Selecting the best business energy supplier is crucial for companies seeking efficient, cost-effective energy solutions. To make an informed decision, comparing various companies and contract options is essential. This guide provides valuable insights into assessing and comparing business energy suppliers, ensuring businesses can optimize their energy choices for sustainable and economic benefits. As homes require heating and power, businesses need gas and electricity to function smoothly. Many energy providers serve residential and commercial customers, but there are notable differences between domestic and commercial energy contracts.
Business Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS)
The Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS) replaced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) and operated from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Eligible businesses receive per-unit cost discounts when their wholesale prices exceed specific thresholds, subject to a maximum discount cap.
For standard businesses, the cost of electricity may reach a maximum of £19.61 per unit of megawatt-hour (MWh) with a set price limit of £302 per MWh. Similarly, the cost of gas may rise to a maximum of £6.97 per MWh while being subject to a price threshold of £107 per MWh. Higher support is available for Energy and Trade Intensive Industries (ETII), considered particularly vulnerable to higher energy prices. The pricing for electricity may reach as high as £89 per MWh, subject to a price threshold of £185 per MWh. The pricing for gas, on the other hand, may reach a maximum of £40 per MWh, which is also subject to a price threshold of £99 per MWh.
Benefits of Switching Business Energy Suppliers
Similar to household energy, switching business energy suppliers can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. Even businesses on fixed-rate tariffs can save money by comparing standing charges and other costs from different suppliers. Moreover, companies can enhance their environmental profile by choosing 100% renewable energy tariffs.
Factors Affecting Potential Savings
The amount businesses can save by switching energy suppliers varies based on factors such as:
- Energy Usage: The amount of energy a business consumes, influenced by size, industry, and energy efficiency.
- Unit Cost per kWh: The kilowatt-hour (kWh) cost in the existing contract.
- Standing Charges: Additional costs in the current contract.
- Type of Tariff: Whether the contract is fixed, variable, deemed, out-of-contract, flexible, or pass-through.
Comparing Business Energy Suppliers
To make your money go further by comparing providers, it is crucial to consider the following factors:
- Quoted Unit Rate and Standing Charge: Compare the unit rates and standing charges offered by different suppliers to assess cost-effectiveness.
- Tariff Suitability: Determine the most suitable tariff for your business’s energy needs, considering fixed or variable options.
- Renewable Sources: Evaluate whether the energy comes from renewable sources to align with your business’s sustainability goals.
- Contract Length and Notice Period: Consider the contract’s length and notice period to assess flexibility and commitment.
- Cooling-off Period: Check if the contract provides a cooling-off period, allowing you to change your mind without penalties.
- Additional Charges: Be aware of contract maintenance charges or other additional costs.
- Energy Broker Fees: If using an energy broker, understand their charges and how they may impact the overall costs.
Choosing the Right Business Energy Plan
The best business energy plan choice depends on the size and type of business:
- Micro Businesses: Characterized by low energy consumption, micro-businesses enjoy certain protections, such as a shortened notice period of 30 days, plain contract language, and a 14-day cooling-off period.
- Charities and Non-profit Organizations: Eligible for reduced VAT rates (5%) and exempt from the Climate Change Levy (CCL), which diminishes bills by an additional 5%.
Types of Business Energy Tariffs
Business energy tariffs come in various forms, each with its pros and cons:
- Fixed Rate: Offers price stability as businesses pay a fixed unit rate for a specific contract duration. However, it may miss out on potential price decreases.
- Variable Rate: Unit rates fluctuate based on wholesale market activity, providing flexibility but also the risk of rising costs.
- Deemed Rate: Temporary and expensive tariff applicable when moving into new premises without a negotiated contract.
- Out-of-contract Rate: Charged when a contract ends without renewal or switching, generally more expensive than negotiated tariffs.
- Flexible Rate: Allows businesses to purchase energy blocks throughout the contract, offering flexibility but requiring careful management.
- Pass-Through Tariff: Involves fixed rates initially, with fluctuating costs shown separately on the bill—potential for unit rate savings but less price stability.
- Extended Tariff: Extends an existing contract with the same supplier, maintaining current benefits but potentially missing better deals elsewhere.
Choosing Between Fixed and Variable Tariffs
The decision between fixed and variable tariffs depends on the business’s priorities:
- Fixed Tariff: Best for businesses seeking cost predictability, as they pay a fixed unit rate regardless of market fluctuations.
- Variable Tariff: Suited to businesses willing to assume the risk of market price changes, potentially benefiting from lower costs when wholesale prices drop.
Domestic vs Business Energy
Critical differences between domestic and business energy contracts include:
- Contract Length: Business energy contracts are typically longer than domestic ones, lasting between 12 months and five years.
- Cooling-off Period: Most business energy contracts do not offer a cooling-off period unless qualifying as a micro business.
- Single Fuel: Business energy contracts are usually single fuels, requiring separate contracts for gas and electricity.
- Multi-Premises: Business contracts can accommodate multiple business premises or locations.
- Pricing: Business energy costs are not capped by regulatory authorities like Ofgem.
Is Business Energy Cheaper?
Due to suppliers’ bulk-buying advantages, business energy can be cheaper than domestic energy. However, savings depend on usage, VAT, and the Climate Change Levy (CCL). It is essential to consider these costs when comparing business and domestic energy. Business energy brokers may charge a commission, a share of savings, or an upfront fee. Companies should ensure transparent disclosure of broker earnings in the contract.
In Conclusion
Selecting the right business energy supplier is crucial for companies aiming to optimize their energy solutions for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Comparing various providers and contract options is essential to make an informed decision. The Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS) supports eligible businesses, allowing them to benefit from discounts on per-unit costs based on wholesale price thresholds.
Switching business energy suppliers can lead to significant savings, especially considering energy usage, unit costs, and standing charges. Moreover, businesses can contribute to a greener environment by using renewable energy tariffs.
When comparing suppliers, it is essential to consider factors such as unit rates, tariff suitability, contract length, and cooling-off periods. Micro-businesses and charities/non-profit organizations enjoy specific protections and benefits.
Business energy tariffs come in various forms, each with advantages and drawbacks. Deciding between fixed and variable tariffs depends on a business’s preferences for cost predictability or the potential for market-driven savings.
Recognizing the differences between domestic and business energy contracts, including contract lengths, cooling-off periods, single fuel contracts, and the absence of pricing caps for business energy, is essential.
While business energy can be cheaper due to bulk-buying advantages for suppliers, it is crucial to factor in VAT, the Climate Change Levy (CCL), and energy broker fees when making comparisons.
Meet Bhavesh, a seasoned blogger with a wealth of knowledge and experience. From metal products manufacturing to retail, Bhavesh has a diverse background in various industries and is dedicated to sharing his insights and expertise with readers.
