Compare business energy
Business energy is not priced like household energy: there is no price cap and no single price list. Here is what to compare between offers, and how to get quotes you can compare properly.
- Compare unit rates and standing charges together
- Electricity and gas, fixed or flexible
- Free quotes from an independent consultant
What to compare between business energy offers
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Unit rate (p per kWh) | What you pay for every unit you use. The biggest part of the bill for most businesses. |
| Standing charge (p per day) | A fixed daily charge whatever you use. A low unit rate with a high standing charge can cost more if your usage is low. |
| Contract length | Usually one to five years. Longer fixes give certainty but lock you in if prices fall. |
| Fixed or flexible | Fixed contracts set the price for the term. Flexible contracts buy energy over time and suit larger users. |
| Exit fees and notice | What it costs to leave early, and the contract end date. |
| Broker commission | Built into the unit rate. Under Ofgem rules it has to be shown on microbusiness contracts and bills. |
The fair test is total yearly cost: your yearly kWh multiplied by the unit rate, plus 365 days of standing charge, for each offer over the same contract length.
Why comparing on time matters most
The most expensive position for a business is having no contract at all. If a fixed contract ends with nothing new agreed, suppliers can move you onto out-of-contract rates, which are usually higher. Government figures show the smallest businesses already paid an average of 38.36p per kWh for electricity in Q2 2026: see business electricity prices and business gas prices.
An independent consultant compares offers from the suppliers on their panel and can start months before your end date. How energy brokers work.
Questions businesses ask
How do I compare business energy prices?
Compare the unit rate and the standing charge together, for the same contract length, using your actual yearly usage. The cheapest unit rate is not always the cheapest contract if the standing charge is high and your usage is low.
Why can't I see business energy prices on comparison sites straight away?
Business prices depend on your meter, location, usage and credit check, so suppliers quote individually rather than publishing one price list. That is why a quote needs details from your bill.
Should I choose a fixed or flexible business energy contract?
Most small businesses choose fixed contracts for certainty over one to three years. Flexible contracts, which buy energy in blocks over time, are usually suited to larger users with someone to manage them.
Is a green business energy tariff more expensive?
Not always. Compare the unit rate and standing charge as you would for any other contract, and ask how the green claim is backed, for example by renewable certificates.
Contract ending soon?
Get quotes in now, before you are moved onto out-of-contract rates.
Get free business energy quotes