A business utility comparison lets a UK business view live quotes from multiple commercial energy suppliers side by side. The goal is simple to find out whether a cheaper electricity or gas contract is available before your current deal expires and to switch with no disruption to your supply.
BBC Utilities is an independent, UK-based commercial energy broker. We compare business electricity and business gas contracts from a carefully vetted panel of Ofgem-registered suppliers. We do not compare water, broadband, or any other service our entire focus is on finding UK businesses the best possible electricity and gas deals.
Many businesses only review their energy contract when they receive a renewal notice. By that point, the switching window may already be closing or worse, they may already have been rolled over onto a more expensive out-of-contract rate. BBC Utilities removes this risk by monitoring your contract and alerting you at the right time.
Business Electricity Comparison
Commercial electricity is typically the largest energy cost for a UK business. The rate your business pays is made up of two core charges: the unit rate (pence per kWh consumed) and the daily standing charge. BBC Utilities searches live rates across our supplier panel based on your actual usage, postcode, meter type, and contract end date.
- Fixed-rate electricity contracts :unit rate locked for 1 to 5 years for budget certainty
- Variable-rate electricity contracts :price tracks the wholesale market
- Green electricity tariffs :usage matched to renewable generation (wind, solar)
- Half-hourly meter (HHM) tariffs : for businesses using 100 MWh or more per year
- Out-of-contract rate rescue : fast switching if your business is on a deemed or rollover rate
To compare business electricity, you will need your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN), your current supplier name, your contract end date, and your annual consumption in kWh. All of this can be found on your most recent business electricity bill. If you are unsure, our UK-based advisers will find it for you.
Business Gas Comparison
Commercial gas is a significant cost for businesses in manufacturing, hospitality, catering, retail, and many other sectors. Gas prices for businesses are not capped and can vary significantly between suppliers. BBC Utilities compares business gas rates from our panel of Ofgem-registered suppliers to find the most competitive deal available for your consumption.
- Fixed-rate gas contracts :ideal for businesses that want predictable costs and protection from price rises
- Variable-rate gas contracts :prices move with the market; suitable for short-term flexibility
- Multi-site gas contracts :single contract for businesses operating from more than one premises
- Rollover protection alerts : we notify you before your contract's renewal window closes
To compare business gas, you will need your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), your current supplier name, your contract end date, and your annual consumption in kWh. All of this is on your most recent gas bill. Our team handles the rest.
Average Business Electricity Rates by Business Size
| Business Size | Annual Usage | Avg. Rate excl. CCL | Avg. Rate incl. CCL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Small | 0 – 20 MWh/yr | 40.64p/kWh | 41.15p/kWh |
| Small | 20 – 499 MWh/yr | 27.57p/kWh | 28.27p/kWh |
| Small / Medium | 500 – 1,999 MWh/yr | 27.23p/kWh | 27.81p/kWh |
| Medium | 2,000 – 19,999 MWh/yr | 24.11p/kWh | 24.65p/kWh |
| Large | 20,000 – 69,999 MWh/yr | 22.46p/kWh | 23.01p/kWh |
| Very Large | 70,000 – 150,000 MWh/yr | 20.50p/kWh | 20.98p/kWh |
| Extra Large | 150,000+ MWh/yr | 20.05p/kWh | 20.49p/kWh |
Business Gas Rates by Business Size
| Business Size | Annual Usage | Unit Rate (p/kWh) | Daily Standing Charge | Est. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro Business | Up to 5,000 kWh/yr | 25.2p | 73.1p/day | £895.75 |
| Small Business | 5,000 – 15,000 kWh/yr | 25.4p | 78.0p/day | £2,803.37 |
| Medium Business | 15,000 – 25,000 kWh/yr | 25.4p | 85.1p/day | £5,356.58 |
| Large Business | 25,000 – 50,000 kWh/yr | 26.0p | 112.5p/day | £10,164.12 |
Why UK Businesses Choose BBC Utilities
BBC Utilities is an independent, UK-based commercial energy broker. Our sole focus is on helping UK businesses find the most competitive electricity and gas contracts. We do not offer products for any other sector. Every comparison we run is for a commercial customer.
- Independent and impartial : not tied to any single energy supplier; our only goal is to find your business the best deal
- Ofgem-compliant : we operate under the Third Party Intermediary (TPI) Code of Practice
- Commercial customers only : 100% business-focused; every adviser and every process is built around commercial energy
- Free to use : the comparison and switching service is entirely free for your business; we receive a commission from suppliers only when you successfully switch
- UK-based advisers : real experts available by phone and email, Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
- No interruption to supply : your electricity and gas supply continues without disruption throughout the switching process
- Rollover protection : we monitor your contract end dates and alert you before your switching window closes
- Rated 4.8/5 by clients : based on reviews from the last 12 months
Business Energy Tariff Types
Choosing the right tariff type is as important as choosing the right supplier. The table below explains every commercial electricity and gas tariff type available to UK businesses.
| strong | How It Works | Key Benefit | Key Risk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Rate | Unit rate locked for full contract term typically 1, 2, 3, or 4 years | Complete price certainty; protected if wholesale prices rise | Locked in if wholesale prices fall sharply | Most businesses especially SMEs wanting predictable bills |
| Variable Rate | Unit rate moves in line with wholesale market conditions | Can benefit if wholesale prices fall | Bills unpredictable; no cap protection for commercial contracts | Businesses comfortable with short-term market risk |
| Deemed / Out-of-Contract Rate | Applied automatically when no contract is agreed e.g. after a rollover or when moving into new premises | No commitment; supply continues without a signed deal | Almost always the most expensive rate a supplier charges | New premises only should be exited as quickly as possible |
| Green / Renewable | Energy consumption matched with generation from renewable sources (wind, solar, hydro) | Reduces commercial carbon footprint; supports net-zero reporting | Rates sometimes marginally higher than standard fixed deals | Businesses with sustainability targets or CSR commitments |
| Half-Hourly Meter (HHM) | Electricity usage recorded every 30 minutes and submitted to the supplier for accurate billing | Highly accurate billing; no estimated reads; better visibility of usage patterns | Requires a specific meter; mandatory for businesses above certain consumption thresholds | Medium and large businesses consuming 100 MWh/year or more |
How to Compare and Switch Business Electricity or Gas
Switching your commercial electricity or gas supplier with BBC Utilities takes less than 5 minutes online. Here is the full process from start to finish.
Step 1 Gather Your Current Energy Details
Before you request a quote, have the following ready from your most recent electricity or gas bill:
- Business postcode and registered address
- Current supplier name
- Current contract end date
- Annual consumption in kWh (shown on your bill or meter readings)
- Meter type standard, smart, or half-hourly (electricity)
- Your MPAN (electricity) or MPRN (gas) the unique meter reference number
Step 2 Submit Your Details to BBC Utilities
Complete the short online form at bbcutilities.com/request-quote.html. It takes under two minutes. One of our UK-based energy experts will receive your enquiry and search live rates across our full supplier panel using your specific business profile. There is no automated price list you receive a personalised quote based on your actual usage and location.
Step 3 Review Your Live Quotes
Our energy adviser will present you with the best available commercial electricity or gas rates from our supplier panel. They will clearly explain:
- Unit rate (p/kWh) - the main cost per unit consumed
- Daily standing charge - fixed daily cost regardless of usage
- Contract length - typically 1 to 4 years; longer contracts often carry lower unit rates
- Tariff type - fixed, variable, or green; our adviser will recommend the right fit
- Supplier backgroundall suppliers on our panel are Ofgem-registered
Step 4 Confirm Your New Deal
Once you have chosen your contract, BBC Utilities manages the entire switching process on your behalf. You will receive regular updates. Your gas and electricity supply is never interrupted during the switch. The transfer completes within three weeks. From that point, your new supplier manages billing at the agreed rate.
Why UK Businesses Need to Compare Energy Contracts Regularly
Commercial energy contracts expire. When they do, your supplier does not automatically put you on a cheaper deal. Without action, you will be moved onto an out-of-contract (deemed) rate often two to three times more expensive than a negotiated fixed contract. Here are the three situations where comparing your business energy is non-negotiable.
1. Before Your Contract End Date
Most business energy suppliers include a renewal window in their contracts typically 1 to 6 months before the end date. If you fail to act within this window, your supplier can lock you into a new contract automatically, usually at a higher rate. Check your contract end date today. If it is within 6 months, contact BBC Utilities immediately.
2. When Your Business Moves Commercial Premises
Moving commercial premises is one of the few occasions when a fixed-term business energy contract can be terminated early without paying exit fees. It is the best possible moment to enter the market fresh, compare live rates, and secure a competitive deal for your new location. Take a meter reading for both electricity and gas on the day you receive the keys.
3. When You Have Not Compared in the Last 12 Months
Wholesale energy prices change every day. The commercial electricity and gas market is driven by global supply and demand, weather patterns, and geopolitical events. A contract that was competitive two years ago may no longer be. Even if you have not received a renewal notice, an annual comparison takes minutes and can identify significant savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Request A Call Back
Ever find yourself staring at your computer screen a good consulting slogan to come to mind? Oftentimes.
