Managing energy contracts across multiple sites can be a tricky task for any business. With numerous meters, suppliers, and renewal dates to track, it’s easy to lose track of time and money.  

That’s where multi-site energy management can help. It’s a good way to consolidate your energy contracts and streamline your processes. 

Let’s take a closer look at how multi-site business energy management works, the benefits it offers, and how to find a solution that works for your business. 

Does your business need multi-site energy management? 

If your business operates across multiple locations in the UK, consolidating your energy contracts into a multi-site energy deal means you have one supplier, one bill and one renewal date.  

This can save time, effort, and money as you won’t need to manage several agreements and there’s less risk of missing a renewal and rolling onto more expensive out-of-contract rates. 

You may even find your supplier will offer a discount if you combine all your business energy plans under one contract. 

With multi-site energy management, businesses can benefit from: 

• Simplified billing: One invoice for all your sites 
• Cost savings: Bulk purchasing power to negotiate better rates 
• Less admin: A single renewal date and fewer contracts to monitor 

At MoneySuperMarket, our partner Bionic specialises in helping multisite businesses secure the best energy deals. Their expert team can handle the comparison and negotiation process, saving you valuable time. 

What are the types of multi-site energy contracts? 

Different businesses have different energy requirements, and energy suppliers cater to this with a range of contract options. Understanding these contract types will help you find the one that best suits your multisite business: 

• Fixed-term contract: You’ll pay a fixed price per unit of energy (kWh) for the duration of the contract. While your bill will vary depending on your usage, the unit price remains stable, offering predictable costs. 
• Variable-rate contract: Your unit price fluctuates with market activity. While you might benefit from falling prices, there’s also a risk of higher costs if rates increase. 
• Passthrough contract: Your supplier secures your energy at the start of the contract, typically at wholesale rates. While your unit cost is fixed, other charges—like transmission and distribution fees—may vary. This type of contract offers some flexibility but requires careful monitoring of additional costs. 
• Deemed contract: This type of contract applies if your business moves into new premises without agreeing to a formal deal. These contracts usually come with the supplier’s highest rates, making them expensive and best avoided. To save money, it’s important to switch to a more suitable plan as soon as possible. 
• Out-of-contract: This type of contract applies if you let a business contract expire without arranging a new one. Rates can be more than 30% higher than fixed rates, so it’s important to switch to a more suitable plan as soon as possible. 
• Green energy tariff: A green energy tariff sources some or all of your electricity from renewable resources, such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power. This is an eco-friendly choice for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. 
• Flex contract: This allows businesses to purchase energy in advance for future periods—months or even years—often during times when prices are lower. This approach suits businesses with higher energy consumption, offering potential savings and protection against market fluctuations. 
• Multi-purchase contract: This is a fixed-term deal that lets businesses spread their energy purchases across multiple points in time. This can help manage costs effectively, allowing businesses to take advantage of favourable market conditions while maintaining overall control over energy budgets. 
• Large site peak day demand contract: Designed for businesses with significant energy requirements, this contract limits the amount of gas or electricity your business can receive daily. These agreements help manage grid demand and may suit large-scale operations that can balance energy use within these limits. 

For most multisite businesses, a fixed-term contract is the most cost-effective and straightforward choice. It offers stability and predictability, making it easier to manage your energy costs. 

You can learn more about how business energy contracts work in our guide to business gas and electricity tariffs. 

Why choose a multisite energy deal? 

Here’s why multisite energy management could be a good choice if your business has multiple locations: 

• Unified contracts: With a single supplier for all your sites, you’ll have one contract and one renewal date, simplifying administration 
• Bulk purchasing benefits: By consolidating your energy needs, you can negotiate better rates and save on energy costs 
• Streamlined management: You’ll avoid the hassle of dealing with multiple suppliers and varying contract terms 
• Avoiding default tariffs: Consolidation reduces the chance of being switched to expensive out-of-contract rates 

Multi-site energy management can be especially useful for businesses in retail, hospitality, and logistics, where managing energy usage across multiple locations is critical for cost control. 

How to switch to a multi-site energy deal 

Switching to a multi-site energy contract might seem complex, but it doesn’t have to be. By partnering with an experienced energy broker, like Bionic, you can simplify the process and find the best deal. 

Steps to switching 

• Assess your energy needs: Take stock of your current energy usage and identify the meters and sites to include in the new deal. 
• Gather key information: Have your latest energy bills, MPAN and MPRN numbers, and contract details ready. 
• Get expert help: Call Bionic to compare multisite energy tariffs and negotiate the best rates. 
• Choose the right deal: Select a contract that aligns with your business’s needs and budget. 
• Finalise the switch: Your new supplier will handle the transfer, ensuring a seamless transition. 

Bionic uses smart data to streamline the comparison process, saving you time and reducing paperwork. All it takes is one call to 0800 088 6986 to get started. 

Can business energy monitoring help with multisite management? 

Monitoring your energy usage across multiple sites may sound tricky but it can be useful for keeping costs down. By tracking consumption across all locations, you can work out where your businesses are wasting energy and make cost-cutting changes. 

Key benefits of business energy monitoring: 

• Visibility: Gain insights into energy usage across all your sites 
• Cost control: Spot wastage and implement energy-saving measures 
• Sustainability: Meet environmental goals by reducing your carbon footprint. 

Advanced tools and software can automate energy monitoring, making it easier to track usage and savings in real time. 

Why work with a multisite energy broker? 

Navigating the energy market as a multisite business can be challenging. A multisite energy broker specialises in understanding the complexities of multi-meter setups and can help you: 

• Compare deals: Find the best tariffs for your needs 
• Negotiate rates: Leverage your bulk purchasing power for better terms 
• Manage renewals: Stay on top of renewal dates and avoid costly rollover contracts 

Partnering with an expert like Bionic ensures you’ll get a tailored solution that fits your business. 

Large business multisite energy management 

For large businesses, running a multisite energy tender can help secure the best deal. This involves inviting suppliers to bid for your energy contract, ensuring competitive pricing and terms. 

Benefits of energy tenders: 

• Transparency: Compare offers side by side. 
• Cost savings: Suppliers compete to offer the lowest rates. 
• Custom solutions: Find a deal tailored to your business’s unique needs. 

Bionic’s team can guide you through the tender process, making it easier to evaluate and choose the right supplier. 

Multi-site energy management can be a smart solution for businesses looking to simplify their energy contracts, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. By consolidating your energy needs under one supplier, you can save time, streamline operations, and unlock better rates. 

With the help of a multisite energy broker like Bionic, switching to a multi-site energy deal is easier than ever. Take control of your business energy today and see how much you could save. 

Call Bionic now on 0800 140 4667 to get started.