Compare Business Energy Suppliers

What is business energy?

Business energy is the term used to describe gas and electricity that is used specifically for business purposes. Whether you're a small business or large enterprise, you’ll need a business energy supplier to power your workplace.

How to switch business energy suppliers?

Switching business energy suppliers may seem like a complicated task, but it’s actually much easier than you think. Taking a little time out of your day to get to a better business energy deal will help to save you money. It may not be efficient to get energy quotes directly from suppliers, which is why business energy comparison sites like ours are here to help you find the best deal for your business!

Rather than spending hours shifting through sites to compare business energy suppliers online, our business energy comparison service lets UK companies receive a fast commercial energy comparison.

Before you start, have your current energy contract and a recent bill to hand. This will help identify who your current supplier is, the terms of the contract and how much you pay on gas and electric. If you can’t find them, no problem, we can look up your current supplier and usage automatically with your permission to generate accurate quotes.

Here are the basic steps on how to get started on your business energy switch with us:

Step 1 - You can start your switch with us here. You will be asked to enter your businesses postcode and provide a few details on your current gas or electric usage.

Step 2 - You will be provided with quotes from various suppliers. Simply compare the tariffs and choose the best energy deal for your business. You can make the switch and purchase online or over the phone if you prefer.

Step 3 - We will notify your current business energy supplier and do the rest! All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the savings!

Retrieving a quote and picking a supplier - that’s all you need to do, it’s that simple. All the finer details are handled for you. It usually takes around 4-6 weeks to switch your energy supplier - read more about this below.

We’ve helped 1000s of businesses save money on their energy with our business energy comparison website - become one of them today!

Why switch business energy supplier?

Lots of businesses make the mistake of letting years go by without conducting a business energy suppliers comparison and checking that their current provider is still offering the best deal their company could receive.

According to Oil and Gas UK, gas prices have risen by 250% since the start of the year. With energy prices on the rise, signing a rollover contract with your initial supplier isn’t the best way to ensure you continue receiving competitive rates. If you find a better energy deal for your business, you should seriously consider making the switch.

Who is the cheapest business energy supplier?

The price of commercial gas and electricity will be different for every business across the UK. So, the cheapest supplier for you may not be the cheapest for another business. Why is that? Factors such as the size of your business and its location can have a significant impact on the supplier you get and the price you’ll pay for your business energy.

Also, keep in mind that the cheapest tariff may not be the best for your business. With suppliers offering a range of different contracts, payment terms and levels of customer service, there’s more to consider than just choosing the cheapest supplier.

Why not compare now to find out who’s the cheapest business energy supplier for you?

What factors can impact my business energy quote?

As mentioned, there are lots of factors that can impact the business energy suppliers and quotes you receive. Business energy prices fluctuate regularly, and things that can influence your quote include:

• The size of your business the quote a small startup receives will be very different to that of a large corporation.
• Your current business energy provider - as well as average consumption and the type of meters you have.
• Location in the UK - energy supply and demand varies region to region, affecting prices paid.

This is one of the reasons why figuring out the best provider for your company can be so difficult. However, this is not the case when you compare through Capalona. We take all these factors into consideration when finding the best energy supplier and price for your company!

Can my business access a dual fuel energy deal?

Unlike domestic energy which allows for dual fuel tariffs, when it comes to business energy you have to keep your gas and electricity contracts separate.

However, here at Capalona we offer the next best thing. Our business energy comparison service lets you compare both business electricity and gas prices at one click of a button.

How much gas and electricity does the average UK business use?

The amount of gas and electricity a business uses depends largely on its size. It’s estimated that on average, every year:

• Micro businesses use between 5,000 - 15,000 kWh of gas and electricity.
• Small businesses use between 15,000 - 30,000 kWh of gas and 15,000 - 25,000 kWh of electricity.
• Medium businesses use between 30,000 - 60,000 kWh of gas and 25,000 - 50,000 kWh of electricity.

Average Business Energy Prices

How long does it take to switch business energy suppliers?

It usually takes around 4-6 weeks to switch, depending on your business energy supplier. The process is generally straightforward but can be delayed, especially if you haven't provided the information that's required by the supplier. To make the business energy switch go as fast and smoothly as possible, any details requested by the supplier should be sent across promptly. The process may also be delayed if you're still under contract with your existing supplier.

Is there a cooling off period for business energy contracts?

Unfortunately, there’s no "cooling-off" period for business energy customers. Once you commit with the supplier by agreeing over the phone, online, or signing a document, you cannot cancel it. This applies even if the contract date has not started yet.

It is very important to read all the business energy quote terms and conditions carefully and that you are happy before you agree to the contract.

Can my current supplier cancel the switch?

Your existing business energy supplier can only object if you are still in contract or there is an outstanding debt on the account. Make sure you tell your supplier well in advance that you’re looking to switch.

Can I switch business energy suppliers whilst in contract?

If you are still in contract with your existing supplier, then you won’t be able to switch. Once you agree to a business energy contract, it can be difficult to get out of whilst still under the term unless you:

Pay a cancellation fee - Your current provider may give you the option to switch if you agree to pay the current contract outright, but this might not be possible for your business to do this.

Move premises - If your business moves premises during the contract term, then you can switch suppliers. Before you move to the new address, make sure they are aware of the moving date well in advance.

What is a rollover contract?

A rollover contract is an automatic renewal of your agreement between your business and energy supplier when it’s due to end. This will remain in place until it’s cancelled by you. Always be aware of your contract expiry date, as once your contract ‘rolls over’, it may be difficult to cancel and switch to a new provider.

What is an MPAN and MPRN number?

These are unique reference numbers for your electricity and gas supplies that you'll find on your meters and on your energy bills.

MPAN - A Metering Point Administration Number is your unique electricity supply reference number. This number is sometimes called an electricity ‘supplier number’, is a mark used to identify the meter to your property or business.

MPRN - A Meter Point Reference Number is your gas supply reference number. It’s usually a 10 digit number that simply identifies your gas meter to your property.

Is your comparison service free?

Yes, our business energy comparison and switch services are completely free! We won’t charge you any upfront fees. Instead, we may receive a commission from the broker or commercial energy provider we successfully refer you to - but our business energy comparison advice is always impartial and in your best interest.

Does the energy price cap apply to businesses?

No, the energy price cap does not protect businesses that are on out-of-contract energy tariffs. Ofgem set up the energy price cap to help control the cost of domestic energy on default tariffs by limiting the price per kWh charged on electricity and gas.

If your business energy contract has ended or is due to end, you could save money by switching your business to a new energy tariff or supplier.

What happens if my business energy supplier goes bust?

Recently, more and more gas and electricity suppliers are going bust as a result of record high gas prices. If you are a business energy customer and your supplier goes bust, please don't worry. Regulator Ofgem will automatically appoint a new business supplier for you within 14 days. During this time, your gas and electricity supply won't be disrupted.

The advice for businesses is to take a meter reading as soon as possible, sit tight and not switch until a new supplier is assigned to you.

How to keep business energy costs at a low

Now more than ever, it’s crucial that your business takes steps to keep business energy costs down. There are steps you can take to become energy efficient proactively reduce your company’s total spend:

• Conduct an energy audit to figure out how much you’re spending on business gas and electricity.
• Compare suppliers, rates and perks to find out if your business could be receiving a better energy deal.
• Find the right type of tariff for your company. Generally speaking, your tariff will either be fixed or flexible.
• Take steps to reduce spend, such as switching to LED lightbulbs and ensuring your teams are using electricity responsibly.
• Keep a close eye on your contracts and do your research when coming to the end of your gas or electricity terms. Keep Capalona’s business energy comparison service in mind.

Suggested Reading: Read our guide on how to lower your business energy costs.