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Switching to a better business electricity tariff is straightforward. Here’s how our service works:
At Utility Bidder, we prioritize securing the best electricity tariff for your business. Our analysts compare top energy suppliers to deliver tailored quotes within minutes.
We generate exclusive rates from 27+ suppliers, so you can quickly compare tariffs.
We compare energy prices from the UK’s leading energy suppliers to get the best deal for your business.
Your account manager will complete any paperwork and answer your utility questions.
At Utility Bidder, we provide more than a comparison tool – we offer dedicated support from a team of energy experts. Our customer support specialists are never more than a few clicks away and can guide you through every step of the way.
There are two main elements to a business electricity tariff – the unit rate per kWh and the standing charge.
The unit rate is the price your business pays for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity, usually shown in pence per kWh. At Affinity, we guide you in securing the best rates by considering key factors such as fluctuations in wholesale market prices, the benefits of fixed-rate contracts that allow you to lock in lower prices, and discounts available for businesses with higher electricity consumption.
The standing charge is a fixed daily fee for supplying electricity and maintaining the grid. It applies even when no energy is used and varies by supplier, often impacting costs for businesses with lower consumption.
Some additional charges may apply to your electricity contract. Most businesses must pay the Climate Change Levy (CCL), shown separately on your bill. VAT is also charged at the standard 20% rate, though qualifying businesses—such as those using 60% of their electricity domestically or consuming under 33 kWh daily—may benefit from a reduced 5% rate.
Businesses consume far more electricity than households, so even small savings can add up to big reductions over time. Comparing and switching to competitive rates helps you avoid unnecessary overpayments.
When you move business premises, suppliers may put you on a deemed rate—often much higher than standard tariffs. To avoid paying more, it’s best to switch suppliers as soon as you move into a new office or site.
Some contracts switch to variable rates after a set term, which are often more expensive than fixed tariffs. Reviewing your contract and moving to a fixed-rate plan can help keep your electricity costs stable.
As your business grows, energy use increases with more staff and larger or multiple locations. Securing the right energy deal becomes essential to keep costs under control.
Cost savings aside, a reliable supplier with excellent customer service is vital. Being able to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently minimises disruptions to operations, safeguarding finances and your reputation with existing clients.
Switching suppliers can provide access to green electricity tariffs, reducing your company’s carbon footprint. This is increasingly important as customers and partners prioritise sustainability and hold businesses to ever-higher environmental standards.
Sure, switching from one business electricity provider to another can be a hassle, but not if you do it the right way. By comparing competitive quotes online and accessing expert support from the word go, you could save your business hundreds (or even thousands) of pounds every single year.
Your electricity tariff needs to grow alongside your business if it’s going to continue meeting your energy needs. You don’t want to be paying over the odds or not getting value for money, which is why regularly reassessing your current electricity contract is so important.
Getting a good deal for your business electricity can feel like a minefield, but help is at hand. Our commercial energy experts have listed the key factors you need to consider when comparing tariffs to make sure you select the right package for your business.
Fixed rates offer stability, making budgeting easier, while flexible rates can vary with the market, potentially offering savings but also risking higher costs. Weigh up what’s more important to your business when comparing electricity deals.
Long-term electricity contracts may offer lower rates but limit your flexibility to switch. Short-term contracts provide more opportunities to reassess but might come with higher rates. Balance your need for cost control with the flexibility to change.
Businesses have different electricity demands depending on size and industry, so explore suppliers that cater to your load requirements specifically. Some providers offer demand-side response (DSR) and off-peak rates that can benefit businesses able to shift their usage during peak times.
Different suppliers offer various payment methods, such as direct debit, monthly billing, or pay-as-you-go. Some methods may come with discounts or additional fees. Choose a payment method that aligns with your cash flow and financial management preferences.
Watch out for extra fees, such as early termination charges or setup fees. These can add unexpected costs to your energy bill. Understanding all potential fees helps you accurately compare the true cost of each deal and avoid nasty surprises after signing a contract.
Certain providers may offer businesses smart meters to help you keep track of your consumption in real time. Others may offer half-hourly meters✝ that allow for more accurate billing and energy management, which may benefit larger businesses with higher usages.
Businesses smart meters to help you keep track of your consumption in real time. Others may offer half-hourly meters that allow for more accurate billing and energy management, which may benefit larger businesses with higher usages.
Getting stuck in a contract and being unable to switch without incurring charges is never ideal, so make sure you understand whether there are any early exit fees, automatic renewal terms, or other hidden clauses before signing.
As with standard electricity tariffs, you want to make sure that you’re signing up for a green contract that will go the distance for your business. Remember to check things like early exit restrictions and fixed-rate periods.
