The expert team at Fidelity have applied their knowledge in business gas comparison to help business managers make better decisions about their business energy costs. Fill out our form by clicking the link below, and one of the experts will get back to you. 

There are several important factors as to why you should consider switching your business gas supplier, including cutting your monthly gas bills and finding a supplier that meets your business needs. Whether you are a micro business or running multiple properties, ensuring you have the best deal on business gas is crucial in saving money by having a contract tailored to you. Keep reading to learn more about the best business gas suppliers and important qualities to know about business gas, and if you want to know more about business electricity comparison then, head over to our dedicated page here. 

Should I Switch Business Gas Suppliers?

Deciding whether to switch to another business gas supplier is ultimately up to the business itself. However, our experts have recognised some key factors customers should consider when deciding whether to change supplier. Fidelity is here to make the change a stress-free and seamless process for our customers and can assist in making the right decision. One of the main factors that may motivate a customer to switch gas business suppliers is to save their business money on bills. Ensuring customers have chosen the right tariff suited to their business size, equipment, and location is important to save hundreds of pounds on business gas prices. 

Another reason to make the switch is to get a better service from your supplier. Excellent customer support is an attractive quality to customers as they may encounter a query or problem during their contract period. All top-notch business gas suppliers our experts have recommended above offer exemplary service. A huge priority for many businesses is to use green energy to reflect their company ethos. Using renewable energy is an excellent way to keep your business green; fortunately, users can choose green gas tariffs. 

How to Get the Best Deals on Business Gas

Our incredible team of business gas comparison experts here at Fidelity is committed to finding our customers the best business gas deals to ensure they save money on their monthly bills. Before we can work our magic, customers must follow a few simple steps to get started. Firstly, customers should provide our experts with basic details such as their business postcode, their current gas supplier, the business’s annual gas usage and the gas contract termination date. This is required so that our comparison tools can work effectively. All personal data is protected at Fidelity. 

Once all details have been entered, our experts can hand-pick the best business gas tariffs suited to you, ranging from fixed and variable rates to pass-through and deemed rate tariffs. Depending on factors such as business size, equipment, and location will determine the tariff for you. Once customers have found the tariff with the best business gas prices, our experts will complete the switch so customers can enjoy a hassle-free process.  

Business Gas Tariffs Explained:

With so many varied types of business gas tariffs available for our readers to choose from, there is no doubt they will find a contract suited to their business. Our experts at Fidelity work with the leding business gas suppliers across the country to ensure our customers receive the best service and price. Customers must be informed about each tariff type before committing to one. Further detail is provided below. 

Fixed Rates

A fixed-rate tariff is one of the most common types of business gas tariff, and as the name suggests, the unit rate is fixed throughout the entirety of a customer’s contract. A fixed-rate tariff can last anywhere from 1-4 years and is popular as customers will know exactly how much they pay without the risk of a price influx. Wholesale prices of gas tend to fluctuate, so having a fixed rate tariff can provide a sense of security. 

Customers should note that their gas bills may vary depending on how much is used, however, the unit rate will always stay constant. Businesses that have predictable energy usage are most suited to this tariff type. Completing a business gas comparison with our experts at Fidelity is crucial before committing to a contract. 

Variable Rates

Businesses that enjoy flexibility in their gas contract may be most suited to a variable rates tariff. The unit price in a variable rates tariff depends on the wholesale gas market prices, which fluctuate frequently. This means that customers on this tariff can benefit when the wholesale gas prices fall; however, when prices rise, customers will end up paying more than they wish. 

Variable rates tariffs do come with the risk of spending high amounts on your business gas bill, however, customers can make significant savings when the market falls. Customers looking for a secure option should opt for a fixed rates tariff, however, those willing to take the risk should try out variable rates. 

Extended Contracts

Some leading business gas suppliers will offer their customers an extended tariff, allowing the business to extend their current contract if they wish. The extended contract is often offered at a competitive rate, or if customers have not yet decided to switch or renew their contract, their current supplier will place them on an extended deal. This is a good option if businesses wish to stay with the same supplier whilst potentially benefiting from a competitive deal for extending their contract.

Flex Tariffs

Another business gas tariff that allows customers to save money on their monthly gas bill is the flex approach tariff. This is where businesses will purchase their gas in bulk upfront. Flex tariffs benefit customers as buying the gas for the business in advance saves money as it will be sold at wholesale price. This is a great alternative for larger businesses compared to a microbusiness due to the large upfront cost. 

Pass-Through

Under a pass-through business gas tariff, a customer’s bill will be split into two parts: fixed unit costs and variable charges. This contract will potentially result in greater overall savings for customers as they will be protected against volatile market prices. During the duration of a pass-through tariff, the fixed unit costs will remain the same. The variable charges will cover any other costs from your supplier, including Transmission Network costs and National Grid. 

Deemed Rate

Deemed rate tariffs are perhaps one of the most expensive types of business gas tariffs and should only be used short-term for this reason. When a business gas contract is up, or a business moves onto new premises, customers will be put onto the standard rate of a deemed rate tariff. This rate will be charged until a customer switches to another tariff, and this can be done anytime without penalty. 

Customers should always utilise our business gas comparison tool before committing to a contract to ensure they get the best rates.

What Factors Can Affect My Business Gas Bills?

When deciding the best business gas contract for your business, customers should be aware of how the total cost of gas is calculated. To find the most cost-effective supplier, our readers should be aware of the two key factors that contribute to the overall cost: the unit rate and the standing charge. 

The unit rate on your gas bill is the total price a customer pays for each unit of gas used. This is measured in kWh. The unit price can stay the same if a customer is on a fixed tariff, however, the price will vary on tariffs such as a variable tariff. Regarding the cost of unit rate, this is dependent on the business size and the annual gas usage. For example, for a micro business with an annual usage of 5000-15000 kWh, the average gas unit price per kWh is 10.3p. In contrast, a large business with an annual usage of over 65,000 kWh will pay an average of 9.4p per kWh.

On the other hand, the standing charge on your gas bill refers to the amount paid to your gas supplier daily for supplying gas to your business premises and managing the service. The daily standing charge for a microbusiness is an average of  55p, whereas a large business will pay an average of £1.10. These average rates exclude government schemes such as the Energy Bills Discount Scheme. 

Customers should be aware that their business will most likely be subject to business gas VAT rates. The standard VAT rate for businesses is 20%, with the exceptions being a business that uses less than 4397 kWh of gas per month or charities, which may only have to pay 5% VAT.

Best Business Gas Suppliers 

• British Gas
• SSE
• eON
• Drax
• Pozitive Energy
• Total
• SSE
• Smartest Energy
• Scottish Gas
• Scottish Power
• Opus Energy
• Engie
• EDF Energy
• Crown Gas and Power
• UGP
• Yü Energy

Other Points to Consider Before Switching Business Gas Suppliers

Before making the important decision of switching to another business gas supplier, there are some key points that our readers should consider to ensure they find the most suitable business gas tariff for them. Further detail is provided below by our experts at Fidelity to help you find the best business gas supplier. 

Gas Meter Installation

When switching to a new gas supplier business, it is uncommon to have a new gas meter installed unless necessary, such as if the meter is damaged or the property does not have a meter connection. Customers should check this factor before making the switch. Gas meters can either be installed inside or outside of the property, depending on the whereabouts of the building’s gas supply. The installation process is straightforward and will be in the hands of the supplier.  

Check Your Current Contract

Despite being seemingly obvious, it is essential that customers check the termination date of any current gas contracts that they have set up. It is important that any current contracts are coming to an end, as a new business gas tariff cannot be set up until the previous one has finished. 

While switching to a new supplier or contract will not happen until the current one has ended, customers can sign up for a new one within 6 months of the contract’s end date. Use our exceptional business gas comparison service to start searching for the right tariff for your business.

Business Gas Prices are Not Capped

Another factor to consider before switching gas suppliers is that business gas prices are not capped. Domestic and consumer gas prices are capped, unlike business gas prices, in turn making them more expensive. Therefore, customers must utilise our Fidelity experts to help them find the best gas prices for their business. However, thanks to the Energy Bill Discount Scheme set up by the government, businesses get some relief on gas prices. 

Cost Cutting Measures

Every penny counts, especially in regard to keeping costs down on your business gas bills. Our experts have highlighted some tips to help you cut the cost of your gas bills. Firstly, customers can utilise our exemplary gas comparison tools to find the most cost-effective deal, be it with the same supplier or another leading company. Next, customers should invest in efficient technology, such as upgrading boilers and appliances with high-efficiency ratings. 

A business should also invest in its premises by insulating walls to keep heat in and installing double-glazed windows. Finally, the most simple tip of them all is turning down the thermostat even slightly. Customers will be surprised by the difference that all of these cost-cutting measures can make. 

Business Size

Customers should understand whether their business is a micro business, small, SME or large, as this can impact the gas supplier and contract you choose. Each size business should be handled differently according to circumstance. For example, larger businesses will naturally consume more gas than smaller businesses, so different contracts and tariffs will be suited to both. 

Business Gas Jargon Explained

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I Be Concerned About Gas Prices Rising?

Customers concerned about the rising gas prices can rest assured as there are schemes in place to support businesses when paying their bills. For example, the government has an Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which offers targeted relief and discounts for eligible businesses. 

Should I Fix My Business Gas Prices until 2024?

Our experts recommend that customers ensure they fix their business gas prices before 2024, as the Energy Bills Discount Scheme is valid until the 31st of March 2024. This means that businesses may not receive any help from the government with their gas bills so fixing your gas prices before this is ideal. Customers can use our brilliant business gas comparison tools to find the right supplier and tariff for them. 

My Gas is Supplied by an IGT – Will This Affect Switching Gas Suppliers?

Customers who are supplied gas by an IGT will not have a problem when switching gas suppliers, it may just take longer than usual. Due to IGTs being sparse, this may cause a customer’s gas tariff to cost more. This is an important factor to check before switching business gas supplier. Customers can still enjoy help from our experts at Fidelity to find the right supplier for their business.

What is Green Business Energy?

Green business gas and energy is a more environmentally friendly option as it is sourced from sustainable sources, including animal waste or plants. Green gas is still in development, so customers should see if it is available to them depending on their postcode.   

Am I Eligible for the Energy Bill Discount Scheme?

All businesses and charities with a contract from a licensed supplier of a non-domestic energy and gas supply are eligible for the EBDS. This scheme provides relief for businesses’ gas bills, however, customers should note that the scheme is only running til the 31st of March 2024.

The experts at Fidelity Energy have curated a list of the best business electricity deals for your business. Simply click our “Compare Prices” button below, fill out our form and one of our experts will be in touch to help you get the best deal for your business.

Business electricity is essential in ensuring your business is powered efficiently, which is why our experts ensure we help our readers understand the best prices and deals within the industry, as well as the top suppliers. Read our detailed article below to learn more about the best business electricity prices, tariff options and suppliers, and if you want the best quotes on your business gas tariffs too, check out our dedicated page here. 

How to Compare Business Electricity Prices 

The experts at Fidelity are here to assist in finding the best business electricity rates on the market. With so many leading business electricity suppliers nationwide, it can be daunting to commit to a contract without being fully educated on all aspects. Our readers can rest assured that finding your next business electricity supplier can be a straightforward and stress-free process. 

Firstly, there are some necessary points to be aware of before comparing different supplier business electricity rates. Customers should assess how much they spend on their electricity each calendar year, the average energy usage of the business annually, and whether they are already in a contract with a supplier. A cost-effective and reliable business electricity supplier is crucial regardless of your business size. With business electricity bills being the largest outgoing costs for businesses, our experts at Fidelity partner with leading suppliers to ensure our readers can save money in all ways possible. To begin changing to an improved business electricity contract, keep reading.

Business Electricity Bills Explained

Each business electricity quote is relative to each business, be it a hair salon or a bakery, so our readers should know what constituents make up their total electricity bill over the working year. 

The two leading features businesses should look for in their electricity bills are the unit rate and standing charge. The unit rate in your business bill is the amount paid for each unit of gas. This rate is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and this figure will vary unless a customer is on a fixed tariff, which means the unit rate will stay constant during their contract period. 

The average unit rate price for businesses will differ depending on the daily size and equipment run. For example, a microbusiness, such as a landscaping company, will use an average of 5,000-15000 kWh per year at a cost of 18.6p per kWh. In contrast, large businesses can total an annual usage of up to 65,000 kWh annually.

The standing charge on a business electricity bill is the amount invoiced monthly despite how much gas is used. This cost will cover the supply to the business premises and keep the business connected to the supplier network. Similarly to the unit rate, the standing charge figure will differ depending on the business size, with microbusinesses being charged an average of 46.2p daily, whereas large businesses are billed an average of 96.9p. 

In addition to these non-negotiable features, our customers should also consider other factors, including government grants like the Climate Change Levy. The Climate Change Levy is a source of environmental tax by the government that ensures businesses prioritise sustainability in their practices. This is charged through energy usage, including gas and electricity. 

Business Electricity Tariff Options

The leading business electricity suppliers, as recommended by our experts at Fidelity, will offer a range of tariff types so that customers can find the right deal suited to their business and budget. Our experts are here to help our valued readers choose the right tariff. Below are the different tariff options and what each contract offers. 

Fixed Rate

A fixed-rate tariff is one of the most popular tariff types for businesses as it offers fixed unit rates for 1-4 years, depending on your contract period. Customers will complete a pre-agreement with the supplier where the amount they pay throughout the contract is determined. This is a great option for businesses as they will be shielded from fluctuations in price. Customers should be aware of the fact that their bills may still vary based on how much energy they use, however, the standing charges and rates will remain the same. 

A fixed-rate tariff is often the most suited to an existing business with predictable energy usage levels. As always, our experts encourage readers to complete a business electricity comparison with us before committing to one supplier to ensure they get the best deal. 

Flexible Rate

There are several types of flexible rate business electricity tariffs available on the market, so ensuring our readers are knowledgeable on each is important. The energy market determines a flexible rate tariff, meaning the price can vary based on the price of electricity at wholesale. This means that businesses could save money on their business electricity rates when the market prices are low, however, they could be paying more than they expect if the wholesale price rises. 

Therefore, flexible rate tariffs are beneficial as they allow customers to save money when wholesale prices are low, however, a fixed rate tariff is perhaps a safer option. Regarding the different types of flexible rate tariffs these are detailed further below. 

Rolling Contract

A rolling contract is a type of flexible rate business electricity tariff that will automatically renew each year until a business chooses to cancel it. When a rolling contract renews, it often renews at higher rates however, the business can negotiate this with their supplier. A rolling contract is not extremely common regarding business electricity compared to fixed rate tariffs due to the increasing rates. Businesses may not favour rolling contracts due to the automatic renewal as they lack control.

Deemed Rate

A deemed rate is not a permanent type of business electricity tariff and should only be used temporarily if needed. Deemed rate tariffs are often used when a business recently changed its premises and has not signed up for a new electricity contract. Since the business will be using electricity between the period of moving in and finding a new contract, this will be charged via a deemed contract by the property energy supplier. Deemed contracts can also be used when businesses continue to use electricity after their contract agreement has ended. 

Deemed rates are usually costly and should only be used short term. Overall, flexible rate tariffs work out more expensive than a fixed rate tariff however, it is always important to compare different rates to find the right contract for your business. 

Variable Tariff

Businesses that enjoy the flexibility of being able to cancel their business electricity contract when they please should check out variable tariffs. A variable rate tariff is similar to a flexible rate tariff, as the price a business charges depends on wholesale energy prices. This means that when the wholesale prices are low, businesses could save money, however, when the wholesale prices increase, businesses may end up paying more than they wish. While this may be a risk, businesses can cancel the variable tariff anytime. 

Green Energy

Many businesses across the country recognise the evergrowing importance of sustainability in their practices, specifically regarding business electricity and energy usage. Due to this, tariffs including green energy and renewable tariffs are becoming extremely popular, offering 100% renewable energy. This energy is generated from renewable sources, including hydroelectric power stations or solar farms. 

Another way in which green energy tariffs are more environmentally friendly is by counteracting any power that is a product of non-renewable energy sources by funding greener methods. Green energy business electricity quotes are often similarly priced compared to other tariffs.  

Out of Contract

An out-of-contract business electricity tariff, as the name suggests, is where a business’s contract with a supplier ends, and no new rate is implemented. In an out-of-contract tariff, the energy supplier can automatically enrol the business into another deal where rates are often more expensive than a fixed rate tariff. Similarly to a deemed rate tariff, out-of-contract tariffs should not be used long-term. 

Average Business Electricity Prices

While our experts at Fidelity can estimate the business electricity rates, there is no way to provide an exact figure for your business as this can be dependent on several factors, including business size, circumstances like the green levy, and the electricity suppliers themselves. Additionally, depending on the location of your business across the country, the business electricity per kWh can vary, especially as a result of the recent energy crisis. However, according to the UK Government, below are the average figures for electricity prices are below.

Our Suppliers – Business Electricity Comparison 

The team at Fidelity are proud to work with these brands to bring you and your business the best deals on business electricity. 

• British Gas
• SSE
• eON
• Drax
• Pozitive Energy
• Total
• SSE
• Smartest Energy
• Scottish Gas
• Scottish Power
• Opus Energy
• Engie
• EDF Energy
• Crown Gas and Power
• UGP
• Yü Energy

Tips for Switching Business Electricity Suppliers

Switching the electricity supplier for your business may feel like a daunting process, however, our experts at Fidelity are here to provide our readers with many tips and tricks to find the best business electricity quote for them. There are several reasons for switching your business electricity suppliers, with the main motivation being to find a cost-effective deal for your business. It is common to try various tariffs before finding the right supplier. Additionally, with external factors, including the recent energy crisis and prioritising sustainability, there are several reasons to change to an improved supplier today! 

The price and cost-effectiveness of an electricity supplier are extremely important to a business; however, other factors may cause a customer to switch their business electricity supplier, for example:

• Better Customer Service: customers may want improved customer support to help with any queries or problems they may face during their contract period. Having poor customer service is unattractive to customers. 
• Finding a Tariff to Better Suit Your Business: Another factor for switching your supplier is finding a tariff that suits your business needs better than your previous quote. Whether you are a landscaper or a hairdresser, all businesses will look for different components in a tariff, such as flexibility, fixed rates or renewable energy. It is, therefore, important to inform yourself of what each tariff offers. Our experts have explained each tariff in further detail above. 
• Energy Efficiency Technology:  Another quality customers may be looking for in their next business electricity supplier is technological measures to help keep costs at a minimum. The leading business electricity suppliers, as recommended above by our experts, offer technology where customers can monitor their energy usage and adapt it to reduce the cost of their bills. This will give customers the feeling of being in control of their spending and keeping an eye on where the largest energy outgoings are coming from. 
• Switching to Greener Energy: Many businesses understand the importance of green energy and using electricity from renewable sources to preserve sustainability in their practices. Businesses can choose renewable energy tariffs to achieve this. 

When choosing your next business electricity supplier, our experts have recognised some common factors customers should consider before committing to a contract. In addition to ensuring a tariff meets all your requirements, such as flexibility and fixed rates, customers should also check the notice period terms of a tariff if they wish to switch or terminate their contract. Businesses that prefer flexibility should consider tariffs like a variable tariff, where they are free to cancel at any time. Fixed-term tariffs, however, are more long-term and can be anywhere from 1-4 years. 

Another feature to consider before switching is whether you will have to pay any additional fees, including maintenance charges. Some tariffs may come with hidden charges on top of the electricity price, so to avoid unwanted surprises, customers should read all terms and conditions. Other factors to consider include cashback or other incentives for switching your contract, the supplier’s customer service and if there is a ‘cooling-off’ period where customers can change their mind if they wish. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can I Keep My Business Electricity Costs Down?

While it is our expert’s main priority to ensure that our readers are finding the most cost-effective business electricity quote, there are also several ways in which customers can help keep their electricity prices down by making some regular small changes. Some ways to save more on your electricity bills include:

• Installing motion sensor lights to ensure all lights get automatically switched off and on
• Have a scope of your building and assess whether any energy-intensive bulbs are being used. If so, our experts recommend switching to LED bulbs as they are more cost-effective. 
• Another simple way is to move any furniture away from a heat source such as a radiator. This will ensure that a room heats up faster and more effectively. 
• Customers should invest in a smart meter, an excellent way to monitor their daily energy and electricity usage. 
• If applicable, customers should ensure that they turn off all running equipment overnight.

By making these small changes and having a cost-effective business electricity tariff, our readers can save more money on their bills. 

How Do I Switch Business Electricity Suppliers?

When it comes to making the change to an improved business electricity supplier, our readers can rest assured that it can be a simple and stress-free process with the help of our experts at Fidelity. Follow our guide below to get started:

1. Customers should begin by using the excellent comparison tools at Fidelity to find the best business electricity rates for them. Depending on your business size, energy consumption and location, there will be a tariff perfect for you
2. Our experts at Fidelity are also available to provide extra services, including meter installations, so customers can keep an eye on their usage\
3. Once customers have found the tariff best suited for them and their business, an account manager at Fidelity will begin the switching process, meaning customers can enjoy a seamless process. The switch over to the new supplier should take a maximum of five working days. Before switching suppliers, it is essential that customers ensure that they are not under an existing contract or in debt, as the switch will not be processed. 

Why Should I Trust Fidelity?

Fidelity is one of the leading business electricity comparison groups across the country that has built an excellent reputation with its customers and partners thanks to reliable information from our industry experts and brilliant customer service. Working with some of the top business energy suppliers, including British Gas and EDF, to name a few, customers can rest assured that they will be able to choose from the best deals. If you are looking to switch your business electricity supplier, look no further than Fidelity. 

What is the Energy Bills Discount Scheme? 

The Energy Bills Discount Scheme is a type of government support scheme that provides discounted electricity unit rates to eligible businesses. This scheme replaced the Energy Bills Relief Scheme of April 1st 2022, and the EBDS is in place til March 2024. All qualifying business unit rates will be discounted by an excellent up to 2.0p per kWh. However, if a customer’s business comes under the Energy Trade Intensive Industries category, then the unit rate discount will be up to 8.9p per kWh. 

What is the Half Hourly Electricity?

The Half Hourly Electricity is a type of electricity meter that needs to be installed if your business’s peak electricity demand is 100KVA. This meter will submit energy readings automatically to your electricity supplier every 30 minutes to make your bills as accurate as possible. This will not only save the customers time but will also reduce the risk of an inaccurate reading. 

What Factors Affect Business Electricity Prices?

There are several factors that can impact a business’s electricity rates that our readers should be aware of. The main impactor is market activity. This includes a rise in demand for electricity which, in turn, increases the wholesale value of electricity. Another market activity factor is the weather. For example, if the weather is colder and darker, there will be a higher demand for heating and lighting. Other factors affecting business electricity prices are commodities, including gas, oil and coal, carbon cost and delivery constraints. 

How Long Does it Take to Switch Electricity Providers?

Before our readers begin to plan on switching their electricity providers, they must ensure that their current contract is close to finishing. Customers can begin comparing supplier rates using our experts at Fidelity up to six months before their contract is due to end. However, the new contract cannot begin until the current one is over. The switch between business electricity suppliers can usually take up to six weeks to finalise.