What information do I need before comparing business energy?
You need your meter numbers (MPAN and MPRN), annual usage in kWh, your contract end date, current rates, the business name and address, and an authorised signatory. A recent bill covers most of these, which makes quotes accurate and quick.
The checklist
| Item | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| MPAN (electricity) and MPRN (gas) | Top of your bill; see finding your MPAN and MPRN |
| Annual usage in kWh | Bill summary or supplier portal (sometimes labelled annual quantity or estimated annual consumption) |
| Current supplier and contract end date | Contract or renewal letter; how to find it |
| Current unit rates and standing charges | Bill |
| Business name, address, company number | Your records |
| Meter type and any day/night split | Meter or bill |
| Authorised signatory | Director, owner or partner |
Why usage matters most
Prices are set by usage band, so quotes based on guessed volumes can be wrong. Gas readings in cubic metres or hundreds of cubic feet need converting; use the gas units to kWh converter. If you do not know your use, estimate from past bills or see how much electricity a small business uses.
Details that change the quote
- Size of business. Ofgem's microbusiness test is fewer than 10 employees and turnover or balance sheet no more than €2m, or low usage (under 100,000 kWh of electricity or 293,000 kWh of gas a year). It determines which protections apply: what is a microbusiness. These thresholds come from Ofgem.
- Credit position. For limited companies, a supplier may credit check you; see credit checks.
- Tax status. Charities and mixed-use premises may qualify for reduced VAT and CCL relief. Have your VAT certificate or declaration ready.
- Payment method. Direct debit may come at a better price.
If a broker or comparison service asks for more
They will usually ask for a letter of authority to view your meter data and contract. You should understand what you are authorising first: see is it safe to sign one. Ask about commission, which must appear in your contract's principal terms.
Worked example
A pub's bill shows an annual quantity of 55,000 kWh of electricity and a contract ending 31 March. The owner also notes the gas MPRN and 120,000 kWh of gas. With those four figures, any supplier or broker can give a firm quote: 55,000 kWh is the volume they price against, so a 1p/kWh difference is 55,000 × £0.01 = £550 a year before VAT.
If you are moving in or have lost the paperwork
New to the premises? You may not have a bill. Your supplier can look up the meter number from the address, and the previous occupant's usage can be a guide. See setting up business energy for a new business. If you cannot find your supplier, read how to find your business energy supplier.
Next steps
- Pull out your latest bill and tick off the table.
- Fill any gaps from your supplier portal.
- Request like-for-like quotes for the same usage and term.
Sources
General information only. Energy prices, rules and supplier terms change; check the latest position with your supplier, Ofgem or the Energy Ombudsman before you act.