How To Find the Best Energy Supplier for Your Business

Figures from the latest nPower Business Solutions Business Energy Tracker show that nearly half (48%) of UK business owners say energy accounts for a quarter or more of their total business costs.

For larger energy users - those businesses with an annual spend of more than £1 million - 11% said energy could account for as much as half of their total costs.

So, finding the right supplier with the most competitive rates can be a quick and easy way to cut your costs. But it’s not all about the price. Customer service, contract flexibility, renewable energy options, billing accuracy, and account management all play a part in finding the best supplier for your business.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer from our panel of business energy suppliers, what to look for when switching, how to find the right business gas and electricity deal, and more.

Why Review Your Current Business Energy Supplier? 

Business energy prices, contract terms, and service standards vary between suppliers. The cheapest rates may not always offer the best value if billing isn’t accurate, or the contract doesn’t suit the needs of your business.  

That’s before you factor in the hours you could spend on hold if your supplier offers poor customer support. 

Comparing suppliers can help in the following ways: 

• Cut your business energy costs 

• Avoid expensive out-of-contract rates 

• Consider time-of-use tariffs 

• Access to better customer support and account management 

• Explore renewable and carbon-neutral energy options 

• Find a provider that suits your business size and energy usage  

What to Consider When Choosing Your Next Supplier 

As outlined above, when choosing a new business energy supplier, there are lots of things to consider alongside price. So, look out for the following: 

• Price and tariffs - Review both unit rates and standing charges. Compare fixed and variable tariffs to determine which best matches your budget and appetite for risk.  

• Customer service - Supplier support can vary widely. Check independent reviews and satisfaction ratings before switching.  

• Contract terms - Look at contract length, renewal terms, exit fees, and payment options.  

• Green energy options - Many suppliers now offer renewable electricity and sustainability initiatives to help businesses meet environmental goals.  

• Supplier reliability - Accuracy of billing, account management quality, and dispute handling can make a big difference to your experience.  

When you switch with us, our energy experts will talk you through your options and answer any questions to help you make the right decision. 

How to Choose Between Business Energy Suppliers

There are dozens of energy suppliers powering businesses across the UK. Some focus on small businesses, while others specialise in large commercial and industrial customers. It’s important to choose a supplier that can meet the needs of your business. 

Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular suppliers on our panel. 

British Gas Business

One of the UK's largest commercial energy suppliers, offering tailored products for small businesses and larger organisations. Services include fixed-price contracts, smart meter solutions, and dedicated support.  

Brook Green Supply

Offers bespoke energy solutions, sustainability reporting, and dedicated account management for larger commercial organisations. 

Crown Energy

Provides electricity, gas, and water services, with additional green gas options for larger businesses. 

Drax

Supplies renewable electricity and gas, alongside biomass tariffs, carbon reduction support, smart energy management, and dedicated account services.  

EDF Energy

EDF supplies businesses of all sizes, including those with complex energy requirements and multi-site operations.  

ENGIE

Provides business energy for commercial and industrial customers, offering fixed and flexible contracts, smart energy management, green solutions, and tailored support for larger and multi-site operations. 

E.ON Next

Offers fixed and variable business energy contracts alongside renewable electricity options, smart meters, and online account management.  

ScottishPower

Provides business energy contracts backed by digital account management tools and automated meter reading solutions.  

SEFE Energy

Supplies gas, electricity, and renewable energy contracts to businesses ranging from SMEs to large enterprises. 

Shell Energy

Supplies gas, electricity, and renewable energy to help companies cut costs. Offers carbon with flexible contracts, expert energy efficiency support, and a simple online account portal. 

SmartestEnergy

Specialists in renewable energy solutions that support businesses working towards net-zero targets.  

Valda Energy

Focused on SMEs, Valda supplies electricity generated from renewable sources, including wind, solar, hydro, and anaerobic digestion.  

Yü Energy

A growing business energy supplier that concentrates on affordable utility contracts for small and medium-sized businesses.  

Yorkshire Gas and Power

Offers competitively priced gas and electricity, flexible contracts, smart meter support, and easy-to-use online account management for SMEs and larger organisations. 

How to Find the Best Business Energy Rates

Comparing business energy quotes is one of the simplest ways to ensure you're not overpaying for power. When you compare with us, we use smart data to help cut the amount of form-filling, but it can still help to have the following info to hand: 

• Your latest business energy bill 

• Annual energy consumption figures 

• Your business postcode 

• Current contract end date 

• Meter numbers (MPAN for electricity, MPRN for gas)

Once you have this information, enter your postcode to start your comparison. It helps to get quotes from a range of suppliers rather than simply accepting your current provider's renewal offer – it's unlikely to be the most competitive quote available. 

Using a broker means you can compare a range of quotes in one call. This saves you the time and hassle of ringing around multiple suppliers to find the best rates. 

You can also choose between fixed-rate contracts for price certainty or variable tariffs that fluctuate with market conditions. Fixed rates are often best, especially when prices are volatile, but our energy experts can help you work out which best suits your needs. 

It also helps to look beyond headline rates and consider service quality, contract flexibility, renewable options, and account management. 

When is the Best Time to Switch Business Energy Suppliers? 

Depending on the size of your business, the switch can take between five days and 30 days. Try not to leave switching until the last minute, as this can limit your options.  

It could also see you roll onto your supplier’s more expensive out-of-contract rates if there’s a gap between your current contract ending and your new one starting.  

It’s also worth factoring in any possible delays to your switch if either supplier decides to block the switch. This could be because money is owed to a previous supplier, or some of your details were incorrect when the switch was arranged. 

You can compare quotes as soon as your switching window opens. This can be up to 12 months before your current contract ends. 

Remember, when you sign a fixed-term business energy contract, you’re locked in for the duration of that deal. This means any new contract you sign won’t start until the current one has ended, even if you agreed to it months in advance. 

Even so, it can pay to lock in quotes early if prices rise between your switching window opening and your new contract going live. 

What Happens When You Switch Business Energy Suppliers? 

Although not as simple as switching home energy suppliers, the process should be relatively straightforward, especially with the support of our business energy experts. Here’s what to expect: 

• Sign your new contract - Once you've selected your supplier and tariff, you'll review and sign the contract. 

• Validation checks - The new supplier will verify business details, meter information, and contract dates before progressing the switch.  

• Existing supplier review - Your current supplier may object to the transfer if there are outstanding debts or account issues that need resolving.  

• Submit a meter reading - A final meter reading ensures accurate billing from both your old and new suppliers.  

• Supply transfers - The switch completes on the agreed date, with no interruption to your gas or electricity supply.  

How Long Does it Take to Switch Business Energy Suppliers? 

Switching times depend on the type and size of your business.

• Micro businesses can often switch within five working days.

• Larger businesses may take up to 30 days.

• If you're still contracted with your current supplier, the switch will normally begin when your existing agreement ends.

How Much Could You Save?

Energy prices usually increase over time, so it’s unlikely you’ll find rates that are cheaper than those you’re currently paying. Most savings are made against what you pay if you roll onto your supplier’s out-of-contract rates.  

The average customer saves 35% by signing a direct contract rather than going out of contract. 

The amount you save can also be affected by the following: 

• Business size

• Industry sector

• Energy consumption

• Current tariff

• Contract type

• Location

Businesses on out-of-contract rates often have the greatest opportunity to save when switching suppliers. Even a small reduction in unit rates can create substantial savings, especially for higher-usage businesses.  

How to Complain About Your Business Energy Supplier 

We only work with a panel of trusted business energy suppliers, but we understand that things don’t always go as planned. If you're unhappy with your supplier, you need to contact them directly to let them know what the issue is. 

When making a complaint, this usually needs to be in writing (email is usually fine) and should include the following: 

• A clear explanation of the issue 

• Your preferred resolution 

• Any copies of copies of all evidence and bills  

You should then keep records of calls and correspondence, including the name of the person dealing with your complaint. 

Escalating a Complaint

If your supplier fails to resolve the issue, you can get assistance from the following organisations: 

• Citizens Advice - Free, impartial support and can explain your rights and your supplier's obligations. There’s more info on non-domestic suppliers on the Citizens Advice website. 

• Energy Ombudsman - If your complaint remains unresolved after eight weeks, or if you've received a deadlock letter, you can refer the matter to the Energy Ombudsman. The Ombudsman can require suppliers to rectify problems, apologise, and in some cases provide compensation.  

Business Energy Supplier FAQs

Still have questions about business energy suppliers? Check out the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

What's the difference between business and domestic energy contracts?

Business energy contracts aren't covered by Ofgem's price cap and aren't subject to a 14-day cooling-off period once signed. Most businesses are charged VAT at the standard 20% rate, unless your business qualifies for the reduced 5% rate. Rates are also individually negotiated based on usage, sector, and credit profile, so no two businesses pay the same price.

Can I get a reduced VAT rate on my business energy? 

Yes. Businesses using less than 33 kWh of electricity or 145 kWh of gas per day (known as "de minimis" usage) automatically qualify for the reduced 5% VAT rate. Charities and certain non-profits may also qualify for 5% VAT plus exemption from the Climate Change Levy (CCL) by submitting a VAT declaration form to their supplier.

What happens if I don't switch before my contract ends?

If you don't sign a new deal in time, you'll usually roll onto "out-of-contract" rates, which can be significantly more expensive than a negotiated tariff. These rates typically apply month-to-month with no fixed term, so it's worth keeping a note of your renewal window well in advance. 

Do I need a half-hourly meter for my business?

Businesses with a maximum demand over 100kW (typically larger commercial or industrial sites) are usually required to have a half-hourly (HH) meter, which records usage every 30 minutes. Smaller businesses generally use non-half-hourly (NHH) meters, though some suppliers offer voluntary HH metering to help larger SMEs better understand and manage consumption patterns. 

Can I switch suppliers if I'm moving business premises?

Yes, moving business premises allows you to end your current location-specific energy contract and switch supplier by completing a Change of Tenancy (COT) process and arranging a new contract for your new premises. 

Will a poor credit history affect my business energy quote?

It can. Suppliers may run a credit check as part of the validation process, and businesses with a limited trading history or weaker credit score may be offered higher rates, asked for a security deposit, or required to pay via direct debit rather than invoice. Newer businesses in particular should expect this as a standard part of onboarding. 

Is it cheaper to use a broker or go direct to a supplier?

Brokers don't typically charge businesses a fee directly; instead earning commission built into the rate from the supplier. We will always let you know what this rate is before you sign your contract. Going direct can occasionally undercut broker rates, but brokers save time by comparing multiple suppliers in one call and can access negotiated rates not always available on the open market, particularly useful if you don't have time to shop around. 

How can I reduce my business energy usage, not just its cost?

Simple measures like upgrading to LED lighting, installing smart thermostats, and scheduling equipment maintenance can meaningfully cut consumption alongside switching suppliers. Many suppliers, including several on our panel, offer free energy audits or smart meter data insights that highlight where usage (and cost) can be trimmed further.