Quick Answer: The best way to compare business energy in the UK is to use a digital comparison platform that shows broker fees separately from supplier rates. Gather your MPAN/MPRN and annual usage, compare total annual costs (not just unit rates), and switch during your renewal window to avoid penalties. Businesses switching from deemed rates typically save 30-45% on their energy bills.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
The Opportunity: UK businesses switching energy suppliers can save 30-45% by moving from deemed rates (~38p/kWh) to contracted rates (~22-24p/kWh). According to Ofgem’s Non-Domestic 2024 Research Report (opens in new tab), 33% of UK businesses switched supplier in 2024 - up from 26% in 2023 - with 53% citing price as their primary motivation.
The Three Paths: You can compare business energy via digital platforms (fastest, most transparent), traditional brokers (better for complex sites), or direct supplier contact (slowest, limited options).
The Hidden Cost Problem: For SMEs, traditional brokers typically add 3-5p/kWh in hidden commission - costing a typical SME £750-£1,250 per year. Since October 2024, Ofgem requires this to be disclosed, but legacy contracts remain opaque. Critically, Ofgem research shows 73% of businesses believe they don’t pay broker fees - despite commissions being embedded in virtually every contract.
The Data You Need: Your MPAN (electricity) or MPRN (gas), annual consumption in kWh, and contract end date. Without accurate data, quotes are unreliable.
The Meet George Difference: We compare 20+ suppliers instantly, show our 1p/kWh fee separately from the supplier rate, and complete the entire process in 10 minutes. No hidden margins, no phone tag with brokers.
What Is Business Energy Comparison?
Business energy comparison is the process of evaluating electricity and gas tariffs from multiple suppliers to find the best rates, contract terms, and service for your commercial premises. Unlike residential switching, business energy comparison involves navigating wholesale market pricing, broker commissions, and contract clauses like volume tolerance that can add hidden costs if your usage varies from estimates. The comparison process also involves credit checks and supplier acceptance criteria - some suppliers won’t accept certain business types (such as pubs, clubs, or care homes) or businesses with poor credit history, which can limit your available options.
The UK business energy market includes over 30 active suppliers and approximately 2,200 active brokers (Third Party Intermediaries or TPIs). Ofgem provides guidance on what businesses need to know about TPIs (opens in new tab). The market encompasses 3.3 million non-domestic meters consuming 144.6 TWh annually - with the average business meter using 44 times more electricity than a domestic meter (43,818 kWh vs ~1,000 kWh). Despite the number of suppliers, the Big 5-6 still control approximately 80% of business electricity market share by volume, compared to just 67% in the domestic market - meaning competition is weaker where businesses need it most.
This guide explains how to compare business energy effectively in 2025, avoid the common traps, and secure the best rates for your business - whether you’re a sole trader using 5,000 kWh or an SME consuming 100,000 kWh or more annually.
Why Business Energy Comparison Matters in 2025
The Cost of Not Comparing
A significant percentage of UK SMEs are currently on deemed rates - the expensive default tariff you roll onto when your contract expires without renewal. Deemed rates currently hover around 38-42p/kWh, compared to contracted rates of 22-26p/kWh.
The maths for a typical SME using 25,000 kWh annually:
| Scenario | Rate | Annual Cost | vs. Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deemed Rates | 38p/kWh | £9,500 | +£4,000 wasted |
| Average Broker Deal | 26p/kWh (inc. 4p hidden fee) | £6,500 | +£1,000 in fees |
| Meet George Deal | 23p/kWh (inc. 1p transparent fee) | £5,750 | Baseline |
The takeaway: Not comparing costs you thousands. Comparing badly (with hidden broker fees) still costs you hundreds.
Market Volatility Makes Timing Critical
The 2022-2024 energy crisis demonstrated how quickly wholesale prices can spike. Businesses locked into contracts at the wrong time paid 2-3x market rates for years. Those who compared regularly and timed their switches strategically avoided the worst.
In 2025, prices have stabilised but remain elevated. According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Energy Trends data (opens in new tab), UK business electricity prices remain significantly above pre-2021 levels. The businesses that compare and switch proactively will continue to outperform those on auto-renewal or deemed rates.
Peak renewal periods: April and October are the busiest months for business energy switching, driven by the April 1st and October 1st contract year conventions. October 2024 saw 475,000 switches - the highest single month of the year. If your contract ends in these peak months, start comparing 90-120 days early to avoid last-minute pressure from brokers.
The structural shift: Beyond short-term volatility, UK electricity demand is growing for the first time in 19 years. The rollout of electric vehicles (projected to reach 25 million by 2035), heat pumps, and AI-driven data centres means demand is forecast to grow 50% by 2035. This creates long-term upward pressure on network charges - making it even more critical to secure competitive rates now. Learn how the £28bn grid upgrade affects your bills.
Regulatory Changes Are Reshaping the Market
Two major regulatory shifts affect how you should compare energy in 2025:
1. Ofgem Commission Disclosure (October 2024) All energy suppliers must now disclose broker commissions in business energy contracts. This means you can finally see what you’re paying brokers - if you know where to look. Learn how to spot hidden broker commissions.
2. Incoming TPI Regulation The government has confirmed mandatory regulation for energy brokers is coming. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (opens in new tab) announced plans to require broker registration, enforce conduct standards, and give businesses access to the Energy Ombudsman for disputes. Read more about the regulatory roadmap.
The Three Ways to Compare Business Energy
Option 1: Digital Comparison Platforms
What they are: Online platforms that aggregate quotes from multiple suppliers and allow you to compare, select, and switch entirely online.
How they work: You enter your meter details (or upload a bill), the platform retrieves your consumption data via industry databases, and displays live quotes from their supplier panel. You select a deal and sign electronically.
Pros:
- Fastest method (quotes in minutes, not days)
- Transparent fee disclosure (reputable platforms show their margin separately)
- No sales pressure or phone tag
- Full market access (20+ suppliers on good platforms)
Cons:
- Less suitable for complex multi-site or high-consumption (I&C) contracts
- Requires accurate data input (garbage in, garbage out)
- Quality varies significantly between platforms
Cost: Typically 1-2p/kWh (transparent platforms) or embedded in rates (less transparent ones)
Best for: SMEs with straightforward single-site contracts, businesses wanting speed and transparency
According to Ofgem’s 2024 research (opens in new tab), 78% of businesses found the switching process easy - up from 60% in 2023. Digital platforms have helped drive this improvement by eliminating phone tag and paperwork delays.
Option 2: Traditional Energy Brokers
What they are: Human intermediaries who manage the comparison and switching process on your behalf, typically via phone and email.
How they work: You provide your details, sign a Letter of Authority (LOA), and the broker requests quotes from suppliers. They present options (usually via phone), help you select, and manage the paperwork.
Pros:
- Human advice for complex situations
- Can negotiate bespoke terms for large contracts
- Useful for multi-site portfolios requiring coordination
- May have relationships that unlock exclusive rates
Cons:
- Slow (1-2 weeks for quotes is standard)
- Hidden commissions (3-5p/kWh typical, though now disclosed in contracts)
- Limited supplier panel (many only show suppliers paying upfront commission)
- Incentives often misaligned (brokers may favour high-commission suppliers)
Cost: Typically 3-5p/kWh for SMEs embedded in your rate (larger I&C contracts typically see 1p/kWh or less). Now disclosed, but not always prominent.
Best for: Large businesses with complex multi-site needs, I&C customers requiring negotiated terms
Important: Not all brokers are predatory. Some provide genuine value, especially for complex contracts. The key is understanding their fee structure and ensuring they show you the whole market. Learn how to distinguish good brokers from bad.
Option 3: Direct Supplier Contact
What they are: Contacting each energy supplier individually to request quotes.
How they work: You call or email suppliers directly, provide your meter details and usage, and each supplier sends a quote. You compare manually and contact your chosen supplier to proceed.
Pros:
- No broker fees
- Direct relationship with supplier
- Full control over the process
Cons:
- Extremely time-consuming (10+ calls/emails minimum)
- No standardised format makes comparison difficult
- Miss suppliers you don’t know about
- No expertise to spot unfavourable contract terms
Cost: No intermediary fees, but you pay with your time
Best for: Very large businesses with dedicated energy managers, businesses with existing supplier relationships they want to leverage
How to Compare Business Energy: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather Your Meter Details
Before comparing, collect:
Essential:
- MPAN (13-digit electricity meter number) - found on your bill
- MPRN (6-10 digit gas meter number) - found on your bill
- Postcode of your supply address
- Contract end date - critical for timing your switch
Helpful:
- Annual consumption in kWh - allows manual verification of quotes
- Current unit rate and standing charge - for baseline comparison
- Current supplier name - some platforms retrieve data faster with this
The Meet George shortcut: Simply upload a PDF of your latest bill. Our AI extracts all relevant data automatically - no manual entry required.
Step 2: Understand Your Current Contract Status
Your contract status determines when and how you can switch:
Out of Contract (Deemed Rates) If your contract has expired, you’re on deemed rates - expensive default pricing. You can switch immediately with no exit fees. This is the highest-priority situation. Citizens Advice confirms (opens in new tab) that deemed tariffs are usually the most expensive, and you typically won’t pay a fee to leave them.
In Renewal Window Typically 60-120 days before your contract ends, you enter the renewal window. You can sign a new contract now that starts the day your current one ends - locking in today’s rates without penalties.
Warning: Beware digital renewal traps. Some suppliers send emails with “confirm your renewal” buttons that lock you into unfavourable rates with a single click.
Mid-Contract If you’re within a fixed-term contract, switching early usually triggers termination fees. These can be substantial (£500+ per meter or percentage of remaining value). Calculate whether savings from switching outweigh the penalty. However, you can still compare and arrange a new contract while mid-contract - simply set the start date to align with your current contract end date, avoiding any termination fees while locking in today’s rates.
Learn more about cancelling business energy contracts.
Step 3: Choose Your Comparison Method
Based on your situation:
| Your Situation | Recommended Method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Single site, under 500,000 kWh | Digital Platform | Fastest, most transparent |
| Multiple sites, coordinated renewal | Broker or Platform | Need portfolio management |
| Over 500,000 kWh (I&C) | Specialist Broker | Negotiated terms add value |
| Wanting maximum transparency | Digital Platform | Fees shown separately |
| Complex contract requirements | Broker | Human negotiation helps |
Step 4: Compare Like-for-Like
When reviewing quotes, ensure you’re comparing total cost, not just headline rates:
What to compare:
-
Unit Rate (p/kWh) - The per-unit cost. But don’t stop here.
-
Standing Charge (p/day) - The daily fixed fee. Can vary by 50p+ between suppliers.
-
Total Annual Cost (£) - Unit rate × usage + standing charge × 365. This is what actually hits your bank account.
-
Broker/Platform Fee - Since October 2024, this must be disclosed. Look for “Third Party Costs” or “Commission” in the contract. Understand how broker fees work.
-
Contract Length - Longer contracts may offer lower rates but reduce flexibility.
-
Volume Tolerance - Does the contract penalise you if usage varies from estimates? Understand this critical clause.
-
Exit/Termination Fees - What happens if you need to leave early?
-
Payment Terms - Monthly direct debit? Quarterly invoice? This affects cash flow and may impact pricing.
The calculation most people miss:
A quote showing 22p/kWh with a £1.50/day standing charge is more expensive than 23p/kWh with a 50p/day standing charge for most SMEs.
At 25,000 kWh annual usage:
- Quote A: (25,000 × £0.22) + (365 × £1.50) = £5,500 + £548 = £6,048
- Quote B: (25,000 × £0.23) + (365 × £0.50) = £5,750 + £183 = £5,933
The “cheaper” unit rate costs you £115 more per year.
Step 5: Check the Fine Print
Before signing, verify:
Volume Tolerance Clauses Many contracts include “take or pay” clauses penalising you if actual usage differs significantly from your Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC). Typical bands are 80-120% - meaning if you use less than 80% of estimated consumption, you pay for the shortfall anyway.
Auto-Renewal Terms Does the contract automatically renew? Microbusinesses have some protection here - Ofgem rules limit rollover contracts to 12 months maximum (opens in new tab) - but larger businesses may not. Ensure you know when to serve notice.
Security Deposit Requirements Some suppliers require security deposits from businesses without strong credit history. This ties up cash flow.
Green Claims If paying extra for a “green tariff,” verify what you’re actually getting. Some tariffs use REGOs purchased separately from actual generation - meaning your physical electricity may not be renewable.
Step 6: Complete the Switch
Once you’ve selected a supplier:
-
Sign the Letter of Authority (LOA) - This authorises the platform or broker to act on your behalf. Ensure it’s a Level 1 LOA (data access only) not Level 2 (signing authority).
-
Review and sign the contract - Read it. There’s no cooling-off period for business energy contracts. Once signed, you’re committed.
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Confirm the switch date - Ideally aligned with your current contract end to avoid overlap or gap charges.
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Monitor the transfer - Industry transfers take 5-21 days. Your supply continues uninterrupted.
-
Check your first bill - Verify rates match what was quoted. Flag discrepancies immediately.
Digital Platform vs Broker: The Complete Comparison
This is the strategic decision most businesses face. Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Factor | Digital Platforms | Traditional Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Speed to quotes | Minutes | 1-2 weeks |
| Speed to switch | 5-21 days | 5-21 days (plus quote delay) |
| Typical fee | 1-2p/kWh (transparent) | 3-5p/kWh (now disclosed) |
| Fee on 25,000 kWh (3yr) | £750-£1,500 | £2,250-£3,750 |
| Market access | 20+ suppliers (good platforms) | Varies (often limited to upfront-paying suppliers) |
| Human advice | AI/chatbot support | Phone consultation |
| Best for | Single-site SMEs | Multi-site, I&C |
| Transparency | High (fees shown separately) | Improving (now disclosed) |
| Sales pressure | None | Often significant |
The financial reality:
A business using 25,000 kWh annually on a 3-year contract pays:
- Digital Platform (1p/kWh): £750 total commission
- Average Broker (4p/kWh): £3,000 total commission
- Difference: £2,250 saved by choosing the right comparison method
That’s money in your pocket, not a broker’s.
Common Comparison Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Comparing Unit Rates Alone
The unit rate (p/kWh) is only part of your cost. Standing charges, broker fees, and contract terms all affect total spend. Always calculate total annual cost.
Mistake 2: Entering Inaccurate Usage Data
Quotes are only as accurate as the data behind them. If you estimate 20,000 kWh but actually use 30,000 kWh, your “cheap” quote becomes expensive - especially if volume tolerance clauses apply.
Solution: Use actual consumption from bills or let platforms retrieve data via your MPAN/MPRN.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Volume Tolerance
A supplier offering rock-bottom rates may include aggressive volume tolerance clauses. If your usage varies (which is normal for most businesses), you’ll pay penalties that wipe out any savings.
Mistake 4: Focusing on the Cheapest Option
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best deal. Consider:
- Supplier reputation and customer service
- Contract flexibility
- Exit fee terms
- Security deposit requirements
- Payment terms impact on cash flow
A slightly more expensive supplier with fair terms may cost less overall.
Mistake 5: Missing Your Renewal Window
Setting and forgetting leads to one of two bad outcomes:
- Auto-renewal onto whatever rate the supplier (or broker) chooses
- Rolling onto deemed rates at 30-50% premium
Solution: Calendar reminders 90-120 days before contract end. Compare and switch before the window closes.
Mistake 6: Signing a Level 2 LOA
Some brokers request Level 2 Letters of Authority giving them signing authority - the ability to sign contracts on your behalf. This creates risk of being locked into deals without your informed consent.
Solution: Only sign Level 1 LOAs (data access only). Review and sign contracts yourself. If you have a dispute with a broker, the Energy Ombudsman can help resolve complaints (opens in new tab) for eligible small businesses.
What Makes Meet George Different
We built Meet George because we experienced the broken market firsthand. Here’s our approach:
1. Transparent Pricing We charge a flat 1p/kWh - shown separately from the supplier’s rate. You see exactly what you pay us versus what you pay the supplier. See how we’re paid.
2. Digital Letter of Authority (LOA) Sign your LOA securely online in seconds. No printing, scanning, or posting documents. Our digital LOA gives us read-only access to retrieve your meter data - you remain in full control of any contract decisions.
3. Real Market Access We compare 20+ suppliers, including those who don’t pay upfront commissions. You see the best deals for your business, not the best deals for our commission.
4. Speed Without Sacrifice Upload your bill, get quotes in minutes, complete your switch in under 10 minutes. No phone tag, no chasing brokers, no waiting days for basic information.
5. Pound-Note Clarity We don’t just show unit rates. We show you: “You pay £X now. You’ll pay £Y with this switch. You save £Z per year.” Clear, actionable numbers.
6. AI Contract Analysis Before signing, use our AI Contract Assistant to ask unlimited questions about contract terms. “Does this have volume tolerance?” “What are the exit fees?” Get instant, unbiased answers.
7. Pro-Regulation We welcome incoming broker regulation because it will clean up the market and remove predatory operators. We believe transparency should be the default, not the exception.
UK Business Energy Comparison Platforms Compared
For transparency, here’s how the main UK business energy comparison options stack up in 2025:
Digital Platforms & Comparison Sites
| Platform | Type | Fee Model | Suppliers | Online Switch | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meet George | AI Platform | 1p/kWh (shown separately) | 20+ | Yes | SMEs wanting transparency and speed |
| Bionic | Hybrid (calls + online) | Embedded in rate | 20+ | Partial | Businesses comfortable with phone calls |
| Make It Cheaper | Comparison + Broker | Embedded in rate | 15+ | No | Those wanting human support |
| Utility Helpline | Comparison Site | Embedded in rate | 10+ | Partial | Quick initial research |
| Business Energy UK | Comparison Site | Embedded in rate | 15+ | Partial | General market overview |
| Love Energy Savings | Comparison Site | Embedded in rate | 10+ | Partial | Multi-utility comparison |
Traditional Brokers
| Broker Type | Fee Model | Typical Commission | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Brokers | Embedded in rate | 2-4p/kWh | Relationship-based service |
| Tied Agents (exclusive relationship with specific suppliers) | Embedded in rate | 3-5p/kWh | Deep expertise on limited supplier panel |
| Consultancies | Fixed fee or embedded | Varies widely | Large I&C contracts |
Key Differences Explained
Fee transparency: Meet George is among the few UK platforms that show commission separately from the supplier rate. Other platforms embed their fee in your quoted unit rate - legal since October 2024 disclosure rules, but less visible.
Online completion: Many “comparison sites” still require phone calls to complete your switch. Fully digital platforms let you compare and switch without speaking to anyone.
Supplier access: Platforms with “embedded” fees may prioritise suppliers who pay higher upfront commissions. Transparent-fee platforms have less incentive to steer you toward specific suppliers.
Note: We have not independently audited competitor claims. This comparison is based on publicly available information as of December 2025. Always verify current offerings directly with each provider.
The Bottom Line: How to Compare Business Energy Effectively
- Know your numbers - MPAN/MPRN, current usage, contract end date
- Choose the right method - Digital platforms for simplicity, brokers for complexity
- Compare total cost - Not just unit rates
- Check the fine print - Volume tolerance, exit fees, auto-renewal
- Understand what you’re paying - Ask for fee disclosure, look for transparency
- Time it right - Switch in your renewal window to avoid penalties
- Don’t accept the default - Deemed rates and auto-renewals are designed to extract money from passive customers
The businesses that compare proactively and switch strategically save thousands every year. The businesses that don’t subsidise everyone else.
Note on future changes: Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) (opens in new tab) is rolling out through 2026-2027. This will change how electricity is priced based on when you use it. Businesses with smart meters and off-peak usage patterns may see lower costs, while peak-time users may pay more. Compare now to lock in rates before these changes take full effect.
Ready to compare business energy the transparent way? Meet George launches in Q1 2026. Join the Platform Waitlist to get early access and see exactly what you’re paying - supplier rate and platform fee, shown separately. No hidden margins, no surprises.
Further Reading
Meet George Guides:
- How to Switch Business Energy: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- Hidden Broker Commissions: How Uplift Actually Works
- What Are Deemed Rates? Why You’re Paying an 80% Premium
- Volume Tolerance: The Cheapest Contract Trap
- Good Broker vs Bad Broker: When SMEs Overpay
- Letter of Authority: What It Is and Why It Matters
- Business Energy Glossary - All terms explained in plain English
External Resources:
- Ofgem: Guidance for Microbusinesses (opens in new tab) - Official regulator advice
- Citizens Advice: Business Energy Supply (opens in new tab) - Independent switching guidance
- Energy Ombudsman (opens in new tab) - Free dispute resolution for eligible businesses
- Federation of Small Businesses (opens in new tab) - UK small business advocacy and support