How should you buy business energy?
Buy sensibly by checking your actual usage and contract dates, comparing written offers for the same site and terms, and reading the whole contract before accepting.
1. Gather the facts about your supply
Start with the latest bills for each fuel and, where possible, a full 12 months of consumption in kWh. Separate electricity and gas. Note the supply address, MPAN or MPRN, meter type, current supplier and current contract. Estimates are less useful than actual readings when you are comparing offers.
Check whether the current agreement is fixed term or evergreen, along with the contract end date and renewal terms. For an eligible microbusiness, current Ofgem rules generally do not require termination notice just to end or switch at the end of the initial fixed term. The 30-day maximum notice period applies to eligible microbusiness evergreen contracts only. Ask the supplier to confirm which rules and dates apply to your agreement in writing.
Leaving before a fixed term ends is an early exit, not ordinary termination at the end of the term. Check the cancellation provisions, contract terms and any possible fee before committing to a switch.
2. Decide what you need the quote to cover
Confirm the expected contract start and length, annual use, meter setup and payment method. Think about whether a predictable fixed-term product or a contract with wholesale or pass-through exposure is suitable for your business; a variable price can move and is not automatically cheaper.
Be clear whether you want a fully fixed rate, a particular renewable-electricity product, or a specific payment arrangement. Ask what “green” means in the contract, what evidence or certificates are included, and whether that changes the price. Do not assume a label means the supply is physically from a named generator.
3. Ask suppliers and brokers for written offers
Request quotes directly from suppliers and, if useful, from brokers. A broker can help approach the market, but it is a separate commercial intermediary. Tell each quote provider to price the same supply points, start date, usage and contract period so the comparison is meaningful.
Before using a broker, ask who will pay it and how: direct fee, supplier-paid commission, an uplift in the unit rate, or another arrangement. Ask for the total and calculation in writing, whether commission recurs and whether the broker is acting for you or the supplier. Do not proceed on the word “free” alone.
4. Compare like with like
Build a simple annual comparison using the same consumption and number of days. Check the unit rate, standing charge, capacity or meter charges, VAT and CCL treatment, payment terms and any pass-through items. Compare fixed contract lengths on the same basis and identify any variable elements.
For a “green” quote, compare the actual product description and supporting documentation, not just a sales label. Check whether the offer is fixed-rate or flexible, when each charge can change and what happens if your usage or meter changes. Ask the supplier for an annual cost illustration and the assumptions used.
5. Read the contract before you sign
Read all of the supply terms, schedules and broker documents. Confirm the supplier, named premises, MPAN/MPRN, start and end dates, unit rates, standing charge, meter or capacity charges, VAT/CCL basis and every circumstance that allows charges to change.
Find the renewal and rollover terms and distinguish notice at the end of a fixed term from notice on an evergreen contract. Under current Ofgem guidance, the 30-day maximum notice rule applies to eligible microbusiness evergreen contracts only; eligible microbusinesses generally do not have to give termination notice just to end or switch at the end of the initial fixed term. Leaving earlier is an early exit and may have different terms or fees. Confirm the applicable rule for your business, ask who must take each switching step, and keep the final quote and accepted agreement.
6. Confirm the switch and diary your next renewal
Ask for written confirmation of the contract, start date, meter details, rates and any action you need to take. Keep meter readings near the switch date and check the first bill against the signed offer. Contact the supplier quickly if the start date, prices or supply address are wrong.
Diary the contract's end date and any applicable notice dates as soon as it is agreed. Re-check consumption each year and request an updated quote using real kWh. For eligible microbusinesses, the fixed-term end and evergreen notice rules differ, so confirm which contract you are on; other businesses should check the agreement. If no contract is active, ask the supplier what deemed or out-of-contract terms apply while you arrange a replacement.
Use the free estimator to understand an indicative cost from your usage. It is a benchmark, not a live supplier quote.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get business energy quotes directly or use a broker?
You can do either, and comparing both can be useful. A supplier can give you its offer directly; a broker may approach multiple suppliers but may be paid through a fee, commission or tariff uplift. Ask for the broker payment details and compare equivalent written terms.
What information do I need for an accurate quote?
Gather recent bills, a full-year kWh figure for each fuel if available, the supply address, MPAN or MPRN, meter type, contract end date and expected start date. Accurate usage and dates make offers easier to compare.
Is a fixed-rate deal always the cheapest option?
No. A fixed rate can provide price certainty for covered charges, but the total can still depend on standing charges, pass-through costs, usage, taxes and exclusions. Compare the whole written contract for your circumstances.
When should I start looking for a new deal?
Start early enough to compare written offers before your agreement ends. Check the contract type: the current 30-day maximum notice rule applies to eligible microbusiness evergreen contracts only, whereas eligible microbusinesses generally do not have to give notice just to end the initial fixed term. Confirm your own dates and terms with the supplier.
Is ending a fixed term the same as leaving early?
No. The end of an initial microbusiness fixed term and an early exit during the term are different situations. The 30-day maximum notice period applies only to eligible microbusiness evergreen contracts; check early-exit terms and any fees before switching early.
Can an oral agreement bind my business?
It can. A recorded telephone acceptance may form a business energy contract, and there is no general automatic cooling-off period for all business energy agreements. Obtain and read the full terms before accepting.