Getting quotes for business electricity and gas is the only way to make sure you and your business are getting the best deal possible. You can get started now with by filling in a few details in the form above.
However, to get the absolute best deal, you’ll want to be sure you’re well prepared before getting quotes. This will ensure that they’re as accurate as possible.
Below we’ve listed 10 tips that’ll help you get the most out of business energy quotes:
1. Know Your Current Tariff
If you’re like most businesses owners, you have no idea how much your current business electricity and gas tariffs are. Most likely you only get quotes every few years and then tend to forget about it. However, without knowing your current rates it will be impossible to compare prices.
Tip #1: You can get started now by comparing prices for business electricity and business gas above.
2. Know When Your Current Contract Is Up
The UK’s business energy suppliers are not the best at informing you when your current contract is up for renewal and when you can cancel it and switch companies. Some suppliers require a termination notice in writing up to 90 days before the end of the contract date, if you don’t want to be automatically re-enrolled in a new contract.
Tip #2: Once you know this date, and the requirements to switch companies, you’ll be in a much better position to start looking at quotes.
3. Understand contract terms and length
To get the best business energy quote, you’ll also have to decide how long you want your new contract to last. Standard contracts are usually 1-3 years, although some suppliers will go for contracts that last up to 5 years.
Generally, longer term contracts offer more certainty with being cost being slightly higher initial electricity and gas tariffs. However, you should also be aware that there may be fees and penalties if you try to cancel your contract early, which can include business failure.
Tip #3: For new businesses, it’s highly advisable that you get shorter term contracts to start as you’ll have a much better idea about your energy usage and how your business is performing financially.
4. Research Suppliers
When getting your quotes, you’ll almost certainly get quotes from the big six energy suppliers. However, if you limit yourself to just them, you may be preventing yourself from getting the best deal.
The UK now has many smaller energy companies, offering competitive rates, or renewable energy only contracts that may better align with your business needs.
Tip #4: By getting a quote using the form above we’ll help compare many of these suppliers. And to get a better idea of all the suppliers out there have have a look at our list.
5. Read Supplier Reviews
If after getting a few quotes you find a supplier offering cheaper rates, your work is not necessarily done. Before buying business energy it’s always a good idea to read online reviews and know what the customer experience is going to be like.
Tip #5: There’s no point going with the cheapest company, if you know you’re going to have a difficult time cancelling or switching your contract when its up for renewal.
6. Know your business electricity profile class
When getting business electricity quotes it’s important to know your business profile class, which based on your usage and Peak Load Factor. New and renewing customers in profile class 05-08 are now required to use half hourly metering.
Tip #6: Knowing your business profile class will ensure you’re on the right tariff for your business type.
7. Know your current consumption pattern and usage
If you want to get the best prices for electricity and gas you need to have an understanding of when your energy usage is highest. A small office where people work 9-5 and an after work pub will each have different consumption profiles.
Tip #7: Past bills are a very useful tool to helping you understand your consumption patterns and when you want the lowest rates.
8. Know your Business Gas & Electricity Supply Numbers
For business gas customers this is referred to as your Meter Point Reference Number (MPR). You can find it on your last gas bill and is a string of up to 10 numbers (and no letters)
For business electricity customers this is referred to as a Metering Point Administration Number (MPAN). It’s the number found inside the 7 boxes next to the big S on your bill (see below).
The reason why both of these are important, is that most energy companies will want to check that these are in good standing and so that they confirm all the details you provide are accurate.
Tip #8: Having these numbers handy will speed up your quote and result in more accurate pricing estimates.
9. Make sure your credit is in good standing
To get the lowest price on business energy, your business credit has also got to be good. Understandably, energy companies want to feel confident that your business will fulfil its end of contract and pay its bills in full and on time. Therefore, they may perform a business credit check before offering you their absolute best rates.
Tip #9: Knowing your business credit rating in advance can help you avoid any unexpected surprises.
10. Consider How You’ll Pay
However, even if you don’t have the best credit you can still save some money depending on how you pay your bills. For example, some energy companies will take up to 7% off your bills for paying by direct debit.
Tip #10: When getting a quote be sure to ask about any deals based on how your business pays its bills.
11. Get lots of Quotes
Finally, if you want to be sure of getting the best deal on business electricity and gas, you need to get a lot of quotes. So why not get started here.
We work with many of the leading UK suppliers and can help get you started to lower energy rates.
Tip #11: Fill in the form at the top of this page to start your quote.