UK business energy suppliers: who are they and what do they offer?

When comparing business gas and electricity suppliers, there are lots of things to consider. Whether you’re looking for cheaper bills, better customer service, renewable energy options, or a combination of all three, it’s important to see what a range of suppliers has to offer.

The trouble is, this can be very time-consuming and not the best use of your time. That's why MoneySuperMarket has teamed up with Bionic. We can help you source prices from a panel of suppliers and find rates that best suit your business.  

Ofgem's 2024 non-domestic research report, based on a survey of 1,000 UK businesses, found that one in three (33%) switched their gas or electricity supplier in the past year (up from 26% in 2023). More than half (53%) of those who switched suppliers cited price as the main reason for making the move. This suggests that regularly reviewing your commercial energy contract can be a worthwhile use of your time

If you're ready to get quotes from our supplier panel, head to our business energy comparison page.

In this guide to business energy suppliers…

• Which suppliers provide business gas and electricity in the UK: A breakdown of the main non-domestic energy providers and the types of businesses they serve.
• What each major UK business energy supplier offers: Fixed and flexible contracts, renewable options, account management, and customer service features compared by provider.
• Indicative rates from leading business energy suppliers: An at-a-glance reference of typical unit rates and standing charges (for live quotes, see our comparison page).
• What to expect when switching your business energy supplier: The contract, approval process, meter readings, and timelines from signing to your new deal going live.
• How to handle business energy complaints and escalate issues: Practical guidance on raising issues with suppliers, Citizens Advice, and the Energy Ombudsman.

Why it pays to review your business energy supplier

Each supplier offers different rates, services, contract terms, and renewable options. It's worth considering everything that’s on offer, including customer service, payment terms, and contract types. 

Switching to a fixed-rate contract gives you better control over your bills and ensures you avoid expensive out-of-contract rates. 

An out-of-contract rate is a default tariff your supplier moves you onto automatically if your fixed-term deal ends and you haven't agreed to a new one. These rates are typically much higher than contracted prices, so renegotiating or switching before your end date could help you avoid them.

Here are some of the things to consider when reviewing your supplier:

• Customer Service: Look at ratings and reviews.
• Prices & Tariffs: Fixed vs variable, standing charges, unit rates.
• Contract & Payment Terms: Flexibility, length, switching fees.
• Green Energy Options: Access to renewable tariffs.
• Supplier Reliability: Billing transparency, dispute resolution.

If you're unsure which suppliers offer non-domestic energy deals, here are some of the most popular commercial energy suppliers: 

• British Gas Business: Centrica offers tailored energy solutions through BG Lite for small businesses, BG Plus for large, high-consumption firms using half-hourly metering, and BG Core for those who prefer traditional account management. Packages feature fixed-price gas and electricity, low rates, smart meter options, online or paper billing, and dedicated customer support.
• Brook Green Supply: Brook Green Supply provides bespoke energy solutions to larger businesses and corporates, offering fixed and flexible electricity and gas contracts, sustainability reporting, and personalised customer service, with a focus on clear pricing and transparent communication.
• Crown Energy: As the utility arm of Crown Oil Group, Crown Energy brings over 25 years of experience supplying gas, electricity, and water to businesses, with a focus on single-supplier convenience and green gas options (available in 100%, 50%, or 25% biomethane) for larger organisations.
• EDF Energy: One of the UK’s largest business energy providers, EDF supports companies of all sizes and those with complex needs like multi-site metering, offering scalable solutions across the UK.
• E.ON Next: E.ON Next, part of the E.ON Group, supplies fixed-price or variable gas and electricity tariffs to UK businesses, with options for 1, 2, or 3-year deals, smart meter installation, 100% renewable electricity as standard, digital account management for easy control, and tailored support for SMEs, micros, larger companies, and multi-site operations.
• npower Business Solutions (nBS) - Part of the E.ON Group, nBS is a leading UK business energy supplier helping larger firms cut costs and carbon. It offers flexible and fixed energy contracts designed to give businesses more control, budget certainty, and insight into how they use energy, even in a volatile market
• ScottishPower: ScottishPower serves businesses of every size, focusing on online account management, app-based access, and automated meter readings to streamline billing and reduce costs.
• SEFE Energy: SEFE Energy offers tailored gas, electricity, and renewable contracts for businesses of all sizes, featuring fixed or flexible pricing, dedicated UK-based customer support, account management, and sustainability solutions to help companies manage costs and carbon footprint with reliable service.
• SSE: A leading UK supplier, SSE provides straightforward energy deals for SMEs and sole traders, as well as comprehensive energy management for corporations, the public sector, and consortia.
• SmartestEnergy: SmartestEnergy supplies 100% renewable electricity and gas to SMEs and large businesses, providing flexible and fixed tariffs, smart meter installation, sustainability consulting, and UK-based customer service, with a strong focus on helping customers meet their net zero targets.
• Yorkshire Gas and Power: Yorkshire Gas and Power supplies electricity and gas to UK businesses, specialising in competitive rates for SMEs and large organisations, with a focus on simple contracts, smart meter installation, and efficient online account management.
• Valda Energy: Targeting SMEs, Valda Energy focuses on affordable energy and sustainability, sourcing power from independent producers using solar, wind, hydro, and anaerobic digestion processes, with a commitment to renewable energy.
• YÜ Energy: A newer market entrant, YÜ Energy specialises in small business utilities, delivering competitively priced energy deals and responsive customer service tailored to SMEs.

Comparing these business energy suppliers will help you understand which providers best match your needs and your business’s energy usage. 

Using a comparison service like MoneySuperMarket alongside Bionic means you can weigh up these suppliers side by side, rather than researching each one individually.

How to switch your business gas and electricity suppliers

Switching your business energy providers doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Using the Bionic business energy experts means you can check rates from a panel of suppliers in one call, rather than wasting time calling each one for a quote.

This saves you time and could save your business a significant amount on its monthly bills.  

One thing worth knowing before you sign: business energy contracts don't come with the 14-day cooling-off period you'd get on domestic energy deals. Once you've signed, you're generally bound by the contract's terms for its full duration. You need to be confident in your decision before agreeing to a new supplier - that's where talking to an energy expert can be invaluable.

Here are the steps to switching suppliers: 

• Get your quotes: Instead of approaching multiple business electricity suppliers or gas providers for quotes, let the team at Bionic do it for you in just one call. 
• Choose the right tariff: Select the tariff that best suits your business’s energy needs and budget. If you're unsure which is best for your business, a Bionic energy expert will talk you through the options.
• Let us start the switch: Once you’ve chosen your tariff, we’ll start the switch and inform your old and new suppliers. And we’re always here to help you through the switching process. 

If your switch request is rejected (this is usually due to an outstanding balance), we can help you work with your old supplier to resolve any issues. 

Suppliers can also object to a switch if there's incorrect or missing information about your business or meters, or if the agreed start date for your new contract doesn't line up correctly with your current one. 

Once your switch is accepted, the hard work is done, and the new supplier will handle the remaining details. 

But your suppliers may need more information from you, so look out for any letters or emails. 

Ofgem's research also found that businesses who used a broker to switch were more likely to describe the process as easy (85%) compared to those who didn't use one (71%). Almost three-quarters (73%) of broker users reported high satisfaction with the service.

Who is the cheapest business energy supplier? 

Before choosing a new supplier, it helps to know what rates they’re offering. Here is a breakdown of the latest gas and electricity rates offered by a selection of our supplier panel.

For the latest unit rates and standing charges from our supplier panel, see our business energy comparison page.

How long does it take to switch business energy suppliers? 

This depends on the size of your business. If you run a micro business, then your switch should take no longer than five days. For all other businesses, it can take up to 30 days. 

This shorter timeframe is thanks to Ofgem's Faster Switching programme. Introduced in 2022, it requires suppliers to complete a switch within five working days for both domestic and business customers - down from a process that could previously take up to three weeks. You can still choose to future-date your switch if you'd prefer it to align with your current contract's end date. 

And remember, if you sign with a new supplier while still under contract, the switch won't happen until this current contract ends.

A micro business is a type of classification Ofgem uses to extend extra consumer protections to the smallest customers. Under Ofgem's definition, a micro business consumer uses less than 100,000 kWh of electricity or less than 293,000 kWh of gas per year, or has fewer than 10 employees (full-time equivalent) and an annual turnover not exceeding roughly £1.716 million.

But remember, if you still have a contract with your current supplier, the switch won’t happen until this current contract ends.    

Consider using a business energy broker to support you with the process and help make sure the switch happens without a hitch. 

A broker (also called a Third Party Intermediary, or TPI) is a type of intermediary that sources and compares quotes from multiple suppliers on your behalf, usually earning commission from the supplier rather than charging you a fee directly. Find out more in our guide to business energy brokers.

Ready to switch suppliers?

If you've read this far, chances are your current deal isn't quite right, whether that's the price, the contract terms, or the level of service you're getting from your supplier. The good news is that comparing your options doesn't have to eat into your day.

MoneySuperMarket has teamed up with Bionic to do the legwork for you. Just share a few details about your business, and Bionic's energy experts will source quotes from a panel of trusted suppliers, so you can compare rates, contract lengths, and green energy options side by side, rather than calling around individually.

Compare business energy quotes now

Business energy suppliers FAQs

Still unsure about which energy supplier is best for your business? Check out the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

How do I find the cheapest business energy supplier?

Use a broker to get up-to-date rates from a range of suppliers, rather than approaching each one yourself. Our energy experts will talk you through the options and explain what to weigh up beyond price, including customer service, contract length, and green energy options.

Will a new supplier take me on if I owe money to my current supplier?

Usually, suppliers will block a switch until any debts are cleared. Contact your supplier directly to arrange a repayment plan, as this is normally the fastest way to unblock the switch. Once the balance is settled, you're free to compare and move to a new deal.

How long does switching take?

For micro businesses, switching should take up to 5 days thanks to Ofgem's Faster Switching rules. Larger businesses may take up to 30 days after their current contract ends. Either way, your new contract won't start until your existing one finishes, so timing your switch around your end date matters.

How do I submit a complaint about my energy supplier?

Contact the supplier directly first and give them the chance to resolve the issue. If it's still unresolved after 8 weeks, or you receive a deadlock letter before then, you can escalate the complaint to the Energy Ombudsman for an independent review.

Does my business location affect energy rates?

Yes. Rates vary by region, supply type, and your business's usage profile, so two businesses with similar bills can be quoted differently. This is one reason it's worth comparing quotes tailored to your specific postcode and consumption, rather than relying on generic advertised rates.

Can I get renewable energy for my business?

Many suppliers offer renewable tariffs, ranging from 100% renewable electricity as standard to optional green add-ons. Ask to see the green options before switching, as availability and pricing can vary considerably between suppliers.

What if I'm moving premises?

Check change-of-tenancy (CoT) procedures with your broker to ensure a seamless transition. Getting this sorted early helps you avoid being switched onto a deemed rate contract at your new premises while you arrange proper supply.

How much notice does a business need to give to switch energy suppliers?

Most contracts need 30 to 90 days' written notice before the end date. Some suppliers ask for up to 120 days. Check your contract for the exact window. Miss the deadline, and your supplier can roll you onto pricier out-of-contract rates. Set a reminder 90 to 120 days before your end date to avoid this.

When can a business refer a complaint to the Energy Ombudsman?

You can escalate once the supplier issues a deadlock letter, or after eight weeks without resolution. This right currently applies only to microbusinesses, as defined by Ofgem. Larger businesses must use the courts or another ADR scheme. If upheld, the Ombudsman can order corrective action or award up to £10,000 in compensation.

What is a Third Party Intermediary (TPI) in business energy?

A TPI, usually called an energy broker or consultant, sources quotes and negotiates contracts on your behalf. It earns commission from suppliers, built into your unit rate. Since 2025, Ofgem rules require TPIs to disclose this commission before you sign. A TPI also needs a signed Letter of Authority before approaching suppliers for you. Find out more in our guide to business energy brokers.

What happens if my business energy supplier goes bust?

Ofgem appoints a Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) to take over your supply. Your meters keep working, so no immediate action is needed. The SoLR will move you onto deemed rates, which cost more, so it's worth arranging a new contract quickly. Credit balances may not be protected the same way as for domestic customers, so contact the insolvency administrator promptly. Find out more in our guide: What happens if your energy supplier goes bust or stops trading?

What's the difference between an energy supplier and a broker?

A supplier generates or buys wholesale energy and sells it directly to your business. A broker doesn't supply energy at all. It compares deals across suppliers and helps you set up a contract, usually earning commission from the supplier rather than charging you a fee.