The primary motivation for businesses to compare expenses when looking for a new gas or electricity energy plan is to save money. You may save an average of £179 per year on your renewal fees with price comparison for your business energy.

Switching is the sensible way to save money: if you don’t switch once your fixed tariff expires, you’ll be automatically switched to a regular tariff, which is the most expensive. That’s why, when your contract expires, it’s a good idea to transfer providers.

Business energy price comparison websites work by taking all the deals for business energy and comparing them, helping you to find the best deal for your specific needs. An energy comparison business will ask for details such as your annual consumption and your location and use this to accurately predict your tariff. You may find that online business energy comparison finds you deals that you didn’t realise were an option, such as flexible or variable rate tariffs that are often a huge saver for smaller businesses with uneven consumption.

Energy Solutions is an energy comparison business that will endeavour to find you the best deal possible, so you can trust them to overlook UK business energy comparison for your business.

To swap your supplier you will need:

your postcode,
the name of your current supplier,
the name (type) of your current energy tariff,
and your annual energy usage or costs.

The latter two may seem daunting but they are simple enough to find on your most recent energy bill.

Even if you don’t know your current energy usage, you can still do an energy comparison. Instead, we’ll ask you a few simple questions about how often you use gas and electricity, such as in the evenings and on weekends, or during the day. Keep in mind that your quotes might not be completely accurate.

Take time to weigh up your options:

Consider the customer service provided by a supplier.
If the offer is the most cost-effective, ecologically friendly, or flexible, you may be able to quit without paying an exit charge.
If you can obtain money or other freebies as part of your switch offer, take advantage of it.
If there is a guarantee of switching. This is something that some vendors provide to assist you switch with confidence.

It can take around 21 days to switch your supplier, but you can usually expect it to be completed after 17. Be sure to check the stipulations of your contract – some suppliers have varying lengths of cooling-off periods, within which you would be able to abandon your contract with no repercussions if you realise you aren’t happy.

Comparing gas and electric rates in your area and switching to a better deal when your current contract expires can save you hundreds of pounds each year, especially if you’re one of the roughly 15 million UK homes on a standard variable (SVT) or default tariff.

This is due to the fact that basic tariffs are typically the most costly.

When your fixed tariff expires, your energy provider will switch you to an SVT, so if you haven’t switched in the last 12-18 months, your energy bills may be higher than they should be. Plus, shopping around pays off: with so many smaller energy providers now vying against the Big Six, there are many low-cost energy options.

The right energy tariff for you will depend on your personal situation. Here’s a run-through of the main options…

Dual fuel tariff	Those in which your gas and electricity are supplied by the same company. They’re frequently (but not always) less expensive than obtaining two separate fuel tariffs. Many newer homes just use electricity, but if your home also uses gas, you’ll likely find it easier to combine the two sources.
Fixed tariff	require you to stick to an energy strategy for a set period of time, usually a year. Even if your supplier announces a rate increase during this time, the amount you pay for electricity remains the same. Fixed energy tariffs are frequently less expensive, and they make calculating your household budget easier. However, you will normally have to pay an exit fee if you want to end the contract early.
Standard or variable tariffs	You can change your energy tariff or supplier at any moment without paying an exit charge. Although energy costs fluctuate, these tariffs are frequently more expensive than a fixed tariff in the long run. (This is why it’s critical to swap energy deals on a regular basis.) When your fixed-rate contract expires, you’ll be automatically switched to this option.
Multi-rate tariffs	those in which you pay less for energy consumed during the night. They’re particularly suitable for anyone who works mostly at night.
Prepayment tariffs	If you have a prepayment metre, that means you have to pay for electricity before you can use it. These tariffs are normally more expensive than others, and the number of tariffs available is limited.
Green tariffs	Their energy is derived from renewable energy sources, allowing you to reduce your carbon footprint, but they can be costly. Look for prices that include 100% green power and either a percentage of green gas or 100% carbon offset.

Here are some additional tips to consider before switching your supplier:

Switch before the winter If you can switch to a cheaper deal before the winter. We use a lot more energy in the winter, so if you compare energy gas and electricity costs in the summer or autumn and switch to a cheaper plan before the temperature drops, you’ll be able to keep your expenses lower than they would have been in the winter.

Another good opportunity to switch is right before the price rises. When one energy provider raises its pricing, it is frequently followed by the others. In the news, you’ll frequently hear rumours of an impending energy price increase. If you anticipate that rates will rise, now is a good opportunity to switch to a fixed tariff, which will lock in your rate for the duration of your new contract.

Finally, keep in mind that switching energy might take anywhere from 21 to 28 days, so transfer before your current package expires to prevent being stuck on a normal rate for that time. You can start the switching procedure up to 49 days before your contract expires, and departure fees should not apply during that time, according to Ofgem.