Business energy questions answered
Short, sourced answers to the questions UK small businesses ask most about gas and electricity.
Switching supplier
- How long does it take to switch business energy supplier?
- Is the cheapest business energy deal always the best one?
- Can I compare business energy while I'm still in contract?
- Is comparing business energy free?
- Will my supply be interrupted when I switch business energy supplier?
- How do comparison sites decide which suppliers to show?
- Can I switch business energy for several buildings at once?
- Why was my business energy switch rejected or delayed?
- Can I switch business energy supplier if I owe money to my current one?
- Can I negotiate with my current business energy supplier?
- Can a small business use a domestic energy supplier?
- Can I switch gas or electricity separately for my business?
- Is dual fuel cheaper for a business?
- What information do I need before comparing business energy?
- Do I have to give my supplier notice before switching?
Prices, rates and charges
- Why doesn't the household price cap apply to businesses?
- How do I work out my annual business energy cost from unit rate and standing charge?
- Why is business electricity so expensive compared with domestic?
- Will business energy prices fall in 2027?
- What is a day rate and night rate on a business electricity tariff?
- Is gas or electricity cheaper per kWh for a business?
- Do I pay standing charges when my business is closed?
- Why do standing charges vary by region?
- What are TNUoS and DUoS charges on my business bill?
- Why does electricity track gas prices when much power is renewable?
- How much electricity does a small shop or office use in a year?
- How much should a business pay for energy?
Contracts and renewals
- Why has my business energy price risen at renewal?
- What happens if I don't renew my business energy contract?
- How do I find my business energy contract end date?
- How far ahead can I agree a new business energy contract?
- What is a rollover contract and how long can it last?
- Is a phone agreement a legally binding business energy contract?
- Can I cancel a new business energy contract after agreeing it?
- What is the difference between pass-through and fixed charges in a quote?
- Can my supplier renew my contract automatically?
- How do I stop my business energy contract rolling over?
- Is there a cooling-off period for business energy contracts?
- How long can a business energy contract last?
- What is blend and extend on a business energy contract?
- Can a supplier change my price during a fixed term?
- What protections do microbusinesses get in energy contracts?
Brokers and commission
- How much commission do energy brokers take?
- How can I find out what my broker is paid?
- Is it cheaper to go direct or use a broker?
- How do I check whether a broker is trustworthy?
- What should I do if a broker mis-sold my contract?
- What is the difference between a broker and an energy consultant?
- What is a Qualifying Dispute Settlement Scheme for brokers?
- Is it safe to sign a letter of authority for a broker?
- Why do I keep getting cold calls about business energy?
Bills and readings
- How far back can a supplier back-bill a business?
- What is an estimated bill and how do I correct one?
- Why is my business energy bill higher than usual?
- How often should I submit meter readings?
- What are late payment charges on business energy bills?
- Can I pay my business energy bill by direct debit?
- How do I get a refund of a credit balance on a business account?
- What is a kVA charge on my electricity bill?
Meters and meter numbers
- Do businesses have to have a smart meter?
- How do I apply for a smart meter for my small business?
- Where do I find my MPAN?
- Where do I find my MPRN?
- Why was my business moved to a half-hourly meter?
- Does MHHS change my bill?
- What do the numbers in an MPAN mean?
- Which electricity profile class is my business?
- Can a business have a prepayment meter?
- What is a three-phase supply and do I need one?
- What happens if I exceed my agreed supply capacity?
- What should I do if I think my business meter is faulty?
Moving, new premises and deemed contracts
- How much more do deemed rates cost than fixed rates?
- How do I get off a deemed or out-of-contract rate?
- Do I need to tell my supplier when I move business premises?
- Who pays the energy bill if the previous tenant left debt?
- Can I take my energy contract with me to new premises?
- How long does a new commercial electricity connection take?
- Do I need a new gas meter for new premises?
- What happens to energy when a business changes hands?
Business energy by sector
Green energy, solar and EV
Saving energy
Government support and grants
Complaints, debt and supplier failure
- What happens if my business energy supplier goes bust?
- Can I complain to the Energy Ombudsman about a broker?
- Do business energy deposits get refunded?
- Does my credit score affect business energy prices?
- Can my supplier disconnect my business for non-payment?
- Can I get a payment plan if I can't pay my energy bill?
- Who can use the Energy Ombudsman for a business dispute?
- How long do I wait before taking a complaint to the ombudsman?