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Switching business energy supplier is rarely just about who has the lowest headline rate. It also comes down to how predictable your bills stay over the contract term, how easily you can point to a genuine renewable supply, and how quickly you can get a straight answer when something on the bill doesn't add up.
E.ON Next and Scottish Power are two of the UK's biggest energy suppliers for business customers. E.ON Next has moved its whole business book onto the Kraken billing platform and structures its small business tariffs by usage band, while Scottish Power leans on its position as one of the UK's biggest generators of wind power and pairs that with a For Business tariff that keeps the wholesale energy cost fixed but reviews some charges each quarter.
This business energy comparison looks at tariffs, contract length, pricing structure, renewable credentials, customer service, smart tech and fees, so you can compare E.ON against Scottish Power for your company’s energy supply.
E.ON Next vs Scottish Power at a Glance
Feature | E.ON Next | Scottish Power |
Business Size Focus | Micro and small businesses to large corporates | Small businesses to large corporates |
Gas Supply | Yes | Yes |
Electricity Supply | Yes | Yes |
Low-Carbon Electricity | Yes, REGO-backed on selected tariffs | Yes, wind-backed as standard |
Smart Meter Support | Yes | Yes |
Fully Fixed Pricing | Yes, on SME fixed tariffs | Partly, energy cost fixed but some charges reviewed quarterly |
EV Charging Solutions | Yes | Yes |
Net Zero Support | Good | Good |
Fixed Tariffs | Yes, typically 1 to 3 years | Yes, 1 to 3 years |
Multi-Site Management | Yes, up to around 50 meters online | Yes |
Online Account Management | Yes, via Kraken | Yes |
Which Supplier Offers Better Business Energy Tariffs?
Neither E.ON Next nor Scottish Power publishes a single standard business rate that applies to every customer, because pricing depends on:
Business location
Annual consumption
Industry type
Meter type
Contract length
Credit profile
Regional distribution charges
It's worth noting that the two suppliers split their tariff ranges quite differently. E.ON Next tiers its business tariffs by how much energy a business uses, with a separate journey for micro and small businesses, multi-site and property portfolios, and larger corporate accounts. Scottish Power instead splits its core tariff by cost type, with the wholesale energy element fixed for the contract term and a smaller set of network and environmental charges reviewed each quarter.
E.ON Next Tariffs
SME Fixed Tariff
Fixed rates for businesses that meet the Ofgem or EU definition of a micro or small business, broadly those using 100,000 kWh or less of electricity a year and/or 293,000 kWh or less of gas, with prices locked in for the length of the agreement.
Best for:
Small offices, shops and sole traders wanting a single fixed quote
Businesses that want to get a price online without a phone call
Owners who want a set unit rate and standing charge for budgeting
Multi-Site and Property Tariff
A dedicated quote route for anyone managing two or more premises, or acting on behalf of another business as a property manager or landlord.
Large and Corporate Solutions
Fixed rate contracts for businesses that use more than 100,000 kWh of electricity a year and/or 293,000 kWh of gas, with bespoke pricing and support from a dedicated energy specialist for higher-usage sites.
Renewable Electricity Tariffs
REGO-backed renewable electricity is available on selected E.ON Next business tariffs, giving businesses a way to evidence a renewable supply without moving to a specialist green supplier.
Scottish Power Tariffs
For Business Tariff
A fixed term tariff, available over 1, 2 or 3 years, made up of a fixed wholesale energy element and a variable element covering network, social and environmental costs. The variable part is reviewed quarterly, with any changes taking effect on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October.
Best for:
Businesses that want the bulk of their price protected from wholesale swings
Companies happy to accept some quarterly movement on non-energy costs
Businesses wanting a straightforward 1 to 3 year term
Renewable For Business Tariff
The same fixed and variable structure as the For Business tariff, but backed by 100% renewable electricity drawn from Scottish Power's wind generation portfolio.
Standard Variable and Deemed Rates
Applied automatically when a fixed contract ends without a renewal, or when a business moves into premises already supplied by Scottish Power without agreeing a new contract. Scottish Power states these rates are typically higher than its 1, 2 or 3 year fixed contracts.
Large Business Bespoke Contracts
Tailored contracts for higher-usage businesses, managed through a dedicated large business energy team, with multi-site billing and consumption reporting handled through the Scottish Power commercial energy portal.
Tariff Comparison Table
Tariff Type | E.ON Next | Scottish Power |
Fixed Rate | Yes, up to 3 years | Yes, up to 3 years |
Fully Fixed, No Variable Element | Yes, on SME fixed tariffs | Limited, core tariff has a variable pass-through element |
Renewable Tariffs | Yes, REGO-backed on selected tariffs | Yes, wind-backed as standard |
Multi-Site Contracts | Yes | Yes |
No Exit Fee Option | Limited | Limited |
Bespoke Large Business Contracts | Yes | Yes |
Half-Hourly Meter Tariffs | Yes | Yes |
Winner: E.ON Next, for businesses that want a single number, one fixed unit rate and standing charge with nothing reviewed mid-contract. Scottish Power remains a strong option for businesses that want their electricity guaranteed to come from wind generation as standard, rather than on a separate green tariff.
How Do Contract Lengths Compare?
E.ON Next Contract Terms
Contract Type | Typical Length |
SME Fixed Tariff | 1 to 3 years |
Large or Corporate Fixed Contracts | 1 to 3 years, bespoke terms available |
Standard Variable, After Rollover | No fixed term |
Scottish Power Contract Terms
Contract Type | Typical Length |
For Business/Renewable For Business | 1, 2 or 3 years |
Standard Variable | No fixed term |
Deemed Rate | No fixed term, applies until a contract is agreed |
Contract Length Scorecard
Factor | E.ON Next | Scottish Power |
Short-Term Flexibility | Good | Good |
Long-Term Fixed Procurement | Good, up to 3 years | Good, up to 3 years |
Protection From Non-Energy Cost Rises | Strong, fixed for the term | Limited, variable element reviewed quarterly |
E.ON Next vs Scottish Power Pricing Structure
Business energy quotes typically include:
Unit Rate
Price charged for each kWh consumed. As an example, one industry pricing guide reported E.ON Next SME electricity unit rates for businesses using under 50,000 kWh a year running at roughly 23p to 26p per kWh as of May 2026, while a separate comparison site quoted Scottish Power's cheapest 2-year fixed rate for a 25,000 kWh London business as its worked example for January 2026. Your own quote will depend on location, usage and credit profile.
Standing Charge
Daily fee covering infrastructure and administration. Both suppliers include a standing charge on the majority of their core business tariffs.
Pass-Through Charges
As explained in our guide to pass-through and fully fixed energy contracts, Scottish Power's For Business tariff separates network, social and environmental costs as a variable element reviewed quarterly, while E.ON Next's SME fixed tariffs are marketed as a single all-in fixed unit rate and standing charge for the length of the contract.
May include:
Network costs
Balancing charges
Government levies
Capacity Charges
Applicable to some larger business connections with both suppliers.
Pricing Transparency Comparison
Area | E.ON Next | Scottish Power |
Online Quote Availability | Good | Limited, fixed prices for new business customers are not published online |
Upfront, All-In Pricing | Strong, on SME fixed tariffs | Partial, energy cost fixed but non-energy costs reviewed quarterly |
SME Simplicity | Good | Good |
Large Business Procurement | Good | Strong |
Which Supplier Has Better Renewable Energy Credentials?
Sustainability is becoming increasingly valuable to UK businesses.
E.ON Next Sustainability Initiatives
Offers
REGO-backed renewable electricity on selected business tariffs
A digital energy insights dashboard showing usage and offering sustainability tips, for compatible smart meters
Access to EV charge point installation for business fleets and premises
Pros
Backed by one of Europe's largest energy groups
Straightforward renewable option for SMEs wanting simple green cover
Digital energy insights included for compatible smart meters
Cons
Less emphasis on half-hourly renewable matching than some specialist green suppliers
Renewable cover applies to selected tariffs rather than as standard across the whole range
Scottish Power Sustainability Initiatives
Offers
100% renewable electricity as standard across its core business tariffs, generated mainly from its UK wind farm portfolio
Over 40 onshore and offshore wind farms across the UK, as part of the wider Iberdrola group
Smart meters and EV charge point support for business premises
Pros
Renewable electricity built into the standard tariff rather than sold as a separate green product
Large-scale, UK-based wind generation behind its supply
Long-established investment in UK renewable infrastructure
Cons
Fewer options for half-hourly renewable matching or export tariffs than some newer entrants
No widely marketed export tariff for business-generated solar or battery power
Sustainability Comparison
Renewable Category | E.ON Next | Scottish Power |
Low-Carbon Generation | Yes, REGO-backed on selected tariffs | Strong, wind-backed as standard |
Green Tariff as Standard | Limited, on selected tariffs | Yes, across core business range |
Half-Hourly Renewable Matching | Limited | Limited |
Solar and Battery Export Tariffs | Limited | Limited |
Net-Zero Support | Good | Good |
Winner: Scottish Power, for businesses that want renewable electricity included as standard rather than as an upgrade. E.ON Next is a solid choice for SMEs that want a simple REGO-backed option without paying for a specialist green tariff.
Customer Service Comparison
Customer support can have a major impact on small businesses when problems arise.
E.ON Next Business Support
Channels include
Online account management via the Kraken-based portal
Telephone, WhatsApp and live chat support during business hours
Billing support
Dedicated energy specialists for larger accounts
Strengths
A Trustpilot score of around 4.5 out of 5 from more than 200,000 reviews, as of July 2026
UK-based contact centres
Live chat and WhatsApp support staffed by people rather than bots for billing and contract queries
Weaknesses
Some customers report longer lead times for smart meter installation
Multi-site support is geared more towards portfolios of dozens of meters than very large estates
Scottish Power Business Support
Channels include
Online account management via the Scottish Power commercial energy portal and app
Telephone support through its large business energy customer team
Billing support
Dedicated large business account management
Strengths
Rated well for call-wait times among the UK's larger suppliers, as of 2026
Established large-business account management
Strong self-service tools for meter readings and bill downloads
Weaknesses
Ranked last of the large suppliers in the Which? 2026 customer satisfaction survey, with a low score for complaints handling
Trustpilot reviews are mixed, roughly 4.1 to 4.3 out of 5 from around 180,000 reviews, but cover both home and business customers together
Customer Service Scorecard
Area | E.ON Next | Scottish Power |
SME Support | Good | Good |
Large Business Support | Good | Strong |
Account Management | Good | Good |
Digital Services | Strong | Good |
Independent Review Scores | Strong | Mixed |
How Do Smart Meters and Tech Compare?
E.ON Next Technology Solutions
Smart meters available across business tariffs
Kraken-based online account for billing, usage and contract management
Digital energy insights dashboard showing usage by year, for compatible meters
EV charge point installation for business premises and fleets
Ideal For
SMEs wanting a modern, app-like account management experience
Multi-site businesses managing up to around 50 meters through one portal
Scottish Power Technology Solutions
Smart meters available across business tariffs, including half-hourly data for eligible meters
Online commercial energy portal and app for billing, meter readings and multi-site consumption
EV charge point support for business premises
Ideal For
Larger organisations wanting a dedicated portal for multi-site billing and consumption
Businesses prioritising renewable sourcing over granular time-of-use tariffs
Technology Comparison
Feature | E.ON Next | Scottish Power |
Smart Meters | Yes | Yes |
Usage Tracking | Yes | Yes |
Energy Analytics | Good | Good |
Time-of-Use / Demand Response Tariffs | Limited | Limited |
EV Charging Tools | Yes | Yes |
Large Business Monitoring | Good | Strong |
Business Energy Charges
Additional fees may apply with either supplier.
Common Charges
Fee Type | E.ON Next | Scottish Power |
Standing Charge | Yes, on most tariffs | Yes, on most tariffs |
Exit Fees on Fixed Contracts | Yes, typically £25 to £100 | Possible |
Quarterly Reviewed Charges | No | Yes, on the variable element of For Business tariffs |
Late Payment Charges | Possible | Possible |
Deemed Rate Charges | Possible | Yes, applies automatically without a contract |
Contract Renewal Charges | Varies | Varies |
Out-of-Contract Rates | Higher | Higher |
Key Consideration
Businesses should avoid rolling onto out-of-contract rates, which are typically far more expensive than a contracted tariff, whichever supplier you choose.
Pros and Cons of E.ON Next
Advantages
Digital-First Account Management
Since moving its business book onto the Kraken platform, E.ON Next's online account and app-based tools are built for self-service billing and switching.
Strong Independent Reviews
A Trustpilot score of around 4.5 out of 5 from more than 200,000 reviews, as of July 2026.
Clear Tiered Tariffs
Separate journeys for micro and small businesses, multi-site portfolios, and larger corporate accounts make it easier to find the right fit.
REGO-Backed Renewable Option
A straightforward way to evidence a renewable electricity supply on selected tariffs.
Disadvantages
Exit Fees on Fixed Contracts
Fixed tariffs carry exit fees, reported at £25 to £100 as of July 2026.
Renewable Cover Not Universal
Green electricity applies to selected tariffs rather than as standard across the whole range.
Rolls Onto a Variable Tariff at Renewal
As with most suppliers, letting a fixed contract lapse moves the account onto a more expensive variable rate.
Pros and Cons of Scottish Power
Advantages
Renewable Electricity as Standard
100% renewable electricity across its core business tariffs, backed by one of the UK's largest wind generation portfolios.
Established Large Business Team
A dedicated large business energy team and commercial portal built for multi-site accounts.
Competitive Call-Wait Times
Rated well among the UK's larger suppliers for ease of contact in 2026.
Choice of Payment Methods
Multiple ways to pay across its For Business tariffs.
Disadvantages
Not Fully Fixed
The For Business tariff's network, social and environmental costs are reviewed quarterly, so the total price can move even within a fixed term.
Weaker Complaints Handling Reputation
Ranked last of the large suppliers in the Which? 2026 customer satisfaction survey.
Fixed Prices Not Published Online
New business customers generally need to request a quote rather than seeing fixed rates upfront.
Which Supplier is Better for Which Business Types?
Business Type | Recommended | Reason |
Small Office or Startup | E.ON Next | Simple tiered fixed tariff and digital-first account management |
Shop | E.ON Next | Straightforward SME fixed tariff with a single online quote |
Restaurant | Scottish Power | Renewable electricity included as standard without upgrading tariff |
Multi-Site Business | Scottish Power | Established multi-site portal and large business account management team |
Manufacturer Wanting Full Price Certainty | E.ON Next | Fixed unit rate and standing charge without a quarterly reviewed element |
Manufacturer Prioritising Renewable Supply | Scottish Power | Wind-backed electricity as standard on core tariffs |
Enterprise Organisation | Scottish Power | Long-established large business energy team and bespoke contracts |
Sustainability-Focused Small Business | Scottish Power | Renewable electricity built into the standard tariff |
Business Wanting the Cheapest Online Fixed Quote | E.ON Next | Published tiered SME fixed tariffs available online |
Business Prioritising Independent Review Scores | E.ON Next | Stronger and more consistent Trustpilot rating as of July 2026 |
E.ON Next vs Scottish Power: Side-by-Side Summary
Category | Winner |
SME Pricing Transparency | E.ON Next |
Fully Fixed Pricing | E.ON Next |
Renewable Electricity as Standard | Scottish Power |
Digital Account Management | E.ON Next |
Large Business Account Management | Scottish Power |
Independent Customer Reviews | E.ON Next |
Call-Wait Times | Scottish Power |
Complaints Handling Reputation | E.ON Next |
Multi-Site Management | Scottish Power |
Green Credentials Overall | Scottish Power |
Key Questions to Ask Before Deciding
Before signing a business energy contract, compare:
Is the unit rate and standing charge fully fixed, or does part of the price get reviewed during the contract?
What is the unit rate?
Are there exit fees on a fixed contract?
What happens at contract renewal?
Is the electricity renewable as standard, or only on selected tariffs?
Can smart meters be installed, and how is the data used?
How are out-of-contract rates handled?
Is a dedicated account manager provided for multi-site or higher-usage accounts?
What do independent review scores say about complaints handling, not just the overall rating?
Can multiple sites be managed under one agreement?
Verdict: E.ON Next or Scottish Power for Business Energy?
Choose E.ON Next if you want:
A fully fixed unit rate and standing charge with nothing reviewed mid-contract
A tiered tariff structure that scales from micro business to large corporate accounts
Strong, consistent independent review scores
Digital-first account management built on the Kraken platform
Choose Scottish Power if you want:
Renewable electricity included as standard, not as a separate green tariff
Established large business account management and a commercial energy portal
Competitive call-wait times among the UK's larger suppliers
A supplier backed by one of the UK's largest wind generation portfolios
For most small businesses, day-to-day supply quality differs little between suppliers, because every provider uses the same national electricity and gas networks. However, when comparing pricing transparency, contract structure and independent review scores, E.ON Next tends to edge ahead for businesses that want a fully fixed, self-service tariff, while Scottish Power remains the stronger choice for businesses that want renewable electricity built into their standard tariff and are comfortable with a small, quarterly reviewed element in the price. Either way, it's worth using our business energy comparison tool to check current quotes against other suppliers before you sign.
