Business electricity prices

The average company pays unit rates 70% higher than the cheapest business electricity prices on the market - until they talk to uSwitchforBusiness.

We compare business electricity prices from lots of different suppliers to find a competitive deal for your company. It only takes a few minutes, we take all the legwork and a lot of the paperwork off your hands and you could save an average of £946.

To compare business energy prices and save, just call us on 0800 688 8568 or leave your details and we’ll call you back.

On this page you’ll find average business electricity prices (including unit rates and standing charges) and advice on how to make sure you get the best rates available.

Average business electricity prices

This chart shows what an average business spends on energy each year with different energy suppliers:

How do your bills measure up? If you think you’re paying over the odds, then it’s time to act.

How to get cheaper business electricity prices

Here are four important elements that you need to pay attention to make sure you get a better deal on your business electricity.

1. Standing charges and unit rates

The two most significant elements in any business electricity tariff are the standing charge and unit rate.

This chart shows average unit rates:

and these are average standing charges:

Many people just worry about the unit rate, but getting the lowest unit rate doesn’t necessarily mean you’re paying the lowest possible price for your electricity; it all depends on how much energy you use.

If you’re a heavy user, a low unit rate is vital, but if you use a relatively low amount of electricity, you might be better off with a low standing charge and higher unit rate.

Our energy advisors can find a tariff with the balance of standing charge and unit rate that suits your business.

2. Long term contracts

By signing up for a long-term contract (for example three or even five years) you can fix your energy prices for the whole period of the contract. You’ll pay a premium to start off with, but with the upward trend in business electricity prices you’ll almost certainly see savings in the long run.

3. Out-of-contract rates

You’ll pay out of contract rates if your contract runs out and you don’t have a new contract ready to switch to, or in the period when you move into new premises before you can sort out your contract. This is an expensive position to be in - out-of-contract rates are double in-contract rates, so you should avoid ending up in a situation where you have to pay them at all costs.

4. Price fluctuations

Business electricity prices are volatile - they change almost every day. Prices fluctuate so much because - unlike the domestic market - business energy isn’t bought in advance, it’s bought as and when new contracts come in.

This means that the wholesale market has a huge impact on business electricity prices. When you get a quote you’re happy with it’s wise to snap it up there and then, because you can’t guarantee that that price will still be available tomorrow.

How uSwitchforBusiness can help you get the best business electricity prices

Our London-based team are on hand to provide advice and compare business electricity prices on your behalf.

We compare prices from a range of suppliers, saving you time and helping you get an overview on the market. It’s all about getting the best deal for your business, not ours, so if we can’t get you a better deal we’ll tell you so.

The fastest way to get a quote is to give us a ring on 0800 688 8568.

Alternatively, leave your details and we can call or email you instead.