Compare small business energy prices

Updated with latest energy rates on May 7, 2025

Whether you run a tiny tearoom or a group of gastropubs, you’ll need a good deal on business electricity and gas to make sure you’re not paying over the odds for your energy – but if you’ve not switched suppliers recently, that’s exactly what you’ll be doing. 

And when you’re a business owner, every penny counts. Comparing quotes and switching to the cheapest business energy supplier can have a big impact on your bottom line.  

Our team of experts are ready to help you compare business energy prices to see if you can cut the cost of your bills. If you run a micro business, switching is slightly different. Read on to find out more and work out whether your business is classed as small or micro. 

Why compare small business energy rates 

If your business has been on the same energy tariff for a while, it’s likely you’re not getting the best rates available.  

If your business operates across multiple locations – such as a small chain of coffee shops or a few salons – you may qualify for a multi-site energy contract. This is a good way to consolidate all of your energy supply into one package, with one supplier and one renewal date.  

Even if you run things from a single location, it can pay to compare small business energy rates. Small businesses and micro businesses tend to use more electricity than residential properties. Many also use energy at different times. This is why it’s important to find an energy contract that’s suited to the needs of your business. 

How much are small business energy rates? 

Unlike household tariffs, which offer a range of ‘off-the-shelf’ tariffs, business energy suppliers offer bespoke contracts that fit the needs of each business, depending on size, location, and energy usage.  

For example, micro business gas suppliers may offer competitive rates for smaller consumption brackets, while larger companies may get tailored options with different rate structures. 

The rates you’re quoted depend on things like how and when your business uses energy and where it’s located. The size of your business also has an impact – remember, a small business can have up to 50 employees. 

To give you an idea of how much your business could pay for energy, we looked at the latest rates on offer from our panel of suppliers to work out this month's rates. 

Latest business electricity rates in May 2025

Business size	Average annual usage (kWh)	Unit rate (per kWh)	Standing charge (daily)	Annual bill
Micro business	5,000 to 15,000	25.0p	46.0p	£2,668
Small business	15,001 to 25,000	25.2p	52.5p	£5,232

Latest business gas rates in May 2025

Business size	Average annual usage (kWh)	Unit rate (per kWh)	Standing charge (daily)	Annual bill
Micro business	5,000 to 15,000	7.1p	44.1p	£871
Small business	15,001 to 30,000	7.4p	46.0p	£1,833

^{Note: Prices are correct as of May 2025. 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 quoted by Bionic per business size from May 1 to May 6, 2025.}

What is a micro business and how does it affect your energy options? 

Micro business energy contracts can sometimes be more flexible, offering rates based on lower consumption levels that are ideal for smaller operations. 

If you qualify as a micro business, energy suppliers will consider how and when you use energy, and you may not be bound by restrictive switching windows. 

In the UK, your business is classified as a micro business if: 

• It uses less than 100,000 kWh of electricity per year 
• It consumes less than 293,000 kWh of gas annually 
• It has fewer than 10 employees or a turnover below €2 million 

These thresholds help suppliers better tailor gas and electricity contracts to meet the specific needs of micro businesses, offering lower rates and simpler switching processes. 

Bigger businesses have a limited “switching window” which is set by the existing supplier and can restrict when they can compare and switch energy.  

But micro businesses can switch with 30 days' notice, meaning they have a greater opportunity to find better rates without worrying about missing a specific timeframe. 

What are the benefits of switching energy suppliers for small businesses? 

Switching energy suppliers can help small businesses and micro businesses save money. Finding a supplier that offers lower prices and locking in those rates means you should save money compared to what you might pay if you roll onto your supplier’s out-of-contract rates. 

Sorting a new contract to start as soon as your current one ends also means you’ll not risk an expensive gap between contracts. 

It’s not all about cost though. If you’re not happy with your current supplier’s service levels, say they bill you incorrectly or their customer service team is impossible to get hold of, then switching can save you the frustration of dealing with them. 

How to cut your small business energy bills 

Switching to a better-priced contract is just one way to cut your business energy bills. Here are a few other things you can do to help cut your bills further and keep costs as low as possible. 

• Monitor your usage - Regularly check how much electricity and gas you’re using. Micro businesses, especially, can benefit from closely tracking usage and comparing rates accordingly. Fitting a smart meter can help with energy monitoring. 
• Compare regularly - Regular small business energy comparison helps you stay updated on the best rates and options. The energy market is dynamic, so even a small shift in rates can mean big savings. 
• Negotiate multi-site contracts - If you operate multiple locations, look into a multi-site contract. Suppliers often provide better deals when covering several locations. 
• Stay informed of contract details - Ensure you understand your current energy contract’s terms. By knowing your end date and notice period, you’ll be ready to switch to a cheaper business electricity supplier at the right time. 

How to get the best energy rates if you work from home 

If you work from home but need a commercial energy tariff, you’ll typically need to prove that at least 50% of your energy usage is for business purposes. If you meet these criteria, you may qualify for small business electricity rates. 

Remember, lighting, heating, and specific office equipment dedicated to business activities contribute to this threshold. Many suppliers offer competitive rates for home-based businesses, so it’s worth discussing your options to secure cheap business energy. 

What if your business energy supplier goes bust?

If your business energy supplier goes bust, you'll automatically be placed with another supplier that is chosen by Ofgem, the energy regulator. If this happens, you won't tied in and can arrange a fixed deal with that supplier or switch to a new supplier. For more information, check out our guide to what happens when your business energy supplier goes bust.

How to switch small and micro business energy suppliers 

If you're a small or micro business owner looking to switch suppliers, get in touch with the team at Bionic a couple of months before your existing contract expires. As a rule of thumb, start comparing as soon as your current supplier gets in touch with a renewal offer. 

MoneySuperMarket has teamed with Bionic to make sure you benefit from their years of helping business owners find the best small and micro business energy rates.  

Comparing rates as soon as you can means our energy experts compare prices and present you with an accurate quote for a new contract that you can switch to when your current deal expires.  

If you're not currently under contract, then you should arrange a new deal as soon as possible to secure cheaper rates and lower your bills 

Securing the best business gas and electricity prices doesn’t need to be complicated. By comparing rates from our panel of suppliers, you can find an option tailored to your unique needs.  

For more information, speak with a business energy expert today. Whether you’re a micro business or a small enterprise, there are always new ways to save energy and cut costs.