• Online account for bills, readings and renewals

Strengths:

• Contact waiting time scored 4.2 out of 5 in the Citizens Advice star rating for April to June 2026, according to British Gas's performance page

• 5 out of 5 for customer commitments

• Mid-table on business complaints, ranked 5th of 15

Weaknesses:

• Overall star rating of 2.61 out of 5, with 1 out of 5 for fewer complaints

• Billing made up 51% of complaints in April to June 2026 (company-wide)

• British Gas Lite scores 1.1 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 4,013 reviews, with complaints about web chat support and billing

E.ON Next Support

Channels:

• Business phone line on 0808 501 5699 and renewals line on 0808 501 5109

• Email at sales-direct@eonnext.com for renewals and quotes

• Online account for bills, readings, payments and Direct Debit

• Dedicated energy specialists

Strengths:

• 3rd of 15 in the Citizens Advice business complaints table for April to June 2026, with a score of 97.4, about half of British Gas's 196.4

• Overall star rating of 3.71 out of 5, 3rd nationally and top of the larger suppliers, according to E.ON Next

• 4.3 out of 5 for billing and metering

Weaknesses:

• Recent Trustpilot complaints mention billing errors, long waits and slow resolution

• 3.0 out of 5 for fewer complaints in the star rating

Customer Service Scorecard

Both Trustpilot profiles blend household and business reviews, and British Gas's is dominated by engineer visits, so treat both scores with caution. The Citizens Advice business table is the more relevant measure, and on that E.ON Next has the clear lead. Whichever you choose, check every bill when it arrives and keep dated meter photos.

How Do Smart Meters and Tech Compare?

British Gas Technology Solutions

• Free SMETS2 smart meters for microbusinesses

• Energy360 DataView, a free platform for smart meter customers to view energy data

• Online account for readings, bills and renewal offers

• Online purchasing portal for Flex Advantage customers

Ideal for: businesses that want detailed half-hourly data, and larger users who want to manage buying themselves.

E.ON Next Technology Solutions

• Smart meters required on renewable fixed tariffs where eligible; you must book installation within 90 days of your start date or your prices can move to flexible rates

• E.ON Optimum, a free dashboard for SMEs with compatible smart or AMR meters, with up to three years of year-on-year comparison

• Online account with bill downloads, card payments and Direct Debit management

• EV chargers, solar panels and batteries

Ideal for: small businesses happy to have a smart meter, and those planning EV charging or on-site generation.

Technology Comparison

Business Energy Charges

Out-of-contract and deemed rates are the most expensive charges you're likely to face with either supplier. Our deemed contract energy rates guide explains how to avoid them.

Key Consideration

Both suppliers can object to a switch during a fixed term, so you can only move once your contract is ending. E.ON Next lets you renew online within 67 days of your end date, and British Gas writes about 70 days before. Use that window to compare, and give notice in writing so you don't drift onto variable or out-of-contract rates.

Pros and Cons of British Gas

Advantages

• Lower electricity quotes in our data. British Gas averaged 30.0p/kWh and 51.9p a day in October 2026, below E.ON Next on both.

• Broadest product range. From British Gas Lite to Flex Advantage, it covers almost every business size.

• Low-carbon electricity as standard. Zero Carbon on fixed plans, plus a free 100% renewable opt-in.

• Short-term options. A 30-day Flexible plan suits businesses that can't commit.

• Strong for higher gas users. Its lower gas unit rate makes it cheaper above about 14,600 kWh a year in our data.

Disadvantages

• Weaker complaints record. Ranked 5th for business complaints, with double E.ON Next's score.

• High gas standing charge. 196.5p a day on average hurts low-usage sites.

• Mixed experience on Lite. British Gas Lite scores 1.1 on Trustpilot and has no phone line.

• Zero Carbon isn't fully renewable. Most of it came from nuclear in 2025/26.

Pros and Cons of E.ON Next

Advantages

• Better service data. 3rd for business complaints and 3.71 out of 5 in the latest star rating.

• 100% renewable electricity on qualifying fixed tariffs. Included, not sold as an add-on.

• Low gas standing charge. Averaging 36.5p a day, which suits small gas users.

• Best online price promise. For eligible businesses using under 10,000 kWh, buying direct.

Disadvantages

• Higher electricity quotes in our data. 30.9p/kWh and 78.3p a day on average.

• Higher gas unit rate. 12.5p/kWh, which outweighs the standing charge saving for bigger users.

• Smart meter conditions. Missing the 90-day installation window can move you to flexible rates.

• Smaller range. Larger users are passed to npower Business Solutions.

• High-carbon supplier-wide mix. 322g/kWh in 2025/26.

Which Supplier is Better for Which Business Types?

British Gas vs E.ON Next: Side-by-Side

British Gas vs E.ON Next FAQs

Is British Gas or E.ON Next cheaper for business energy?

British Gas was cheaper for electricity in our October 2026 data, averaging 30.0p/kWh and 51.9p a day against E.ON Next's 30.9p/kWh and 78.3p a day. For gas, E.ON Next was cheaper for businesses using less than about 14,600 kWh a year because of its low standing charge. Your own quote will vary.

Is E.ON Next business electricity 100% renewable?

Yes, on selected fixed tariffs signed or renewed directly with E.ON Next, where a smart meter is fitted where eligible. Its supplier-wide fuel mix was 27.3% renewable in 2025/26, because that figure covers all customers and tariffs.

Is British Gas business electricity renewable?

Partly. British Gas fixed plans include Zero Carbon electricity, which was 36% renewable and 64% nuclear in 2025/26. Contracted customers can opt in to 100% renewable electricity at the same price, except on British Gas Lite.

Which has better customer service, British Gas or E.ON Next?

E.ON Next. It ranked 3rd of 15 in the Citizens Advice business complaints table for April to June 2026 with about half British Gas's complaints score, and scored 3.71 out of 5 in the star rating against British Gas's 2.61.

Do British Gas and E.ON Next charge exit fees?

Yes, in effect. You can't normally end a British Gas fixed plan early, and E.ON Next applies exit fees on its fixed tariffs and can block an early switch. Variable and flexible plans can be ended with notice.

What happens when my contract ends?

With British Gas, you move onto its Variable Price Plan. With E.ON Next, you move onto a Flexible Business Plan at the rates in your renewal letter, or out-of-contract prices if you've given notice to leave. Both are usually more expensive than a new fixed deal.

Can large businesses use British Gas or E.ON Next?

Yes. British Gas serves large businesses directly, including Flex Advantage for sites above 1GWh. E.ON Next passes businesses using more than 100,000 kWh of electricity or 293,000 kWh of gas a year to npower Business Solutions.

Is E.ON Next the same as OVO?

No, but they're now in the same group. E.ON completed its acquisition of OVO in October 2026. E.ON Next remains the brand that supplies small business customers.

Alternatives to British Gas and E.ON Next

• Octopus vs British Gas

• British Gas vs SSE

• Octopus vs E.ON Next

• EDF vs E.ON Next

• E.ON Next vs Scottish Power

• Top 10 business energy suppliers

Verdict: British Gas or E.ON Next?

Choose British Gas if you want:

• The lowest electricity price based on our October 2026 averages

• A lower gas unit rate for higher gas usage

• Multi-site, landlord or large business products, including block purchasing above 1GWh

• A 30-day Flexible plan or a free upgrade to 100% renewable electricity

Choose E.ON Next if you want:

• A supplier with a stronger complaints and service record

• 100% renewable electricity included on a standard fixed tariff

• A low gas standing charge for a small gas supply

• EV charging, solar or battery products alongside your energy

For most micro and small businesses, E.ON Next is the safer choice. Its lead on the Citizens Advice business complaints table is large, and renewable electricity comes included on qualifying fixed tariffs. British Gas is the better fit for businesses using more energy, especially gas, and for multi-site or large organisations that need a wider range of products.

Whichever you lean towards, get live quotes from both, compare the full annual cost including standing charges, and diary your contract end date on the day you sign.

You can compare business electricity and business gas prices from both suppliers and the rest of our panel in one go.