What information you need before comparing
A meaningful comparison starts with your current bill. You will need your MPAN or MPRN, your current supplier and contract end date, your annual consumption in kWh, and your business address and postcode. Suppliers price by region and meter type, so incomplete details lead to indicative rather than firm quotes.
If you have 12 months of billing history, providing actual usage rather than an estimate produces sharper pricing. Businesses on half-hourly metering should also share their profile class, since this affects how capacity and standing charges are calculated.
Whole-of-market versus partner panels
Some comparison services only quote from a small panel of suppliers they have commercial agreements with. A whole-of-market approach checks pricing across a wider group of suppliers, including smaller independents that sometimes undercut the larger names on specific contract types.
It is worth asking any comparison provider how many suppliers they check and whether that includes fixed, variable and deemed rate options, since the answer affects how representative the quotes actually are.
Step-by-step comparison process
- Gather your MPAN/MPRN, current rates and renewal date
- Submit consumption data for electricity and gas separately
- Review quotes for unit rate, standing charge and contract length
- Check early exit fees on your existing contract
- Confirm the new contract start date to avoid a supply gap
- Notify your current supplier in writing if switching
Timing your comparison around renewal
Most business energy contracts have a renewal window, often 30 to 90 days before the end date, during which you can give notice to switch without penalty. Comparing too early means suppliers cannot always hold pricing until your contract ends, while comparing too late risks rolling onto a deemed rate, which is typically more expensive than a negotiated fixed term.
Setting a reminder around 3 to 6 months before your end date gives enough time to compare, negotiate and complete a switch without a gap in supply or an unwanted auto-renewal.
Compare business energy prices
Enter your postcode and business details to compare available commercial energy prices.
Fixed versus variable when comparing
Fixed contracts lock in a unit rate for the contract term, giving budget certainty but no benefit if wholesale prices fall. Variable contracts track the market, which can mean lower costs when prices ease but more exposure when they rise. Comparisons should show both options where available so you can weigh certainty against flexibility.
Comparing electricity and gas together
| Element | Electricity | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Meter reference | MPAN | MPRN |
| Unit rate | Pence per kWh | Pence per kWh |
| Standing charge | Pence per day | Pence per day |
| Contract length | 1 to 5 years typical | 1 to 5 years typical |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Comparing only the unit rate and ignoring the standing charge
- Leaving it too late and defaulting to an out-of-contract rate
- Using estimated rather than actual consumption
- Not checking exit fees before switching mid-contract
- Assuming a single quote reflects the whole market