What information a supplier needs to quote
To produce an accurate quote, a supplier typically asks for your business name and address, MPAN and/or MPRN, current supplier, contract end date, and annual consumption in kWh. Some also ask about payment method and credit history, since these can affect the rate offered, particularly for newer or higher-risk businesses.
Missing details do not stop a quote being produced, but they push it towards an estimate rather than a firm price, which can shift once the supplier verifies your actual usage.
Why business energy quotes expire
Wholesale energy prices move throughout the trading day, so a quote reflects market conditions at the moment it was generated. Suppliers build in a validity window, commonly a few days up to around 28 days, after which the price may need to be re-run. Accepting quickly protects the rate you were shown; waiting risks a re-quote at a different price.
Instant versus manual quotes
- Instant quotes suit standard, lower-consumption meters with straightforward usage data
- Manual quotes are common for half-hourly, high-consumption or multi-site businesses
- Manual quotes can take a few working days as suppliers verify meter and credit data
- Both quote types should be compared on the same basis: rate, standing charge and term
Compare business energy prices
Enter your postcode and business details to compare available commercial energy prices.
What a business energy quote should include
| Element | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | The core cost per unit of energy used |
| Standing charge (p/day) | Fixed daily cost regardless of usage |
| Contract length | Affects rate stability and exit terms |
| Estimated annual cost | Combines rate and usage into a total figure |
| Start date | Confirms when the new contract takes effect |
Getting more than one quote
Relying on a single supplier's quote, particularly a renewal offer from your existing supplier, rarely shows the full picture of what is available. Gathering quotes from several suppliers, or through a comparison service that checks multiple suppliers at once, gives a clearer sense of where the market sits for a business of your size and usage.
From quote to contract
Accepting a quote usually triggers a credit check and formal contract paperwork from the supplier. Once signed, the new contract is registered and the switch process begins, typically completing within three to five weeks. Your existing supplier continues billing you until the switch date, so there should be no gap or overlap in charges.