Unit rate
The price for each kWh you consume. Rates differ by 3 to 5p between suppliers on identical meters.
Compare using your actual annual consumption, not just the headline rate.
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Business electricity and gas
Compare Business Energy 2026
Compare business energy prices across 30 plus UK suppliers with Kilowatt Energy. Find the right electricity and gas contract for your business, with a free comparison and no hidden fees.
Last updated . Based in Derby, supporting businesses across the UK.
Renewing a contract or moving premises? Start with a clear picture of your supply and annual costs.
Why comparison matters
No business price cap. More reason to compare.
UK businesses have no Ofgem price cap protection. Your bill depends on the contract you agree, or the uncapped default rate your supplier applies when your deal expires.
27.5p to 30.0p
Per kWh on competitive fixed electricity rates
September 2026 market comparison.
38p to 47p
Per kWh out of contract
Rates at the same suppliers in September 2026.
40 to 60%
Above competitive comparison rates
The premium paid by out-of-contract businesses.
The annual gap between a business that regularly compares energy and one that does not is between £2,000 and £6,000 per year.
Read the September 2026 market updateOfgem’s Non-Domestic Consumer Research 2025 found that only 29% of UK businesses switched supplier in the previous 12 months. The 71% that did not are paying above the competitive rate available through an independent comparison.
Compare the whole bill
The lowest unit rate is only part of the story.
Compare business electricity and gas on total annual cost. Three elements determine what you really pay, and a small difference in one can outweigh a headline saving in another.
Standing charge
A fixed daily cost regardless of consumption. It can add over £300 per year before a unit is used.
A higher daily charge can make a low unit rate less attractive.
Non-commodity costs
Transmission charges (TNUoS), distribution charges (DUoS), the Climate Change Levy (CCL) and metering.
Now 60 to 64% of the average business electricity bill.
A real July 2026 example
Lower gas rate. Higher total bill.
For a business using 15,000 kWh annually, Yorkshire Gas and Power’s standing charge adds £888 per year before a unit is consumed.
Yorkshire Gas and Power
Lowest gas unit rate: 5.9p per kWh. Highest standing charge: 243.4p per day.
E.ON Next
A unit rate of 7.8p with a 30p daily charge produces a lower total bill despite the higher unit rate.
September 2026 market data
Compare commercial electricity prices.
Use these consumption-based benchmarks to put your current rate in context. If you are above the competitive rate for your business size, a comparison is a practical next step.
| Business type | Annual consumption | Competitive rate | Out-of-contract rate | Annual overpayment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro (shop, salon) | 5,000 to 15,000 kWh | 25.5p to 28.5p/kWh | 45p to 65p/kWh | £525 to £2,325 |
| Small (office, café, dental) | 15,000 to 30,000 kWh | 25.0p to 27.0p/kWh | 45p to 65p/kWh | £1,500 to £4,500 |
| Medium (manufacturer, hotel) | 30,000 to 100,000 kWh | 24.5p to 27.5p/kWh | 45p to 65p/kWh | £2,850 to £14,500 |
| Large commercial | 100,000 kWh or more | 24.5p to 26.0p/kWh | 45p to 65p/kWh | £9,500 or more |
Your quote depends on your premises, consumption and contract terms. Compare the annual cost as well as the rate per kWh.
From bill to better-informed decision
A clear route through your comparison.
Have a recent bill and your contract end date ready. We can help you compare electricity and gas options without relying on a headline unit rate alone.
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Step 01
Understand your supply
Check your usage, meter details, current charges and renewal position. Include any termination notice requirements in your planning.
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Step 02
Compare total annual cost
Compare across 30 plus UK suppliers. Review unit rates, standing charges and how non-commodity costs are treated in each offer.
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Step 03
Choose and switch
Switching after a business energy comparison takes 5 working days. Check your existing contract obligations and agree the appropriate supply start date.
Renewals and new premises
Get your starting position right.
An expired contract and a change of tenancy need different checks. If you have moved into premises without agreeing a contract, you may be on deemed rates. Confirm who supplies the property before comparing your options.
- Keep your tenancy start date, opening meter readings and relevant occupancy documents together.
- For a renewal, check the end date and notice terms rather than assuming the contract will simply stop.
Read how we resolved a complex change of tenancy dispute, or use our new business energy connection guide if your premises need a new supply.
Before you choose
Business energy comparison questions.
Clearer costs and clearer contract terms make for a more confident decision.
Read our British Gas Business Energy reviewIs the comparison free?
Yes. Kilowatt Energy offers a free business energy comparison across 30 plus UK suppliers, with no hidden fees. Review the costs and terms of your chosen energy contract before agreeing to it.
Should I always choose the lowest unit rate?
No. A higher standing charge can cancel out the benefit of a lower unit rate, especially for a lower-use business. Compare total annual cost using the same consumption figure for each offer.
Can I switch before my contract ends?
Your existing contract determines when you can leave and whether notice is required. Start the comparison before renewal so you have time to review offers and arrange an appropriate start date without overlooking your current obligations.
Do you only work with businesses in Derby?
No. We are a business energy broker based in Derby, supporting businesses across the UK. Alongside procurement, we help recover billing overcharges and protect clients from cold calls.
Can you help with other business utilities?
Yes. Our business utility services include waste, telecom and energy efficiency solutions, alongside business water management.
Make your next contract a considered choice
Find out how your energy costs compare.
Bring a recent bill and your renewal date. We will help you compare electricity and gas across 30 plus UK suppliers, with the whole annual cost in view.
Start your free comparison
Free comparison. No hidden fees.