No matter what your industry is, if you run a business you should ensure that you are not overpaying for your business gas and electricity.
Do you know what the best way to do it is? – Switching energy suppliers.
The process of switching to a new business gas and electricity supplier is not difficult but before you sign a contract you should get several business gas quotes, compare business gas prices and explore what deals are available to you.
Keep reading to find out more about switching suppliers and securing the most competitive business gas and electricity prices for your business.
How many business energy suppliers are there in the UK?
There are currently more than 50 business gas and electricity suppliers in the UK. The energy industry is growing rapidly so new suppliers emerge every year. Each of the suppliers offers different rates and contracts so deciding which one to choose for your business can be difficult.
If you want to be getting cheap business gas and electricity, signing a contract with one of the biggest, most popular suppliers is not always a good choice. In fact, many of the smaller business gas and electricity providers give customers more competitive rates and better customer service.
As the list of business energy suppliers is extensive and continues to expand, comparing the plans that all of them offer can seem challenging. If you do not know how to do a business gas comparison, contact us at Energy Solutions. We have expert knowledge of the energy industry and we work closely with many UK suppliers so we can help you get the best gas business contract.
How to switch business gas and electricity suppliers?
Switching to a better business gas and electricity deal is straightforward and stress-free with Niccolo. Once you get in touch with us, you can let us know what your business gas and electricity needs are. We will then compare what business gas suppliers have on offer for you and we will prepare a personalised business gas quote for you.
If you would like to find out more about our business gas and electricity deals, contact us by calling 0131 610 8868. Alternatively, you can fill our online form indicating that you want a business gas quote and we will reach out to you.
If you contact us by phone, make sure you let us know the following information:
- Who your current gas supplier is
- What your existing tariff is
- When does your existing tariff ends
- Which one of our business gas tariffs you are interested in
- How much gas your business uses each month.
Based on this information our energy expert will put together the best business gas deal for you.
What costs make up your business gas bill?
If you want to be getting cheap business gas, it is important to understand what exactly you pay for each month. Have a look at the table below to get an idea of how much a business like yours should be paying for business gas. The following information was initially published by U Switch For Business:
| Business size | Unit cost | Standing charge |
| Micro business | 5p – 5.1p per kWh | 19p – 25p per day |
| Small business | 4.5p – 5p per kWh | 19p – 25p per day |
| Medium business | 4.3p – 4.5p per kWh | 24p – 25p per day |
Why should I do a business gas comparison?
Doing a business gas comparison is essential if you want to secure the best business gas prices. It is always worth doing one but it is particularly important to run one once your energy deal enters the renewal window. Then you will receive a renewal offer from your existing supplier. It might be tempting to simply accept it. Many people do it without first carefully analysing the terms and conditions. Even if you are happy with the business gas prices you are currently paying, the rates included in the renewal offer tend to be very high. Moreover, if you do a business gas comparison, you might realise that you can get a better price from other suppliers.
How much could I save by switching business energy suppliers?
Switching gas and electricity suppliers is the best way to save money on your business energy. How much your business can save depends on several factors such as:
- The size of your business – smaller businesses tend to consume less energy than bigger ones
- How much business gas and electricity your business uses each month – if running your company requires using a lot of power, your business gas and electricity bills will be higher
- How environmentally friendly you are – if you care about the environment you are probably undertaking steps to use and waste as little energy as possible. If that is the case, your business energy bills will be lower.
- The changes happening on the energy market – the energy market is volatile and the business gas and electricity prices change regularly. There is no way of predicting when the prices will increase or fall.
As you can see, how much you will have to pay for your business gas and electricity varies and the cost can be different each month.
Nevertheless, according to Compare The Market, ‘20% of businesses could achieve a saving of £635 per year on their energy bills by switching energy suppliers.’
What different business gas tariffs are available?
Before you switch business gas suppliers, you should think about what type of business gas tariff would be the best for your business. You might take into consideration one of the following options:
| Fixed-term | * The most popular type of business gas contracts * Usually, last between one to four years * Bills vary depending on how much energy your business consumes but the unit price remains the same throughout the duration of the contract * Fixed-term tariffs protect your business from the sudden gas and electricity price increases |
| Extended tariff | * This type of business gas contract allows you to extend your existing energy contract with your current supplier * A good option for those who are satisfied with their existing business gas provider * If you do not do a business gas comparison, you might find yourself overpaying for business gas and electricity |
| Flex approach tariff | * This type of business gas contract gives you the chance to purchase energy in advance * If you choose this tariff, you will be able to benefit from wholesale prices * This type of business gas tariff requires you to pay a big down payment but can help you save money long-term |
| Pass through tariff | * If you choose this business gas contract type, your energy bill will include fixed costs that you will pay throughout the duration of the contract, as well as non-commodity costs that tend to change over time |
Important factors to consider when looking for cheap business gas and electricity
In addition to the business gas contract type, some of the factors you have to take into consideration when looking for the perfect business gas deal include:
- The duration of the contract
- How expensive the standing charge is
- What reviews and reputation does the supplier have
- What are the early termination fees
- What the quality of the customer service is.
Moreover, when comparing available business gas and electricity tariffs, you should keep in mind the following things:
- Business gas and electricity suppliers usually offer separate business tariffs for these supplies. It is unlikely that as a business you will be able to get a dual fuel deal. That is why if you are looking for both business gas and electricity, you will have to do two separate price comparisons.
- Some suppliers offer discounts and price reductions if you set up direct debit. Thanks to direct debit you will never have to worry about paying for energy bills on time as the payment will be automatically taken from your account each month.
- Your business can attract new customers and perform better if you choose a green tariff. Many UK suppliers offer energy deals that rely on renewable energy. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a green business gas tariff and you are interested in green gas, only 3 UK suppliers offer 100% green gas contracts. Luckily, Niccolo is proud to be one of them!