Every business wants to save money and increase the bottom line. Comparing prices for business gas tariffs is the best way to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Unlike domestic plans, commercial gas tariffs are slightly more complicated. British Business Energy specialises in finding the beat business gas deals for your business, including bespoke packages.
Everything from usage to location can have an impact on the rate your business gas prices. Our business gas comparison tool takes this into account to ensure an accurate quote.
You can see sample business gas tariffs below from the UK’s largest energy companies. These prices are based on deemed rates and thus are the highest price you’d ever likely pay (although sometimes companies will charge even more for out-of-contract plans).
Business Gas Prices*
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* Notes about tariff comparison (Updated 11/01/2021): Prices were believed accurate at the time of publication (11 Jan 2021) and are based on small non-daily meter users based on deemed contract rates and include standing charge and price per kwh (unit price). If prices varied by region, then prices are based on London. If consumption was included, the price is for consumption below 73,200kWh per year. The first 6 companies are one of the big six energy companies. Data sources can be found at the bottom of this page. Getting a quote for a fixed term contract should result in much lower rates. While we attempted to provide the most accurate information possible we take no responsibility for any inaccurate pricing displayed here. Contracts and prices are the sole prerogative of the energy companies themselves and we have no control over them.
How to get a Cheaper Business Gas Tariff?
Most companies decide to sign a fixed business gas contract. This means that the price is guaranteed throughout the term of the contract. In most cases, this will save the largest amount of money on business gas. However, each business is unique. Fixed term contracts do not offer flexibility. If you suspect that business gas prices may go down in the near future, you may want to hedge your bets on a variable contract until you can lock-in a cheaper deal.
You should always check the small print with longer term contracts as the cost of getting out of them can be very high if you wish to cancel early.
Fixed term business gas contracts can often be as much as much as 60% cheaper than alternative plans. It’s important to compare business gas prices regularly to ensure your business is getting the best deal.
Alternately, you may also want to consider switching to suppliers to an independent company. They can sometimes offer much more competitive business gas rates in comparison to the big six. For example, customers in the Yorkshire & North East England can pay as little as 3.08p/kWh with business gas contract with Bulb.
What business gas tariffs are available in 2021?
There are several types of business gas tariffs available, but most businesses will either select a variable rate or fixed rate tariff.
Fixed rate tariff – this is the most common tariff offered by business gas suppliers. It allows businesses to lock-in cheap business gas prices. It does not offer much flexibility and you are usually tied into a contract for 1-4 years. This means you cannot switch business gas to a better deal half way through the contract.
Variable rate tariff – the price of the gas supplied to your business premises can move up and down inline with the energy market. Selecting a variable rate tariff offers flexibility around your business gas rates and could save money. However, this is not a guarantee.
What else effects business gas prices?
While getting a fixed term contract is the single best way to ensure you save money on your commercial gas contract. The wholesale price of gas is the single biggest component. However, it is important to note that when wholesale energy prices change, it often takes a few months for energy suppliers to adjust the pricing. This offers a small window to compare business gas rates and lock-in a cheaper price.
The following will also have an impact on your rates.
Maintenance & Care Plans
Some suppliers will offer to include maintenance and care of your commercial gas system as part of their contract. Just be sure and check to see how much this will cost you and if it represents the best value for money. The priority should be to find a supplier with the best business gas rates.
Gas Usage
In general, the more gas you use the more your gas supplier will charge. However, the cost per kWh (unit costs) of gas generally falls as usage increases. This is why it is important to keep track of your business gas usage throughout the year. This information will also be helpful when it is time to compare business energy prices during the renewal window.
Also, be aware if you use less than 293,000 kWh of gas per year, you may be considered a micro-business by Ofgem. This provides you with much more flexibility to compare business energy suppliers and switch freely.
Rollover Contracts
At the end of your fixed term contract, you might end up getting rolled over into a more expensive deemed rate contract. Keeping track of when your renewal window opens will help you when searching for business gas quotes.
Bundled Business Gas Plans
Some UK energy companies will offer you lower business gas prices if you also have a commercial electricity contract with them. It’s also a good idea to switch your business energy all at once as it could save you time by avoiding the process twice for each fuel.
So, if you’re in the market for both gas and electricity it can make sense to bundle them together and buy from one supplier. However, it may work out cheaper to choose two different suppliers. Selecting a gas tariff from a different supplier may offer a better gas deal. You also consider any standing charge bundled into your gas supply.
5 Things To Write Down Before Getting a Business Gas Quote
- Write down your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number)
- Write down your annual business gas usage (make note of your daily standing charge).
- Write down when you’re most likely to be using gas
- Write down your business electricity usage if you’re interested in a bundled plan
- Write down the date your current contract expires (if you have one)
Now you’re ready to start comparing business gas suppliers. Having these things handy will make it much easier to find the best business gas deals.
Sources for prices listed above:
Green Business Gas
Many businesses prioritise reducing impact on the climate alongside finding the best business gas deal. It’s never been more important for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. Switching to a green business gas tariff is a huge step forward. Green gas is produced through a natural process called anaerobic digestion. This essentially means that organic material is converted to biomethane.
Green gas is made from several biodegradable materials and the process for each differs. Once anaerobic digestion is complete, CO2 is removed and subject to meeting gas quality requirements. Once these standards have been met, it enters the national grid. When you compare business gas with us, we’ll include business energy suppliers offering green energy deals too.
In the UK, green energy tariffs are offered by nearly every gas supplier. When comparing business gas with British Business Energy, we will include green energy tariffs in our results. Whilst doing your part for the planet, benefits of supporting green business gas includes increased corporate social responsibility messaging and can often present better business gas deals.
Ready to compare business gas suppliers? If you switch business gas with British Business Energy, your account manager will take care of the switching process for you and help you find a deal to save money. Start your business gas quote here.
FAQs
When is the best time to switch business gas?
You should make note of your renewal window. This is usually up to 12 months before the end of your contract. This means you can lock in cheap business gas prices earlier, but you should not switch before your contract date.
If your business is moving locations, you may be able to change suppliers without any early exit penalties as contrasts are typically attached to the premises.
Do I have to pay a standing charge?
This depends on the type of business gas tariff you select. You can choose a business energy tariff without a standing charge. However, this is not always the cheapest option due to higher unit prices. Energy suppliers set it up this way to off-set any losses from not charging a standing charge.
What if I have multiple buildings?
If your business operates across multiple locations, some suppliers may offer you a discount on your energy use. You may be eligible for a multi-site meter.