BUSINESS GAS COMPARISON

As of May 2026, the average business gas unit rate in the UK ranges from 6.1p to 6.6p per kWh, depending on business size, according to panel data from our partners at Bionic.

May 2026 business gas usage, rates, and bills

^{Note: Prices are correct as of May 2026. Rates and bill size may vary according to your meter type and business location. The prices you’re quoted may be different from the averages shown. The figures shown are the average unit rates and standing charges received by Bionic from our panel of suppliers from May 1 to May 12, 2026.}

Here are some key facts on the latest commercial gas rates:

• Average unit rate: ~6.5p per kWh (varies by business size and location)
• No Ofgem price cap on business gas - rates are negotiated, not regulated
• Fixed-term contracts typically run from one to five years
• MPRN is the unique number identifying your gas meter 
• Out-of-contract businesses can switch at any time
• Micro businesses can switch mid-contract with notice
• No interruption to gas supply when switching suppliers
• Switching timeline is as little as 5 days (micro businesses), up to 30 days (others)

These are averages, so your actual business gas costs may be higher or lower, depending on factors such as your location and energy efficiency. 

Whether your small rural restaurant is cooking on gas or you have gas-powered boilers to keep the heating on in a big city office, you don’t want to overpay for energy. That’s where comparing quotes to find the best business gas rate can help. 

If you’ve not switched business energy suppliers recently, it’s almost certain you’ll be paying more than you need to. Fixing your rates is the only way to protect against price volatility and take control of your energy bills. So, when your current contract is coming to an end, get in touch with the experts at MoneySuperMarket to compare business gas prices and see how much you could save against your renewal offer.

But before you run a business gas comparison, it’s worth learning how the switching process works and what contracts are on offer. There’s usually a bit more to do than when switching home energy suppliers. 

Comparing business gas prices is simple when you get some expert help. Just give us your postcode and we’ll use smart data to find out the basics about your business and its energy needs.  

To save time and hassle, our energy experts use smart data to learn about your business and its energy needs. But there are sometimes gaps in the data, so it’s good to have the following information ready if you can: 

• The name of your current gas supplier 
• The name of your tariff and its end date 
• How much gas your business uses 

Once we have this information, an energy expert will gather the best business gas rates from a panel of suppliers. To help you make a more informed decision on what’s best for your business, we'll talk you through the quotes and answer any questions. This is important as business energy contracts don't offer a cooling-off period.  You need to be completely happy before you sign, or you’ll be locked into a contract you don’t want. 

You then let us know which deal you prefer, and we'll start the switch.  

If you have a fixed contract with your current supplier, you won’t be able to sign a new deal until your current one is in its ‘renewal window’. Once signed, this new contract won’t begin until your current one ends. 

If you’re paying your supplier’s out-of-contract rates, you can sign up with another supplier at any time, and the switch could take as little as five days (depending on the size of your business). For more information, check out our guide to small and micro business energy. 

Commercial gas is the term used for gas supplied under a non-domestic contract. It is billed and contracted entirely separately from domestic gas. 

Your business premises is identified in the national gas network by a unique reference known as an MPRN, or Meter Point Reference Number. This is typically a 6–10 digit number found on your gas bill or on correspondence from your current supplier.

Unlike MPAN numbers for electricity, MPRNs are shorter and are sometimes called the "M-number." You'll need it if you want to switch supplier independently, though when you compare through MoneySuperMarket, our experts can locate your meter details automatically using your business postcode.

Unlike with domestic gas contracts, there are no off-the-shelf tariffs for business gas. This is because there are huge differences in how and when businesses use gas. Commercial energy contracts are designed to reflect these differences and meet the specific needs of each business. 

If you think it's too much hassle, consider that switching to a better-priced business gas contract is a quick and easy way to cut costs. And, unlike other cost-cutting measures, it won’t impact the day-to-day running of your business. The gas still makes its way in through the existing pipes, meaning there’s no need for any digging or drilling at your workplace, and there’ll be no interruption to your supply. 

Switching gas suppliers also means you can choose the type of tariff you’re on.  

If you move into a new business premises without sorting a new contract, you’ll be placed on deemed rates with the previous occupant’s supplier. 

If you’ve not switched for a while and let your last contract end without lining up a new one, you’ll be on your supplier’s out-of-contract rates. Both deemed and out-of-contract rates are more expensive than business gas rate you’ll get on a fixed contract. 

But switching to a fixed-rate contract usually means you’ll get the best business gas rates available. This type of contract also protects against price volatility and can help with your monthly budgeting. This is because the costs remain more or less the same, depending on the amount of energy you use. 

On the other hand, you might prefer a flexible tariff, which could see your energy bills drop if there is a fall in wholesale gas prices and your supplier passes on these savings. Variable tariffs are riskier as your rates will go up if market rates increase. 

One advantage of flexible tariffs is that some allow you to give just 30 days’ notice before switching. This could be ideal if you’re at premises with a short-term lease or run a pop-up shop. If you’re on a fixed tariff, you usually can’t get out of your contract until it expires. 

The first thing you need to know about switching business gas is that you can’t sign with a new supplier until your current deal is in its renewal window. This usually opens between one and six months before its end date. 

Don’t worry if you’re unsure when this renewal window starts, your supplier will write to you with your contract's end date and an offer to extend your existing deal or a new fixed contract. Don’t accept this offer until you've run a business gas comparison to see if cheaper business gas rates are available from another supplier. 

Instead, use this letter as an opportunity to serve notice on your current deal and compare quotes to find the best business gas rates. The simplest way to do this is to get in touch with our energy experts to compare what's on offer from a panel of suppliers. 

Once you’ve found a deal that suits, we’ll start the switch and support you through the process. 

And remember, if you don't line up a new contract to start when your current one ends, you'll automatically be placed on your supplier’s more expensive out-of-contract rates. If this happens, you can switch at any time.

Once you’ve agreed to sign up with a new supplier, you shouldn’t have anything to do until the day of the switch (although your supplier might get in touch beforehand to confirm some details). Remember, your new contract won’t start until your current one ends, so it could take a few months before you start paying your new business gas rates.  

Once your details have been passed to your new supplier, they will then sort out the rest of the switch with your current supplier. 

Your new supplier will send you details of the switch date and a copy of your energy contract. Be sure to thoroughly check the details, as there’s usually no cooling-off period with business gas contracts. 

When everything is agreed, you’ll need to take a meter reading on the day of the switch and make sure you’ve paid any outstanding bills. This is important as your old supplier can block your switch if you owe them money. 

There'll be no disruption to your supply. The gas still gets to your premises through the existing pipes, and it's just the supplier that changes.

Your business gas bills are made up of several costs. The main one to keep an eye on is the business gas price per kWh. This is known as the unit rate and is the amount you pay for the energy you use. You also need to look out for the standing charge. This is a flat daily fee that covers the costs of things like supply and maintenance.

You can find out more in our guide to business energy bills.

These costs differ between suppliers and are calculated based on a few factors, including: 

• The type of business 
• The sector you operate in 
• The size of your business 
• Your location 

Costs can also depend on the type of tariff you choose. The main kinds of business energy tariffs are: 

• Fixed term: Charges are set at a fixed cost for a certain length of time, usually one to four years 
• Variable rate: Rates can go up or down depending on the state of the market 
• Extended: When your contract runs out with your supplier, they may offer you an extended or blend tariff 
• Flex approach: You bulk-buy energy in advance, giving you access to wholesale rates 
• Pass through: Your bill is split between fixed wholesale rates and other charges like National Grid and Transmission Network Use of System 
• Deemed: If you move into a property without arranging a new contract, you’ll be placed on more expensive deemed rates 
• Out-of-contract: This is the (often expensive) tariff you’re automatically put on if you don’t take out an energy contract 

Does your type of business affect your gas rate?

Yes. Gas-intensive businesses such as restaurants, hotels, laundries, food manufacturers, and care homes typically use far more gas than office-based or retail businesses of the same size. Suppliers factor consumption volume into their pricing, which means high-usage businesses can sometimes negotiate lower unit rates per kWh, but face larger overall bills.

If your business uses gas primarily for space heating and hot water, as most offices and shops do, your annual consumption may be much lower than a kitchen-heavy or process-driven operation. When you compare, it's worth knowing your approximate annual consumption in kWh, as this has the biggest single influence on the quotes you receive. If you're unsure of your usage, our experts can estimate it from your meter type and business size.

Every business could do with saving money. Switchign to cheaper rates is a quick and easy way to cut the cost of your bills.  Our business gas-saving tips could help lower the cost of your business gas bills even more. 

• Install efficient tech: Try appliances with higher efficiency ratings, upgraded boilers, and other eco-friendly technology 
• Invest in your premises: Make your premises as green as possible. You can insulate the walls, ceilings, and floors, or install double glazing 
• Turn the thermostat down: Even by just one degree. Many energy savings measures you take at home will work just as well at your business 

For more ideas, check out our guide to business energy efficiency.

Fixing your business gas rates is the only way to shield your business from price volatility and rising prices. Energy prices usually rise gradually, in much the same way that other prices rise with inflation. This is why sorting a new contract early can save you money. 

Remember, it’s unlikely that the new rates you agree will be less than those you’re currently paying, but will almost certainly be less than your supplier’s out-of-contract rates. That’s where you save money by switching. 

Possibly. A small but growing number of UK suppliers offer green gas tariffs for business customers. Green gas, also known as biomethane, is produced from organic waste such as food scraps or agricultural by-products, and is injected directly into the national gas grid. 

When your business is on a green gas tariff, your supplier matches your consumption with an equivalent volume of biomethane, certified through the Green Gas Certification Scheme (GGCS).

Green gas tariffs are typically more expensive than standard gas contracts — unlike green electricity, there's no equivalent to the wholesale cost parity that REGOs have created in the electricity market. However, for businesses with net-zero commitments or sustainability reporting obligations, switching to a certified green gas tariff is one of the few ways to reduce Scope 1 carbon emissions from on-site gas use without replacing gas-fired equipment.

When you compare business gas with MoneySuperMarket, our experts can advise on any green gas options available from our panel. You can read more about renewable energy options for your business in our renewable energy for business guide.

Gas used for heating accounts for the majority of carbon emissions in most commercial buildings in the UK. Switching to a green gas tariff or improving boiler efficiency are the two most direct ways to reduce that footprint.