Compare Business Energy Prices Online — the honest UK guide
How our comparison engine really works, what determines your unit rate, and how to compare business energy deals for SMEs, limited companies and multi-site commercial properties without falling for the marketing spin.
How Energy Tariff compares business energy prices
Every quote we produce starts with your meter, not a marketing table. Your MPAN or MPRN tells us your region, distribution charges and profile class — the three things that most influence the rate suppliers will offer you. From there we score every tariff on our UK panel against your annual usage, contract length preference and any renewable requirement.
You get a shortlist of the strongest deals — with total annual cost, unit rate, standing charge and contract length all in one view — so you can compare like-for-like instead of chasing headline rates.
What actually determines your business's rate
- Meter region. Distribution network charges vary meaningfully by region — a Glasgow office and a Southampton office on identical usage will be quoted different unit rates.
- Consumption band. Higher-usage sites get sharper unit rates but pay more in absolute terms; the sweet spot for most SMEs sits at the top of the small-business band.
- Meter type. Half-hourly (HH) meters get bespoke pricing built from your load curve; profile-class meters (01-04) use industry-standard shapes.
- Contract length. 24- and 36-month deals are typically the cheapest per kWh; 12-month deals give flexibility at a small premium.
- Credit profile. Suppliers price in the risk of non-payment. Newer businesses or those with historic issues may face a security deposit rather than a higher rate.
Worked pricing examples by business size
The figures below are illustrative only — for realistic ranges, not live quotes. Replace with verified figures before launch.
| Business size | Old rate | New rate | Annual saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10,000 kWh/yr) | £3,400 / yr | £2,650 / yr | £750 |
| Medium (60,000 kWh/yr) | £17,800 / yr | £14,200 / yr | £3,600 |
| Large (250,000 kWh/yr HH) | £72,500 / yr | £58,900 / yr | £13,600 |
Your pre-switch checklist
Before comparing business energy deals for SMEs — or any commercial property — run through this quick list:
- Locate your MPAN (electricity) and/or MPRN (gas) from a recent bill
- Note your current supplier and contract end date
- Have 12 months of annual kWh usage to hand — or your annual spend
- Confirm whether your meter is single-rate, two-rate or half-hourly
- Decide your tariff preference: fixed for certainty, variable for flexibility, or renewable for sustainability
- Check whether you qualify for a reduced 5% VAT rate
- Compare total annual cost — not just the headline unit rate
- Check contract length, exit clauses and out-of-contract rates before signing
Comparing business energy — FAQs
How does comparing business energy prices with Energy Tariff work?
Tell us your postcode and a few details about your business. We check live rates from our panel of UK suppliers, present the best-value tariffs for your usage profile, and — if you're happy — handle the switch for you end to end. There's no paperwork and no interruption to your supply.
Is it free to compare business energy prices?
Yes. Our comparison service is completely free for UK businesses. We're paid a commission by the supplier you choose to switch to, which is factored into the unit rate — it never adds extra cost on top of your quote.
Will comparing my rates affect my current contract?
No. Requesting a comparison is completely non-binding and doesn't change anything with your current supplier. You'll only switch when you formally accept a new contract with a new supplier.
How long does it take to switch business energy supplier?
Most switches complete within 4-6 weeks. Ofgem's rules guarantee a smooth transfer with no loss of supply, and your new supplier handles the meter reads and communication with your old one.
What's the difference between fixed and variable business energy tariffs?
A fixed tariff locks your unit rate and standing charge for the length of the contract — great for budgeting certainty. A variable tariff moves with wholesale prices, so bills go up or down each month. Most UK SMEs pick fixed for predictability.
How long can I fix my business energy tariff for?
Business energy contracts are usually available in 1, 2, 3 or 4 year fixed terms. Longer contracts give more price certainty and often marginally lower rates, but reduce your flexibility if prices fall or your business changes.
Are renewable business energy tariffs more expensive?
Not necessarily. Many green tariffs — backed by REGO certificates — are priced within 1-3% of standard tariffs, and some are even cheaper. They're a strong option if you want to reduce Scope 2 emissions without adding significant cost.
What is a deemed or out-of-contract rate?
Deemed rates apply when you move into a premises and haven't yet agreed a contract; out-of-contract rates apply when your existing deal expires and you haven't renewed. Both are significantly more expensive than a negotiated tariff and should be exited as soon as possible.
Compare business energy deals for SMEs today
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