Business Energy
Finding the best deal on your business energy can mean big savings and take the pressure off your cash flow.
We work with you to find the best deal on your business energy, make it easy to manage your account and offer great tariffs from the leading suppliers – including the ‘Big Six’.
We can help you secure a top business energy tariff from the ‘Big Six’
We can help you to find the most suitable deal for you, from top offers from the big six through to bargain tariffs from lesser known suppliers.
Most importantly, we use our well established partnerships to make sure you can quickly find out the options available, get expert advice and support throughout your switch.
What are the key considerations when switching energy provider?
Switching suppliers for a business isn’t quite a straightforward as it would be for a person. That’s because most business energy suppliers don’t offer duel fuel tariffs, meaning you’ll need to choose a tariff for each.
Whether you choose a tariff for business electricity and business gas with one supplier, or choose to use a different supplier for each is up to you.
Another key consideration is the type of energy tariff is the best fit for your business – we cover more detail on this in the next section.
The quality of service is another important factor in choosing the right supplier. Like us, you’ve probably heard countless stories of unrealistic bills being generated and hours wasted arguing over a bill that’s wrong by thousands of pounds.
That’s why we choose to work with only the most reputable partners.
Finally, it’s important that you truly understand how energy bills are calculated and the small print that come with them.
When you compare with ABC Finance, you’ll get a dedicated partner who will explain the whole process, breakdown your costs and handle the switch for you.
Types of business energy tariffs
The types of business energy tariff are:
Fixed-term tariffs
Fixed term are the most common tariff for businesses in the UK. A fixed tariff is a set contract over a set term, usually between 1 to 4 years.
During a fixed term deal, your unit price and standing charge will remain the same. This means that the only variable factor that can impact your energy bills is your energy usage.
Extended tariffs
These are special tariffs for those looking to extend their stay with their current supplier and sometimes come with special, lower rates to reward customer loyalty.
It’s important to remember that while the rate may be lower, it may not be low compared to those offered by other suppliers.
Flex approach tariffs
These allow you to access wholesale pricing by bulk buying your energy in advance, locking in a fixed cost for that energy.
When the energy has been used, you can simply bulk buy again.
Pass through tariffs
This allows you to split your bill between the fixed wholesale price and other fees and charges, like the National Grid and Transmission Network Use of System, which can increase or decrease over the year.
The rationale behind this approach is that your wholesale price can offset any variable charge increases over the year.
How to switch business energy suppliers
Between 1 to 6 months before the end of your contract, you enter what is known as the ‘switching window’. This window is the point at which you should conduct a business energy comparison to ensure you have plenty of time to get your new tariff set up.
The easiest way to compare is to complete the form on our site and we’ll match you with the right provider to ensure you get the best deal.
We need a few basic details including:
- Your business details
- Your current supply – whether you use electricity, gas or both
- Your current energy usage
- Details of your current energy contract
Isn’t it easier to stay with my current supplier?
Yes, it usually is easier to stay with your current supplier, but will also mean that you won’t be getting the best deal.
That’s why you should always conduct a business energy comparison at the end of your contract to avoid wasting money needlessly.
This is good conduct across all of your business services, including business finance, business insurance and payment services.
FAQs
Here are some of the questions that we’re often asked.
How long does it take to switch suppliers?
It takes 4-6 weeks to switch energy suppliers, although it may take slightly longer if your current provider is difficult to deal with.
For that reason, it’s best to tackle the switch well before the end of the contract to give yourself plenty of time to secure the best deal and switch over seamlessly.
What’s the difference between business energy and domestic?
While the UK domestic energy market is regulated, the business energy market isn’t. This means there is a greater difference in working practices between different suppliers in the business market compared to the domestic one.
For this reason, it’s important that you choose to work with reputable suppliers to ensure things run smoothly.
Can I get a dual fuel business energy tariff?
No, unlike domestic dual fuel tariffs, you must choose a separate tariff for your business electricity and business gas supply.
That said, you can choose to take both with the same supplier if preferred, although each will be treated as a separate contract.
How are commercial energy plans priced?
Commercial energy plans are priced based on a cost per unit and standing charge.
The amount you pay will depend on the price offered, combined with your energy usage during the billing period.
Can I still switch when I’m moving business premises?
Yes, when moving business premises, you can choose to switch suppliers or take your current one with you.
All you need to do is give your supplier 1 month’s notice – or more if possible – to make sure everything is organised in advance. Failure to do so can mean you end up paying a higher charge or even moving onto the deemed rate.
When contacting your current supplier, you’ll be expected to tell them when and where you’re moving and they will require a meter reading on the day that you move.
How do I find out when my energy contract ends?
This is usually stated on your energy bill, so the simplest way is to look at a recent bill.
If you’re struggling to find one or can’t see your end date there, then contact your current supplier to check.
Even if you don’t plan on switching, make a note of the end date to ensure you don’t roll over onto the variable rate at the term end, which can be significantly higher.
Is there a chance that business energy will be disrupted when I switch?
No, your energy supply will not be disrupted when you switch.
Your new and old suppliers will liaise with each other to ensure the switchover is handled seamlessly.
On the day, you will be expected to provide a meter reading. Over the coming days, a bill will then be generated by your old supplier, which will be your final payment to them.
How can I save on my business energy bills?
The easiest way to save on your business energy bills is to compare offers and switch to a better tariff. That will allow you to cut your energy costs without having to go to the trouble of reducing your supply.
Next, look to improve the energy efficiency of your business premises and processes. Look for potential savings through heat retention, improved heating efficiency and sensors for lights to ensure they’re not left on unnecessarily.
Some energy companies offer free, or low cost energy audits to help you reduce your costs in a structured way. Making use of an experienced energy consultant is one of the easiest ways to make big savings.
Finally, installing a smart meter can make it easy to spot energy waste and therefore reduce your bills.
What is the Climate Change Levy (CCL)?
The Climate Change Levy (CCL) is an environmental tax on business energy use, designed to promote energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions.
Charities are exempt from the CCL, and businesses with energy usage below a certain threshold may also be exempt.
Your energy supplier ensures you’re charged the correct CCL rate, which appears on your business energy bill.
