Best Business Energy Deals: Compare Before You Switch

Searching for the best business electricity deal, a cheaper gas contract or a way to save on your energy bill?

Start by defining “best” for your business. The useful question is which current offer gives you an acceptable overall cost, suitable terms and the right fit for how you operate—not which supplier tops a generic list.

This guide covers business energy comparisons and switching in Great Britain. Openlight's current online bill checker is for electricity.

How do I compare business electricity prices properly?

Use the same forecast consumption and contract period for every quote. Where applicable, reflect the hours when you use electricity rather than comparing day and night rates in isolation.

To see what businesses of your size actually pay, check our business electricity prices per kWh, by business size and updated every morning from public data.

A bakery considering an early-production schedule, a workshop with weekday shifts and a venue operating late at night can use those operating patterns as starting assumptions. Actual meter data is stronger evidence than assuming every business in a sector has the same profile.

Build the comparison from the relevant unit rates, standing charges and other applicable costs. State what is included, what can change and how broker remuneration is treated. Ofgem recommends checking the coverage and payment arrangements behind a business energy comparison.¹

A lower unit rate does not always mean a lower bill

Consider two illustrative electricity offers, using 30,000 kWh over 365 days:

Offer A is £215 lower on these assumptions despite its higher unit rate.

These are examples, not available quotations. Subtotals exclude VAT, CCL and other charges; a real comparison must account for relevant differences. Any commission already included in a quoted rate must not be added twice.

How do I compare business gas prices?

Apply the same discipline: use forecast gas consumption, the unit rate, standing charges, contract term and any other applicable costs. Make the tax basis and any charges that can vary explicit.

Evaluate electricity and gas individually before comparing a combined proposal. Do not assume that taking both fuels through one supplier or broker must be cheaper. Ask for the figures that demonstrate the difference.

For either fuel, record when the quote was issued, how long it remains open and the proposed supply start date. A comparison is only useful when the offers can actually be accepted on the stated terms.

My business energy contract is ending. What should I do?

Find the contract end date, notice requirements and renewal offer. Ask for competing quotes using the same consumption and start-date assumptions, and check whether any exit charge or other existing obligation affects the decision.

Ofgem advises reviewing the existing contract before switching. Renewing with the current supplier may be the most suitable outcome; switching is not an end in itself.²

Read the full agreement before accepting. Business energy contracts do not generally have the cooling-off protection associated with domestic contracts, so do not treat acceptance as a provisional reservation.¹

Can I switch my business energy supplier now?

That depends on your current agreement and circumstances. A fixed-term contract may restrict an early move or impose costs. Check what your contract permits and have the intended start date confirmed before authorising a new agreement.²

For a broker-arranged quote, read the scope of any letter of authority too. Be clear about whether you are allowing information gathering, procurement activity or something wider.

How can I save on my business energy bill?

Separate the possible routes rather than adding speculative savings together.

Check the current bill: is there a supported discrepancy in the calculations, readings, dates or rates?

Check potential relief: does a relevant tax route actually apply to your supply or facility?

Compare the next contract: does another suitable offer improve the overall cost against a clearly stated alternative?

Review consumption: investigate avoidable use without compromising safety, food quality, production or the service your customers need.

A bill check, relief assessment and contract comparison answer different questions. An honest recommendation should also be able to say that no change is justified.

Compare your next electricity contract with Openlight

Start with your business electricity bill. Openlight uses your usage and contract requirements to compare quotes available through its current supplier and partner routes.

This is not a promise to cover every supplier or find a universally cheapest tariff. It is a comparison designed around your business, with the basis of the recommendation explained.

Check the bill you have. Improve the contract you move to.

Compare my next contract

Concerned about an existing charge? Check my bill.

Related guides: Transparent broker commission · Save on CCL · Business water bills and switching