[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1817},["ShallowReactive",2],{"schema:\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002F":3},{"elements":4,"system":1810},{"product_name":5,"slug":9,"content_block___hero":12,"content_block___supplier":94,"content_blocks":120,"meta_title":1793,"meta_description":1796,"meta_canonical":1799,"meta_robots":1802,"meta_aggregate_schema":1807},{"name":6,"type":7,"value":8},"Product Name","text","business-energy",{"name":10,"type":11,"value":8},"Slug","url_slug",{"name":13,"type":14,"value":15,"linkedItems":17},"Content Block - Hero","modular_content",[16],"business_electricity_hero",[18],{"elements":19,"system":88},{"product_icon":20,"tagline":32,"heading":35,"hero_bullet_one":38,"hero_bullet_two":41,"hero_bullet_three":44,"cta_button_text":47,"cta_link_url":50,"secondary_cta_button_text":53,"secondary_cta_link_url":56,"hero_image":58,"theme":70},{"name":21,"type":22,"value":23},"Product Icon","asset",[24],{"name":25,"description":26,"type":27,"size":28,"url":29,"width":30,"height":30,"renditions":31},"Product-Energy-Icon.png","White lightning bolt with blue outline to represent business electricity","image\u002Fpng",859,"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F916dbccd-f636-4165-b550-f64109877793\u002FProduct-Energy-Icon.png",80,{},{"name":33,"type":7,"value":34},"Tagline","Business energy comparison",{"name":36,"type":7,"value":37},"Heading","Compare business energy prices",{"name":39,"type":7,"value":40},"Hero Bullet One","There's no price cap on business energy",{"name":42,"type":7,"value":43},"Hero Bullet Two","Fix your rates to protect against price volatility",{"name":45,"type":7,"value":46},"Hero Bullet Three","Save up to 35% versus going out of contract",{"name":48,"type":7,"value":49},"CTA Button Text","Compare Energy Prices",{"name":51,"type":7,"value":52},"CTA Link URL","https:\u002F\u002Fenergy.bionic.co.uk\u002Fservice",{"name":54,"type":7,"value":55},"Secondary CTA Button Text","",{"name":57,"type":7,"value":55},"Secondary CTA Link URL",{"name":59,"type":22,"value":60},"Hero Image",[61],{"name":62,"description":63,"type":64,"size":65,"url":66,"width":67,"height":68,"renditions":69},"Bus Energy Hero.webp","A cafe owner makes a coffe. She is happy after comparing business energy prices and getting a better deal.","image\u002Fwebp",137938,"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F9b7ba469-7fb6-4950-a87c-bfcfc983d652\u002FBus%20Energy%20Hero.webp",1387,1156,{},{"name":71,"type":14,"value":72,"linkedItems":74},"Theme",[73],"content_block___theme___grey",[75],{"elements":76,"system":80},{"colour":77},{"name":78,"type":7,"value":79},"Colour","Grey",{"codename":73,"collection":81,"id":82,"language":81,"lastModified":83,"name":84,"sitemapLocations":85,"type":86,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"default","7f21286b-86bb-4895-89e6-2a089b86b647","2024-10-21T16:46:34.480424Z","Content Block - Theme - Grey",[],"content_block___theme","published",{"codename":16,"collection":81,"id":89,"language":81,"lastModified":90,"name":91,"sitemapLocations":92,"type":93,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"41ff2dce-0e33-40d3-a0fa-bb37cefc1951","2026-06-17T09:39:51.6909422Z","Business Energy Hero",[],"content_block___hero",{"name":95,"type":14,"value":96,"linkedItems":98},"Content Block - Supplier",[97],"untitled_content_item_ffd77b8",[99],{"elements":100,"system":114},{"tagline":101,"supplier_image":103},{"name":33,"type":7,"value":102},"We compare from a panel of business energy suppliers",{"name":104,"type":22,"value":105},"Supplier Image",[106],{"name":107,"description":108,"type":27,"size":109,"url":110,"width":111,"height":112,"renditions":113},"Untitled design (29).png","A list of Bionic's panel of business energy suppliers",64649,"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F2f9c3ea2-09e2-487c-ad1f-8986da68dbbd\u002FUntitled%20design%20%2829%29.png",2000,48,{},{"codename":97,"collection":81,"id":115,"language":81,"lastModified":116,"name":117,"sitemapLocations":118,"type":119,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"ffd77b8e-1fca-4daf-adb1-1d18fa8873b6","2025-10-29T12:16:03.4183898Z","Energy Supplier Carousel",[],"content_block___supplier_carousel",{"name":121,"type":14,"value":122,"linkedItems":143},"Content Blocks",[123,124,125,126,127,128,129,130,131,132,133,134,135,136,137,138,139,140,141,142],"content_block___sticky_cta___business_energy","usp___business_energy","content_block___how_does_it_work___energy","content_block_one_col___what_is_an_average_busines","untitled_content_item_7dfe1bb","content_block___cta___compare_today_s_energy_price","content_block___bullet_points___energy_get_started","content_block___carousel___what_types_of_business_","untitled_content_item_e902164","content_block___video___what_s_the_difference_betw","content_block___two_column___how_much_should_your_","content_block_cta___compare_business_energy_quotes","content_block_two_col___how_are_business_and_domes_2894f29","content_block___cta___compare_energy_prices_2","content_block___two_col___digital_renewals","content_block___tp_slider___energy","content_block___faq___energy","content_block___guides___energy","content_block___image_with_cta___ins_backbone","content_block___social",[144,160,177,221,241,260,278,339,522,551,564,582,599,627,643,661,675,902,1755,1786],{"elements":145,"system":154},{"title":146,"tagline":149,"cta_button_text":151,"cta_link_url":153},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":148},"Title","Compare Business Energy Quotes",{"name":33,"type":7,"value":150},"We just need your business postcode to get started",{"name":48,"type":7,"value":152},"Compare Today's Rates Now",{"name":51,"type":7,"value":52},{"codename":123,"collection":81,"id":155,"language":81,"lastModified":156,"name":157,"sitemapLocations":158,"type":159,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"815c5315-c294-4177-bbef-19d91f6889ec","2026-03-17T14:08:50.3932819Z","Content Block - Sticky CTA - Business Energy",[],"content_block__sticky__cta",{"elements":161,"system":171},{"text_left":162,"text_middle":165,"text_right":168},{"name":163,"type":7,"value":164},"Text Left","No long forms. Start a comparison with just your postcode. We use smart data to find energy info.",{"name":166,"type":7,"value":167},"Text Middle","Compare quotes from a panel of energy suppliers. Including big names and specialist providers.",{"name":169,"type":7,"value":170},"Text Right","An energy expert will talk you through the quotes on screen and support you with the switch.",{"codename":124,"collection":81,"id":172,"language":81,"lastModified":173,"name":174,"sitemapLocations":175,"type":176,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"d18acec1-c648-44eb-9ffa-724419271631","2025-01-14T14:18:13.6527528Z","USP - Business Energy",[],"content_block___usp_",{"elements":178,"system":215},{"title":179,"tagline":181,"title_left":183,"text_left":186,"title_middle":193,"text_middle":196,"title_right":202,"text_right":205,"cta_button_text":211,"cta_link_url":213},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":180},"How Bionic business energy comparison works",{"name":33,"type":7,"value":182},"Compare business energy quotes in three simple steps and find out how our friendly experts make switching your business gas and electricity quick and hassle-free.",{"name":184,"type":7,"value":185},"Title Left","Start your quote online",{"images":187,"linkedItemCodenames":188,"linkedItems":189,"links":190,"name":163,"type":191,"value":192},[],[],[],[],"rich_text","\u003Cp>Simply enter your postcode and a few details about your business to get started\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":194,"type":7,"value":195},"Title Middle","We help you compare",{"images":197,"linkedItemCodenames":198,"linkedItems":199,"links":200,"name":166,"type":191,"value":201},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>Our UK-based experts compare quotes and talk you through your options\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":203,"type":7,"value":204},"Title Right","You choose your supplier",{"images":206,"linkedItemCodenames":207,"linkedItems":208,"links":209,"name":169,"type":191,"value":210},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>Pick the supplier and rates that suit you best, and we'll support you with the switch\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":48,"type":7,"value":212},"Compare business energy",{"name":214,"type":7,"value":52},"CTA Link Url",{"codename":125,"collection":81,"id":216,"language":81,"lastModified":217,"name":218,"sitemapLocations":219,"type":220,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"ca4ddfb0-d5a1-4baf-86df-df934e65e3d1","2026-03-25T13:09:02.3905501Z","Content Block - How Does It Work - Energy",[],"content_block___how_does_it_work",{"elements":222,"system":235},{"title":223,"text":225,"theme":232},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":224},"How much is the average 2026 business energy bill?",{"images":226,"linkedItemCodenames":227,"linkedItems":228,"links":229,"name":230,"type":191,"value":231},[],[],[],[],"Text","\u003Cp>The amount you pay for energy depends on your contract type, how and when you use energy, and energy efficiency in your workplace. The size and location of your business will also play a part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But, to give you a rough idea of how much you should be paying, check out the following estimates (bill size includes energy used and daily standing charge):\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ctable>\u003Ctbody>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>Business size\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>Annual gas usage\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>Estimated gas bill\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>Annual electric usage\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>Estimated electricity bill\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>Can you cut your bills?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Micro Business\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>5,000 to 15,000 kWh\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>£1,136\u003Cbr>\n\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Csup>(based on annual usage of 10,000 kWh)\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>5,000 to 15,000 kWh\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>£3,079\u003Cbr>\n\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Csup>(based on annual usage of 10,000 kWh)\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fenergy.bionic.co.uk\u002Fservice\">Compare Quotes Now\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Small Business\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>15,000 to 30,000 kWh&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>£2,295\u003Cbr>\n\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Csup>(based on annual usage of 22,500 kWh)\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>15,000 to 25,000 kWh\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>£5,871\u003Cbr>\n\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Csup>(based on annual usage of 20,000 kWh)\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fenergy.bionic.co.uk\u002Fservice\">Compare Quotes Now\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Medium Business\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>30,000 to 65,000 kWh\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>£4,708\u003Cbr>\n\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Csup>(based on annual usage of 47,500 kWh)\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>25,000 to 55,000 kWh\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>£11,511\u003Cbr>\n\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Csup>(based on annual usage of 40,000 kWh)\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fenergy.bionic.co.uk\u002Fservice\">Compare Quotes Now\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Large Business\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>More than 65,000 kWh\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>£6,384\u003Cbr>\n\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Csup>(based on annual usage of 65,000 kWh)\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>More than 55,000 kWh\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>£15,596\u003Cbr>\n\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Csup>(based on annual usage of 55,000 kWh)\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fenergy.bionic.co.uk\u002Fservice\">Compare Quotes Now\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp>To learn more about business energy bills, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-energy-bills\u002F\">check out our guide to understanding business energy bills\u003C\u002Fa>. To compare the latest rates and standing charges, go to our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fbusiness-gas\u002F\">business gas\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fbusiness-electricity\u002F\">business electricity\u003C\u002Fa> pages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Csub>Note: Prices are correct as of July 2026. 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 received by Bionic from our panel of suppliers (inclusive of maximum Bionic commission), per business size thresholds, from January 1 to July 8, 2026.\u003C\u002Fsub>\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":71,"type":14,"value":233,"linkedItems":234},[73],[75],{"codename":126,"collection":81,"id":236,"language":81,"lastModified":237,"name":238,"sitemapLocations":239,"type":240,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"51e659c8-812c-44f5-874a-61de55fbe3da","2026-07-08T05:54:11.1587101Z","Content Block One Col - What is an average business energy bill",[],"content_block___one_column",{"elements":242,"system":254},{"title_accent":243,"title":246,"text":248},{"name":244,"type":7,"value":245},"Title Accent","Why should you...",{"name":147,"type":7,"value":247},"compare business energy quotes?",{"images":249,"linkedItemCodenames":250,"linkedItems":251,"links":252,"name":230,"type":191,"value":253},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>Switching to a fixed-rate energy contract helps to protect your business from market volatility, avoid more expensive out-of-contract rates, and cut the cost of your energy bills.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Comparing business energy quotes is the only way to make sure those fixed rates are among the best available.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you run a business energy comparison with Bionic, we do all the hard work for you. Smart data helps cut the amount of form-filling, and we compare quotes from a panel of suppliers on one call - no need to ring around multiple suppliers to see what's on offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We recommend comparing quotes as soon as your switching window opens. Although this can be months before your current contract ends, locking in rates early can help avoid price volatility. It also means there's no chance of you rolling onto your supplier's out-of-contract rates. These are your supplier's default business energy tariff. They are variable and usually much more expensive than fixed-rate tariffs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's not always about price, though. When you compare business energy quotes with Bionic, we consider the needs of your business. If you want greater peace of mind in an unpredictable energy market, we can help you decide whether locking in a lower rate for a longer period makes more sense.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And we only work with a panel of trusted suppliers who offer reliable service and competitive rates. When you switch with Bionic, we support you with the switch and can automatically send you new quotes when it's time to renew.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":127,"collection":81,"id":255,"language":81,"lastModified":256,"name":257,"sitemapLocations":258,"type":259,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"7dfe1bbc-aed3-4fc4-9e61-fcc71d277a07","2025-10-15T14:55:43.0310613Z","Content Block - One Column Styled - Why compare business energy quotes",[],"content_block___one_column_styled_heading",{"elements":261,"system":272},{"title":262,"text":264,"cta_button_text":265,"cta_link_url":267,"tagline":268,"theme":269},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":263},"Run a business energy comparison to see how much you could save",{"name":230,"type":7,"value":55},{"name":48,"type":7,"value":266},"Compare today's business energy prices",{"name":51,"type":7,"value":52},{"name":33,"type":7,"value":55},{"name":71,"type":14,"value":270,"linkedItems":271},[73],[75],{"codename":128,"collection":81,"id":273,"language":81,"lastModified":274,"name":275,"sitemapLocations":276,"type":277,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"5167cad8-6dea-4785-8f32-c9d4546faaee","2026-03-25T15:02:00.9569685Z","Content Block - CTA - Compare today's energy prices",[],"content_block__cta",{"elements":279,"system":333},{"title_left":280,"text_left":282,"bullet_points":288},{"name":184,"type":7,"value":281},"What info do I need to compare business energy?",{"images":283,"linkedItemCodenames":284,"linkedItems":285,"links":286,"name":163,"type":191,"value":287},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>We can start your business energy comparison with just your postcode. And we use smart data to help cut the amount of form-filling. But it could help if you have the following info to hand.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":289,"type":14,"value":290,"linkedItems":295},"Bullet Points",[291,292,293,294],"content_block___bullet_item___acc_number","content_block___bullet_item___business_address","content_block___bullet_item___energy_usage","content_block___bullet_item___meter_readings",[296,306,315,324],{"elements":297,"system":300},{"text":298},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":299},"The name of your current supplier and your account number",{"codename":291,"collection":81,"id":301,"language":81,"lastModified":302,"name":303,"sitemapLocations":304,"type":305,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"1d6b15a1-6d36-4885-914a-ec4432097610","2025-02-26T15:02:55.2793212Z","Content Block - Bullet Item - Acc number",[],"content_block___bullet_point_item",{"elements":307,"system":310},{"text":308},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":309},"The address of your business",{"codename":292,"collection":81,"id":311,"language":81,"lastModified":312,"name":313,"sitemapLocations":314,"type":305,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"5b49e16e-2c6b-40bd-9b6b-fa2d7eeac6d2","2025-02-26T15:03:50.2899679Z","Content Block - Bullet Item - Business address",[],{"elements":316,"system":319},{"text":317},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":318},"Your monthly or annual business energy usage",{"codename":293,"collection":81,"id":320,"language":81,"lastModified":321,"name":322,"sitemapLocations":323,"type":305,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"7b39fc47-619e-482a-b4dd-721c2ae6fd19","2025-02-26T15:04:38.9156614Z","Content Block - Bullet Item - Energy usage",[],{"elements":325,"system":328},{"text":326},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":327},"Recent meter readings",{"codename":294,"collection":81,"id":329,"language":81,"lastModified":330,"name":331,"sitemapLocations":332,"type":305,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"3813c4ff-5386-4b1a-9fa9-e06a0b486310","2025-02-26T15:05:18.8739715Z","Content Block - Bullet Item - Meter readings",[],{"codename":129,"collection":81,"id":334,"language":81,"lastModified":335,"name":336,"sitemapLocations":337,"type":338,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"06a56928-c2c7-48d2-9a0c-b858b0f6a1ec","2025-02-26T15:05:04.3701675Z","Content Block - Bullet Points - Energy get started",[],"content_block___bullet_points",{"elements":340,"system":516},{"title":341,"text":343,"cards":349},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":342},"What business energy contracts are available?",{"images":344,"linkedItemCodenames":345,"linkedItems":346,"links":347,"name":230,"type":191,"value":348},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>When comparing new business energy deals, there are several different options available. We'll help you choose the one that's right for your business. There are also a couple you need to avoid - deemed rates and out-of-contract rates. These are suppliers' default variable tariffs and usually more expensive than fixed rate contracts.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":350,"type":14,"value":351,"linkedItems":360},"Cards",[352,353,354,355,356,357,358,359],"carousel_card___energy___fixed_rate","carousel_card___energy___variable_rate","carousel_card___energy___time_of_use","carousel_card___energy___blend_and_extend","carousel_card___energy___flex_approach","carousel_card___energy___pass_through","carousel_card___energy___deemed_rates","carousel_card___energy___out_of_contract_rates",[361,383,402,421,440,459,478,497],{"elements":362,"system":377},{"icon":363,"title":373,"text":375},{"name":364,"type":22,"value":365},"Icon",[366],{"name":367,"description":368,"type":27,"size":369,"url":370,"width":371,"height":371,"renditions":372},"Untitled design (18).png","A blue lock with a keyhole",3473,"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F861a8973-2e27-46b5-99f7-eb0ab9250aff\u002FUntitled%20design%20%2818%29.png",72,{},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":374},"Fixed rate contracts",{"name":230,"type":7,"value":376},"Unit rates and standing charges are fixed for the length of your contract.            ",{"codename":352,"collection":81,"id":378,"language":81,"lastModified":379,"name":380,"sitemapLocations":381,"type":382,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"45c7a0b3-9e80-422c-91a5-bb7af392fd4e","2025-10-06T15:11:08.5699322Z","Carousel Card - Energy - Fixed rate",[],"content_block___carousel_card",{"elements":384,"system":397},{"icon":385,"title":393,"text":395},{"name":364,"type":22,"value":386},[387],{"name":388,"description":389,"type":27,"size":390,"url":391,"width":371,"height":371,"renditions":392},"Untitled design (19).png","A blue and black see saw",3071,"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002Fb3341a60-4924-40af-a6a2-82a363481cd4\u002FUntitled%20design%20%2819%29.png",{},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":394},"Variable rate",{"name":230,"type":7,"value":396},"With a variable-rate contract, your unit rate and standing charge can change, depending on market conditions.",{"codename":353,"collection":81,"id":398,"language":81,"lastModified":399,"name":400,"sitemapLocations":401,"type":382,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"8fea93ff-9ec8-4939-8ebf-522c3a5a91cd","2025-10-31T16:27:06.2836504Z","Carousel Card - Energy - Variable rate",[],{"elements":403,"system":416},{"icon":404,"title":412,"text":414},{"name":364,"type":22,"value":405},[406],{"name":407,"description":408,"type":27,"size":409,"url":410,"width":371,"height":371,"renditions":411},"Untitled design (13).png","A blue clock with a black background",4103,"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F58195687-5e98-48a0-b8e7-516e2886ccf7\u002FUntitled%20design%20%2813%29.png",{},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":413},"Time of use tariff",{"name":230,"type":7,"value":415},"A time of use tariff charges less for energy usage during certain hours. ",{"codename":354,"collection":81,"id":417,"language":81,"lastModified":418,"name":419,"sitemapLocations":420,"type":382,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"205f6e44-a094-4d86-be80-49e33fc20383","2025-10-07T07:55:59.0893524Z","Carousel Card - Energy - Time of Use",[],{"elements":422,"system":435},{"icon":423,"title":431,"text":433},{"name":364,"type":22,"value":424},[425],{"name":426,"description":427,"type":27,"size":428,"url":429,"width":371,"height":371,"renditions":430},"Untitled design (20).png","A blue and black logo",2582,"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F7cd97e26-10d3-46cd-8f16-b830542bb62a\u002FUntitled%20design%20%2820%29.png",{},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":432},"Blend and extend",{"name":230,"type":7,"value":434},"Your supplier offers to extend your contract at rates between what you’re paying now and the current market rates. ",{"codename":355,"collection":81,"id":436,"language":81,"lastModified":437,"name":438,"sitemapLocations":439,"type":382,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"76641b16-dfd2-42d7-b097-69999428fd26","2025-10-06T15:17:47.0846724Z","Carousel Card - Energy - Blend and extend",[],{"elements":441,"system":454},{"icon":442,"title":450,"text":452},{"name":364,"type":22,"value":443},[444],{"name":445,"description":446,"type":27,"size":447,"url":448,"width":371,"height":371,"renditions":449},"Untitled design (26).png","A blue arrow with two arrows",3139,"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F3b22a469-2130-4fff-9809-227f63042362\u002FUntitled%20design%20%2826%29.png",{},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":451},"Flex approach",{"name":230,"type":7,"value":453},"You bulk-buy energy in advance, giving you access to wholesale rates. Usually best for high usage businesses.",{"codename":356,"collection":81,"id":455,"language":81,"lastModified":456,"name":457,"sitemapLocations":458,"type":382,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"fc842f32-3748-418a-825a-ff6171808a60","2025-10-06T15:23:43.0152399Z","Carousel Card - Energy - Flex approach",[],{"elements":460,"system":473},{"icon":461,"title":469,"text":471},{"name":364,"type":22,"value":462},[463],{"name":464,"description":465,"type":27,"size":466,"url":467,"width":371,"height":371,"renditions":468},"Untitled design (27).png","Blue arrows pointing to the right",2701,"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F5c190561-13d0-4f29-b2dc-3cbe2df97e76\u002FUntitled%20design%20%2827%29.png",{},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":470},"Pass through",{"name":230,"type":7,"value":472},"Your business energy bill is split between fixed wholesale rates, and other charges like National Grid and TNUoS.",{"codename":357,"collection":81,"id":474,"language":81,"lastModified":475,"name":476,"sitemapLocations":477,"type":382,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"086f7505-d95d-42a9-b1fd-b99143e090b3","2025-10-06T15:25:40.848237Z","Carousel Card - Energy - Pass through",[],{"elements":479,"system":492},{"icon":480,"title":488,"text":490},{"name":364,"type":22,"value":481},[482],{"name":483,"description":484,"type":27,"size":485,"url":486,"width":371,"height":371,"renditions":487},"Untitled design (23).png","A blue store with black background",2843,"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F038602ab-36b1-4305-ac40-024ccfd38b92\u002FUntitled%20design%20%2823%29.png",{},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":489},"Deemed rates",{"name":230,"type":7,"value":491},"Your supplier's default rates if you don’t arrange a fixed contract before moving into new premises. Avoid.",{"codename":358,"collection":81,"id":493,"language":81,"lastModified":494,"name":495,"sitemapLocations":496,"type":382,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"46e88c29-dd3e-43e7-9f96-c14f0329abf6","2025-10-06T15:26:20.8568441Z","Carousel Card - Energy - Deemed rates",[],{"elements":498,"system":511},{"icon":499,"title":507,"text":509},{"name":364,"type":22,"value":500},[501],{"name":502,"description":503,"type":27,"size":504,"url":505,"width":371,"height":371,"renditions":506},"Untitled design (25).png","A blue outline of a lock that is open",3715,"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F8b810bc6-aaf3-4ee7-b5f4-c2e3f9064025\u002FUntitled%20design%20%2825%29.png",{},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":508},"Out-of-contract rates",{"name":230,"type":7,"value":510},"Suppliers put you on out-of-contract rates if you don't sort a new contract to start when your current one ends. Avoid.",{"codename":359,"collection":81,"id":512,"language":81,"lastModified":513,"name":514,"sitemapLocations":515,"type":382,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"7cab4cbf-6da2-45e0-ac06-ed3d7bff1f7a","2025-10-06T15:26:47.8056267Z","Carousel Card - Energy - Out-of-contract rates",[],{"codename":130,"collection":81,"id":517,"language":81,"lastModified":518,"name":519,"sitemapLocations":520,"type":521,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"99ca9dcd-420b-41db-a68d-3d1d95c73161","2025-01-15T13:39:42.9512756Z","Content Block - Carousel - What types of business energy contracts are available?",[],"content_block___carousel",{"elements":523,"system":545},{"title_left":524,"text_right":526,"theme":532},{"name":184,"type":7,"value":525},"Why get expert help from Bionic for business energy comparison?",{"images":527,"linkedItemCodenames":528,"linkedItems":529,"links":530,"name":169,"type":191,"value":531},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>If you’re thinking, “Why Bionic?” for business energy comparison, consider that we’ve already helped thousands of businesses in the UK compare business energy, and we can definitely do the same for your business.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once we’ve gathered information about your business, its energy use, and its current supplier, our tech-enabled energy experts can compare deals from our panel of energy suppliers and support you through the switch. Our commercial energy comparison service removes the hassle of finding a cheaper business energy tariff, and can help you save time and money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We also help commercial customers from the UK's main price comparison websites compare business energy prices - including Compare the Market, MoneySuperMarket, Uswitch, and Confused.com.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":71,"type":14,"value":533,"linkedItems":535},[534],"content_block___theme___navy",[536],{"elements":537,"system":540},{"colour":538},{"name":78,"type":7,"value":539},"Navy",{"codename":534,"collection":81,"id":541,"language":81,"lastModified":542,"name":543,"sitemapLocations":544,"type":86,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"324b67a1-399c-4efe-a4b4-791af801a4fd","2024-11-08T10:57:29.8395583Z","Content Block - Theme - Navy",[],{"codename":131,"collection":81,"id":546,"language":81,"lastModified":547,"name":548,"sitemapLocations":549,"type":550,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"e902164e-d790-4e59-b778-1ec2d1e3f118","2025-10-21T15:47:36.1788758Z","Content block - Why get expert help from Bionic for business energy comparison?",[],"content_block___two_column",{"elements":552,"system":558},{"title":553,"video__id":555},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":554},"Find out why business energy is different, with our business energy coach",{"name":556,"type":7,"value":557},"Video Id","lTSOm1Bn--0",{"codename":132,"collection":81,"id":559,"language":81,"lastModified":560,"name":561,"sitemapLocations":562,"type":563,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"0dd70c48-f022-49a8-b8df-912225c4b644","2025-10-21T15:10:41.1900413Z","Content Block - Video - Find out why business energy is different, with our business energy coach",[],"content__block__video",{"elements":565,"system":577},{"title_left":566,"text_right":568,"theme":574},{"name":184,"type":7,"value":567},"How much should your business pay for energy in 2026?",{"images":569,"linkedItemCodenames":570,"linkedItems":571,"links":572,"name":169,"type":191,"value":573},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>Our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fbusiness-gas\u002F\">business gas\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fbusiness-electricity\u002F\">business electricity\u003C\u002Fa> pages have the latest energy rates and standing charges in 2026. Below are some things to consider when comparing business energy rates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>When you compare business energy rates, it's unlikely that the rates you're quoted will be cheaper than the rates you're currently paying. This is because, as with the price of most things, energy prices tend to increase steadily over time. If you renew after a long-term fixed deal, rates may have risen considerably since you last took out a new contract.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Even though energy prices have been coming down since they spiked in 2022, and the market has become less volatile, rates are still higher than at any time since about September 2021. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fis-the-iran-israel-conflict-affecting-energy-prices\u002F\">New tensions in the Middle East are creating more price volatility in 2026\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>At Bionic, we aim to find the best possible rates for your next energy contract compared to what you might pay elsewhere or against your current supplier’s out-of-contract rates. Unlike domestic energy contracts, there are no off-the-shelf tariffs. This means your quote will be tailored to the needs of your business, and the price you pay will be determined by the size of your business, how and when it uses energy, and its location, among other things.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>",{"name":71,"type":14,"value":575,"linkedItems":576},[534],[536],{"codename":133,"collection":81,"id":578,"language":81,"lastModified":579,"name":580,"sitemapLocations":581,"type":550,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"59558a8e-77c5-4f8c-bf47-1736cf4f0030","2026-03-25T13:31:02.7768587Z","Content Block - Two Column - How much should your business pay for energy?",[],{"elements":583,"system":594},{"title":584,"text":585,"cta_button_text":586,"cta_link_url":588,"tagline":589,"theme":591},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":55},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":55},{"name":48,"type":7,"value":587},"Compare business energy quotes",{"name":51,"type":7,"value":52},{"name":33,"type":7,"value":590},"Or speak to one of our tech-enabled energy experts on 0800 860 6833",{"name":71,"type":14,"value":592,"linkedItems":593},[73],[75],{"codename":134,"collection":81,"id":595,"language":81,"lastModified":596,"name":597,"sitemapLocations":598,"type":277,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"2b2ab754-3556-470f-998d-5b57b649c609","2026-03-26T16:21:59.7381298Z","Content Block CTA - Compare business energy quotes",[],{"elements":600,"system":622},{"title_left":601,"text_right":603,"theme":609},{"name":184,"type":7,"value":602},"How are business and domestic energy different?",{"images":604,"linkedItemCodenames":605,"linkedItems":606,"links":607,"name":169,"type":191,"value":608},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>There are several ways that \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fis-business-energy-different-to-household-energy\u002F\">business energy contracts differ from domestic energy deals\u003C\u002Fa>​. Business energy contracts are tailored to your business needs, usually fixed-term and don’t come with a cooling-off period, so it’s important to understand the terms before you agree. You can also arrange a new contract in advance of your current one ending, giving you time to plan ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike domestic energy, there’s no price cap on business rates, and while you can have gas and electricity with the same supplier, dual fuel tariffs aren’t available.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rules can vary slightly for micro businesses or those working from home. For a full breakdown and what it means for you, take a look at our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fmicro-business-energy\u002F\">micro business energy guide\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":71,"type":14,"value":610,"linkedItems":612},[611],"content_block___theme___navy_cabc44a",[613],{"elements":614,"system":617},{"colour":615},{"name":78,"type":7,"value":616},"White",{"codename":611,"collection":81,"id":618,"language":81,"lastModified":619,"name":620,"sitemapLocations":621,"type":86,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"cabc44a2-ac12-4719-bcb0-54147bebae8c","2025-04-09T16:40:53.9170775Z","Content Block - Theme - White",[],{"codename":135,"collection":81,"id":623,"language":81,"lastModified":624,"name":625,"sitemapLocations":626,"type":550,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"2894f294-d326-4e5d-8fb3-2627a104187b","2026-03-26T16:22:43.0816534Z","Content Block Two Col - How are business and domestic energy different?",[],{"elements":628,"system":638},{"title":629,"text":630,"cta_button_text":631,"cta_link_url":632,"tagline":633,"theme":635},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":55},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":55},{"name":48,"type":7,"value":266},{"name":51,"type":7,"value":52},{"name":33,"type":7,"value":634},"Click to compare today's rates or speak to one of our tech-enabled energy experts on 0800 860 6833",{"name":71,"type":14,"value":636,"linkedItems":637},[534],[536],{"codename":136,"collection":81,"id":639,"language":81,"lastModified":640,"name":641,"sitemapLocations":642,"type":277,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"416b49ea-f209-4dd2-bb6b-4735a9bd2a45","2026-03-26T16:23:05.8392534Z","Content Block - CTA - Compare energy prices 2",[],{"elements":644,"system":656},{"title_left":645,"text_right":647,"theme":653},{"name":184,"type":7,"value":646},"How Digital Renewals can save you time and money ",{"images":648,"linkedItemCodenames":649,"linkedItems":650,"links":651,"name":169,"type":191,"value":652},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>With Digital Renewals, switching business energy with Bionic means you don’t have to think about your next contract - we automatically compare quotes ahead of time and line up your renewal, helping you avoid unnecessary costs and stay on competitive rates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’ll never roll onto expensive out-of-contract rates, and you could benefit from exclusive deals negotiated through our supplier network. Plus, we’ll send your renewal options straight to your inbox, saving you time while helping you stay in control of your energy costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Want to see how it works and how much you could save? Check out our guide to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fblog\u002Fdigital-renewals\u002F#digital-renewal-facts-figures\">everything you need to know about Digital Renewals\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":71,"type":14,"value":654,"linkedItems":655},[73],[75],{"codename":137,"collection":81,"id":657,"language":81,"lastModified":658,"name":659,"sitemapLocations":660,"type":550,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"d8389497-4520-4441-b9fb-1cf133491866","2026-03-25T13:49:23.6340582Z","Content Block - Two Col - Digital Renewals",[],{"elements":662,"system":669},{"title":663,"cta_button_text":665,"cta_link_url":667},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":664},"We're the market-leader in business energy comparison. But don't take our word for it, here's what our customers say!",{"name":48,"type":7,"value":666},"Check out our Trustpilot reviews",{"name":51,"type":7,"value":668},"https:\u002F\u002Fuk.trustpilot.com\u002Freview\u002Fbionic.co.uk",{"codename":138,"collection":81,"id":670,"language":81,"lastModified":671,"name":672,"sitemapLocations":673,"type":674,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"7322312b-e8ae-4aca-bd89-f5f990c57c01","2025-02-28T10:19:02.2299442Z","Content Block - TP Slider - Energy",[],"content_block___trust_pilot",{"elements":676,"system":896},{"title":677,"tagline":679,"faq_items":681},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":678},"Business Energy FAQs",{"name":33,"type":7,"value":680},"Check out the answers to our FAQs on comparing business energy and switching suppliers. If you still can't find an answer to your question, have a look at our Bionic Customer Support Hub.\n\n",{"name":682,"type":14,"value":683,"linkedItems":697},"FAQ Items",[684,685,686,687,688,689,690,691,692,693,694,695,696],"content_block___faq_item___price_cap","content_block___faq_item___when_to_switch_energy","content_block___faq_item___switching_window_0900af8","content_block___faq_item___how_long_to_switch_ener","content_block___faq_item___energy_in_debt","content_block___faq_item___energy_disruption","content_block___faq_item___move_premies","content_block___faq_item___what_happens_energy_con","content_block___faq_item___are_energy_contracts_le","content_block___faq_item___is_our_cheapest_energy_","content_block___faq_item___how_does_the_climate_ch","content_block___faq_item___do_business_energy_tari","content_block___faq_item___who_is_the_cheapest_bus",[698,716,731,746,761,776,791,806,821,836,851,866,881],{"elements":699,"system":710},{"question":700,"answer":703},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":702},"Question","Does the energy price cap apply to businesses?",{"images":704,"linkedItemCodenames":705,"linkedItems":706,"links":707,"name":708,"type":191,"value":709},[],[],[],[],"Answer","\u003Cp>No, the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fprice-cap\u002F\">energy price cap\u003C\u002Fa> does not apply to business energy rates—only domestic rates are capped and reviewed quarterly. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fis-business-energy-different-to-household-energy\u002F\">Business energy and household energy contracts are different\u003C\u002Fa>. While the domestic price cap doesn’t directly affect business bills, monitoring changes can help you decide when to review or compare your business energy contract.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":684,"collection":81,"id":711,"language":81,"lastModified":712,"name":713,"sitemapLocations":714,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"cdeb435f-b89a-44eb-b25f-13608c370cd6","2025-10-21T15:27:39.5497118Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - Price cap",[],"content_block___faq_item",{"elements":717,"system":726},{"question":718,"answer":720},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":719},"When can I switch business energy supplier?",{"images":721,"linkedItemCodenames":722,"linkedItems":723,"links":724,"name":708,"type":191,"value":725},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>You can compare business energy quotes when your switching window opens, usually a few months before your contract ends - timings vary by supplier. Secure a new deal during this window to start after your current contract ends. If you’ve moved premises and are on deemed rates or you're on out-of-contract rates, you can compare and switch at any time.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":685,"collection":81,"id":727,"language":81,"lastModified":728,"name":729,"sitemapLocations":730,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"ade0ca13-6c62-48e0-8883-97d6c871e3d1","2025-10-21T15:28:56.3690033Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - When to switch energy",[],{"elements":732,"system":741},{"question":733,"answer":735},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":734},"What is a letter of authority (LOA)?",{"images":736,"linkedItemCodenames":737,"linkedItems":738,"links":739,"name":708,"type":191,"value":740},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>When switching business energy via a broker or comparison site, you must sign a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fwhat-is-a-letter-of-authority\u002F\">Letter of Authority (LoA)\u003C\u002Fa>. This legal document allows a third party to gather information and negotiate for you. But we can’t agree to a contract on your behalf until you’ve signed the LOA. This means you stay in complete control of the switch.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":686,"collection":81,"id":742,"language":81,"lastModified":743,"name":744,"sitemapLocations":745,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"0900af88-fff0-4ed0-b980-b5044e959dba","2025-10-21T15:33:02.0459402Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - LOA",[],{"elements":747,"system":756},{"question":748,"answer":750},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":749},"How long does it take to switch business energy suppliers?",{"images":751,"linkedItemCodenames":752,"linkedItems":753,"links":754,"name":708,"type":191,"value":755},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>Switching times depend on your business size - \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fmicro-business-energy\u002F\">micro businesses\u003C\u002Fa> switch in five days under Ofgem’s Faster Switching rules, while others may take up to 30 days. Switching only happens once your current contract ends. You can arrange a new deal up to ten months in advance—services like Bionic’s \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fblog\u002Fdigital-renewals\u002F\">Digital Renewals\u003C\u002Fa> handle this process for you.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":687,"collection":81,"id":757,"language":81,"lastModified":758,"name":759,"sitemapLocations":760,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"8d9694af-1fe9-418d-a6c0-b8180fcbf297","2025-10-21T15:34:38.4142714Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - How long to switch energy",[],{"elements":762,"system":771},{"question":763,"answer":765},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":764},"Can I switch business energy if I'm in debt with my current supplier?",{"images":766,"linkedItemCodenames":767,"linkedItems":768,"links":769,"name":708,"type":191,"value":770},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>You generally can't switch business energy suppliers if you are in debt with your current supplier and have been for more than 28 days. If this is the case, your current supplier can object to the swicth and you'll need to pay off the debt before switching to a new provider.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cbr>\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":688,"collection":81,"id":772,"language":81,"lastModified":773,"name":774,"sitemapLocations":775,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"164f50b1-b0d6-4790-a662-c59f9ec93696","2025-02-27T13:18:19.8021051Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - Energy in debt",[],{"elements":777,"system":786},{"question":778,"answer":780},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":779},"Will my business be disrupted when I switch suppliers?",{"images":781,"linkedItemCodenames":782,"linkedItems":783,"links":784,"name":708,"type":191,"value":785},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>No. The switching process is usually straightforward, and your business will face no disruption when you change supplier. And you won't need to worry about your new provider installing anything at your business premises, as they’ll use the same pipes and cables as your old supplier.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":689,"collection":81,"id":787,"language":81,"lastModified":788,"name":789,"sitemapLocations":790,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"3b546f28-bfaf-402d-a3ee-addf7354e77f","2025-02-26T15:19:28.3379391Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - Energy disruption",[],{"elements":792,"system":801},{"question":793,"answer":795},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":794},"What happens to my energy deal when I move business premises?",{"images":796,"linkedItemCodenames":797,"linkedItems":798,"links":799,"name":708,"type":191,"value":800},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>When you leave your business premises, the energy contract at that property will be cancelled. If you don't arrange a new contract at your new premises, you'll be put on ‘deemed rates’ with that property’s existing supplier. These are more expensive than fixed rates, so you should switch as soon as possible. To find more, check out our guide to your&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-premises-guide\u002F\">business energy when relocating\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":690,"collection":81,"id":802,"language":81,"lastModified":803,"name":804,"sitemapLocations":805,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"ec958043-582f-46ac-bb32-90666f7f0a92","2025-10-21T15:36:00.5196267Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - Move premies",[],{"elements":807,"system":816},{"question":808,"answer":810},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":809},"What happens when my business energy contract ends?",{"images":811,"linkedItemCodenames":812,"linkedItems":813,"links":814,"name":708,"type":191,"value":815},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>When your business energy contract ends, you’ll be given renewal rates from your supplier. Always compare offers before accepting. If you don’t act, you’ll be moved to out-of-contract rates, which are usually much higher. To avoid overpaying, secure a new fixed-rate deal as soon as your current contract ends.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":691,"collection":81,"id":817,"language":81,"lastModified":818,"name":819,"sitemapLocations":820,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"91a9e0f9-225d-4a17-81e1-1d42e41dae94","2025-10-21T15:36:34.7544881Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - What happens energy contract end",[],{"elements":822,"system":831},{"question":823,"answer":825},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":824},"Are business energy contracts legally binding?",{"images":826,"linkedItemCodenames":827,"linkedItems":828,"links":829,"name":708,"type":191,"value":830},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>Yes. Energy contracts are legally binding, and you don't need to physically sign one -&nbsp; you can agree to a contract over the phone. And there's no cooling-off period on business energy contracts. That’s why it can help to talk through your contract details or see everything in writing before you agree to sign.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":692,"collection":81,"id":832,"language":81,"lastModified":833,"name":834,"sitemapLocations":835,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"73fee26e-19dc-4ace-b8dd-0f1716f6c7bc","2025-02-26T15:27:25.1914109Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - Are energy contracts legally binding",[],{"elements":837,"system":846},{"question":838,"answer":840},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":839},"Is our cheapest energy deal the best energy deal?",{"images":841,"linkedItemCodenames":842,"linkedItems":843,"links":844,"name":708,"type":191,"value":845},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>While choosing our cheapest energy deal can help reduce your overheads, the best energy deal is one that meets the specific needs of your business. At Bionic, our tech-enabled experts help you find a business energy quote that supports your long-term goals, not just your short-term savings.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":693,"collection":81,"id":847,"language":81,"lastModified":848,"name":849,"sitemapLocations":850,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"58ef402f-21ca-4c0f-b266-675ba73c6b2a","2026-03-25T14:01:52.4247421Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - Is our cheapest energy deal the best energy deal?",[],{"elements":852,"system":861},{"question":853,"answer":855},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":854},"How does the Climate Change Levy affect business energy?",{"images":856,"linkedItemCodenames":857,"linkedItems":858,"links":859,"name":708,"type":191,"value":860},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>The \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.google.com\u002Furl?q=https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fthe-climate-change-levy\u002F&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1774441421196465&amp;usg=AOvVaw21Bdw8aPfyxuS8Xq3bO2jK\">Climate Change Levy (CCL)\u003C\u002Fa> is a government tax added to your business energy bill to encourage energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Most businesses pay this at the relevant taxable rate, but you may be exempt or pay a reduced rate if you use very little energy or operate in a specific energy-intensive sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cbr>\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":694,"collection":81,"id":862,"language":81,"lastModified":863,"name":864,"sitemapLocations":865,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"d0d53399-7f65-4c16-ba6e-82c87460d3be","2026-03-25T14:03:23.6012586Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - How does the Climate Change Levy affect business energy?",[],{"elements":867,"system":876},{"question":868,"answer":870},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":869},"Do business energy tariffs offer a dual fuel option?",{"images":871,"linkedItemCodenames":872,"linkedItems":873,"links":874,"name":708,"type":191,"value":875},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>Unlike domestic energy, there is no \"dual fuel\" discount in the commercial market, meaning your gas and electricity will always be managed under two separate contracts. However, you can still choose to have both utilities supplied by the same provider to keep your billing and point of contact as simple as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":695,"collection":81,"id":877,"language":81,"lastModified":878,"name":879,"sitemapLocations":880,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"e8f8a0eb-4a16-4e53-b30b-b7a45c3ce1ab","2026-03-25T14:04:02.5081093Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - Do business energy tariffs offer a dual fuel option?",[],{"elements":882,"system":891},{"question":883,"answer":885},{"name":701,"type":7,"value":884},"Who is the cheapest business energy supplier?",{"images":886,"linkedItemCodenames":887,"linkedItems":888,"links":889,"name":708,"type":191,"value":890},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>Energy prices always change, so it's difficult to say who the cheapest supplier is from one month to the next. You may also find that different suppliers are cheaper for gas and electricity. Check out the latest rates from our panel on our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-energy-suppliers\u002F\">business energy suppliers\u003C\u002Fa> page, or \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fenergy.bionic.co.uk\u002Fservice\">\u003Cstrong>start a business energy comparison online now\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"codename":696,"collection":81,"id":892,"language":81,"lastModified":893,"name":894,"sitemapLocations":895,"type":715,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"f818d263-5894-455e-bd96-866518bae0f3","2026-03-25T14:16:41.9098405Z","Content Block - FAQ Item - Who is the cheapest business energy supplier?",[],{"codename":139,"collection":81,"id":897,"language":81,"lastModified":898,"name":899,"sitemapLocations":900,"type":901,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"76120bd5-d1f0-460f-b08a-08a1bb3811c4","2026-03-25T14:13:55.2039277Z","Content Block - FAQ - Energy",[],"content_block___faq",{"elements":903,"system":1749},{"title":904,"cta_button_text":906,"cta_link_url":908,"guides":910},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":905},"Our team shares essential knowledge on business energy",{"name":48,"type":7,"value":907},"Check out our business energy guides",{"name":214,"type":7,"value":909},"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002F",{"name":911,"type":14,"value":912,"linkedItems":917},"Guides",[913,914,915,916],"energy_guide___does_the_energy_price_cap_apply_to_","energy_guide___is_business_energy_different_to_hou","energy_guide___how_does_being_a_micro_business_aff","energy_guide___why_are_energy_prices_so_high_",[918,1138,1262,1494],{"elements":919,"system":1133},{"post__title":920,"post__summary":922,"post__content":925,"post__author":1054,"post__reviewer":1059,"publish_date":1064,"updated_date":1069,"url":1072,"seo__meta_title":1075,"seo__meta_description":1078,"seo__add_no_index_tag":1081,"seo__canonical_url":1088,"related_articles":1091,"categories":1095,"subfolder":1100,"tags":1104,"thumbnail_image":1108,"show_on_index_page":1115,"hide_author":1121,"hide_reviewer":1125,"hide_tags":1129},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":921},"Is there an energy price cap for business?",{"name":923,"type":7,"value":924},"Summary","There is no price cap on business energy. If there's movement in the level of the price cap, this won't affect your business energy bills. Here’s all you need to know.",{"images":926,"linkedItemCodenames":939,"linkedItems":951,"links":1051,"name":1052,"type":191,"value":1053},[927,933],{"description":928,"imageId":929,"url":930,"height":931,"width":932},"Les from Bionic pointing at camera. The captions read: The price cap can't save you but Bionic can","17f73072-e030-4247-b4ac-6dd299c5aa41","https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F1b782f3f-aac0-4a5d-9287-12980d2c75a8\u002FTBR%20Thumbnails%20%2811%29.png",720,1280,{"description":934,"imageId":935,"url":936,"height":937,"width":938},"Graph showing how the energy price cap has changed between April 2020 and July 2026","9f3f6372-ffda-4285-8ae6-03190aa80694","https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F8648db64-9324-4790-a618-7fbf4fabbf08\u002FBionic%20Energy%20Guide%20Images%20%2818%29.png",2160,4096,[940,941,942,943,944,945,946,947,948,949,950],"n5776bee3_9fa4_0107_7545_0306a5648c78","n3324bf0d_dded_01a0_fe7c_34ea1e5a7daf","n2f802a3d_b1cb_0164_6987_9dcb4fc1b9fa","c30aa344_2671_01f3_87da_ef8a7029c8fb","n80193fdf_9b3d_0163_6c63_0813981bb529","af0cc549_d3f0_0192_b9a3_1491f860b18b","cf600960_1ae7_01b6_bfdf_14ac5d43e023","e6c0a80f_3a37_01a3_a908_2170e6b841eb","n39027852_60d3_0113_aeff_10399b5af757","n6bf0c26a_c447_01e1_2f63_6509b37e0c9f","n4cfd184c_a8b1_0127_062f_b1ead4c28566",[952,965,974,983,992,1001,1010,1019,1028,1035,1042],{"elements":953,"system":959},{"text":954,"anchor_id":956},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":955},"What is the energy price cap?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":958},"Anchor ID","what-is-the-energy-price-cap",{"codename":940,"collection":81,"id":960,"language":81,"lastModified":961,"name":960,"sitemapLocations":962,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"5776bee3-9fa4-0107-7545-0306a5648c78","2026-07-01T06:57:52.9759326Z",[],"anchor_tag",null,{"elements":966,"system":971},{"text":967,"anchor_id":969},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":968},"What is the current price cap level?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":970},"what-is-the-current-price-cap-level",{"codename":941,"collection":81,"id":972,"language":81,"lastModified":961,"name":972,"sitemapLocations":973,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"3324bf0d-dded-01a0-fe7c-34ea1e5a7daf",[],{"elements":975,"system":979},{"video":976},{"name":977,"type":7,"value":978},"Youtube Video","dYlm-yGvyZ4",{"codename":942,"collection":81,"id":980,"language":81,"lastModified":961,"name":980,"sitemapLocations":981,"type":982,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"2f802a3d-b1cb-0164-6987-9dcb4fc1b9fa",[],"video_tag",{"elements":984,"system":989},{"text":985,"anchor_id":987},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":986},"When is the next energy price cap review?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":988},"next-price-cap-review",{"codename":943,"collection":81,"id":990,"language":81,"lastModified":961,"name":990,"sitemapLocations":991,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"c30aa344-2671-01f3-87da-ef8a7029c8fb",[],{"elements":993,"system":998},{"text":994,"anchor_id":996},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":995},"What is the business energy price cap?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":997},"business-energy-price-cap",{"codename":944,"collection":81,"id":999,"language":81,"lastModified":961,"name":999,"sitemapLocations":1000,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"80193fdf-9b3d-0163-6c63-0813981bb529",[],{"elements":1002,"system":1007},{"text":1003,"anchor_id":1005},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1004},"Do we need a cap on energy rates? ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1006},"do-we-need-a-cap-on-energy-rates",{"codename":945,"collection":81,"id":1008,"language":81,"lastModified":961,"name":1008,"sitemapLocations":1009,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"af0cc549-d3f0-0192-b9a3-1491f860b18b",[],{"elements":1011,"system":1016},{"text":1012,"anchor_id":1014},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1013},"Should you fix your business energy rates?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1015},"fix-energy-rates",{"codename":946,"collection":81,"id":1017,"language":81,"lastModified":961,"name":1017,"sitemapLocations":1018,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"cf600960-1ae7-01b6-bfdf-14ac5d43e023",[],{"elements":1020,"system":1025},{"text":1021,"anchor_id":1023},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1022},"Energy Bill Relief Scheme",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1024},"energy-bill-relief-scheme",{"codename":947,"collection":81,"id":1026,"language":81,"lastModified":961,"name":1026,"sitemapLocations":1027,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"e6c0a80f-3a37-01a3-a908-2170e6b841eb",[],{"elements":1029,"system":1032},{"video":1030},{"name":977,"type":7,"value":1031},"Yo_YyqMYKJE",{"codename":948,"collection":81,"id":1033,"language":81,"lastModified":961,"name":1033,"sitemapLocations":1034,"type":982,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"39027852-60d3-0113-aeff-10399b5af757",[],{"elements":1036,"system":1039},{"video":1037},{"name":977,"type":7,"value":1038},"pKhzo5axHow",{"codename":949,"collection":81,"id":1040,"language":81,"lastModified":961,"name":1040,"sitemapLocations":1041,"type":982,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"6bf0c26a-c447-01e1-2f63-6509b37e0c9f",[],{"elements":1043,"system":1048},{"text":1044,"anchor_id":1046},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1045},"How to cut your energy costs beyond the contract",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1047},"how-to-cut-your-energy-costs-beyond-the-contract",{"codename":950,"collection":81,"id":1049,"language":81,"lastModified":961,"name":1049,"sitemapLocations":1050,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"4cfd184c-a8b1-0127-062f-b1ead4c28566",[],[],"Content","\u003Cp>The energy price cap increased by about 13% from July 2026, up from £1,641 to £1,862 for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit. This is the highest that price cap rates have been since January 2024.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The increase is due to ongoing global energy market volatility. Higher wholesale gas prices driven by conflict in the Middle East are impacting the price we pay for energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cfigure data-asset-id=\"17f73072-e030-4247-b4ac-6dd299c5aa41\" data-image-id=\"17f73072-e030-4247-b4ac-6dd299c5aa41\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F1b782f3f-aac0-4a5d-9287-12980d2c75a8\u002FTBR%20Thumbnails%20%2811%29.png\" data-asset-id=\"17f73072-e030-4247-b4ac-6dd299c5aa41\" data-image-id=\"17f73072-e030-4247-b4ac-6dd299c5aa41\" alt=\"Les from Bionic pointing at camera. The captions read: The price cap can't save you but Bionic can\">\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp>This means higher energy bills for around 19 million&nbsp;households on variable-rate tariffs in England, Wales, and Scotland. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bbc.co.uk\u002Fnews\u002Farticles\u002Fce8pw464986o\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">And experts are forecasting another price rise in October\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But here's the important bit for anyone running a business - none of this affects you directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>There is no energy price cap for business customers in the UK. Your gas and electricity bills are determined by your contract and consumption, not by the Ofgem cap that protects domestic customers.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That means whether you're running a café, a salon, a manufacturing unit or an office, your energy costs are entirely unprotected by the household price cap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike domestic energy customers, businesses receive no government support for their energy bills. Although the Energy Bill Relief Scheme and Energy Bills Discount Scheme were introduced to help businesses during the height of the energy price crisis, no further government support has been given since these schemes ended in March 2024.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no live support schemes or cap in place, it is even more important for SMEs to compare business energy quotes regularly and avoid rolling onto expensive deemed or out-of-contract rates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below, there's more on how both schemes worked, but let's first look at how the energy price cap works and whether it affects \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002F\">business energy prices\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>Five-point summary on the energy price cap and your business\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>There is no business energy price cap. The Ofgem price cap only applies to domestic customers on standard variable or prepayment tariffs. Business energy prices are set by commercial contracts and wholesale market movements.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>The July 2026 domestic cap is £1,862 for a typical household - a 13% increase from April 2026's £1,641. This reflects an increase in wholesale prices caused by the war in the Middle East.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>All government business energy support schemes have ended. The Energy Bill Relief Scheme and Energy Bills Discount Scheme both closed in March 2024, and no further schemes are currently planned.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Being on out-of-contract or deemed rates can cost your business significantly more — typically 20–50% above a negotiated fixed deal, and in some cases as much as 70% more depending on your supplier and consumption.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>The most effective protection for your business is a competitively priced fixed-rate contract. Comparing deals at least three to six months before your renewal date gives you the best chance of locking in a good rate.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n5776bee3_9fa4_0107_7545_0306a5648c78\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What is the energy price cap?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The energy price cap sets the maximum price that energy suppliers can charge domestic customers on prepayment and standard variable tariffs.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cap is reviewed quarterly by Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, and adjusted to reflect changes in:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>Wholesale energy prices (the price suppliers pay for the energy they sell on)\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Network and distribution costs (the cost of maintaining the grid)\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Policy and government levy costs (such as the Renewables Obligation and Energy Company Obligation)\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Operating costs for suppliers\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>VAT (charged at 5% for domestic customers)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Although usually described as the annual bill an average household on a dual fuel tariff would pay, the cap is actually a limit on the standing charge and unit rates. This means that household bills will be higher or lower than the advertised cap, depending on how much energy they use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This means that, crucially, the cap does&nbsp;not&nbsp;limit the total amount a home can be billed – if you use more units of gas or electricity than the “typical” consumption used to set the cap, you will pay more than the quoted annual figure.\u003Cbr>\n\u003Cbr>\nBecause the business energy market works differently – with bespoke contracts, higher usage and varied meter types – Ofgem has not extended the price cap to non-domestic customers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n3324bf0d_dded_01a0_fe7c_34ea1e5a7daf\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What is the current energy price cap level?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>From July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026, the energy price cap rates below apply:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Electricity \u003C\u002Fstrong>- 26.11p per kWh (unit rate) and 57.19p per day (standing charge)\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Gas \u003C\u002Fstrong>- 7.33p per kWh (unit rate) and 29.04p per day (standing charge)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>When prices are adjusted for annual consumption, this means an average household on a standard variable tariff paying by Direct Debit can expect to pay £1,862 a year for gas and electricity. This is a £221 increase on the previous cap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remember, these headline annual figures apply to a “typical” domestic customer using a set amount of energy each year - your home bills will be higher or lower depending on property size, insulation, heating type and how efficiently you use energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n2f802a3d_b1cb_0164_6987_9dcb4fc1b9fa\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Will the energy price cap increase?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The price cap will increase by 13% from July 1, 2026, and experts at Cornwall Insight are predicting another winter increase in October.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tim Jarvis, Ofgem CEO, put the price rises squarely down to conflict in the Middle East: \"Today’s price change reflects continued volatility in global energy markets. This means higher wholesale gas prices, driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, is impacting the price we pay for energy.&nbsp;\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He went on to say: “We understand many will be concerned about rising prices. While energy use typically falls over the summer months, there are still practical steps households can take to manage costs, including exploring fixed tariffs or changing their payment method. Smart meter customers can also take advantage of half price or cheap electricity at the weekends.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“While our energy supplies remain secure, the best way to limit this exposure is by investing in our energy network. That's why we're unlocking the funding needed for the biggest transformation of our lifetime to deliver a system that is secure, resilient, and works for consumers across Great Britain.”&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ofgem.gov.uk\u002Fpress-release\u002Fenergy-price-cap-will-rise-13-july\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">You can read more at the Ofgem website\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wholesale energy costs still make up the largest portion of your energy bill, so the price you pay is still open to volatile prices.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wholesale price is the amount suppliers pay for the energy they provide to homes and businesses. Ofgem figures show wholesale gas and electricity prices dropped steadily towards the end of 2025. There are more details in our guide to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fwhats-going-on-with-energy-prices\u002F\">business energy price rises\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way the energy market works also contributes to rising prices. Although many suppliers utilise renewable sources, the price of electricity is directly influenced by the price of&nbsp;gas. We explain why in our guide on \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fhow-is-energy-bought-and-sold-and-how-does-it-affect-prices\u002F\">how energy is bought and sold in the UK\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For business owners, this means your renewal quotes will still reflect underlying wholesale market movements even when the household price cap is falling, staying flat or rising more slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the price cap only affects domestic energy rates, fixing your business energy rates is the only way to protect against price volatility. Our main business energy page has a breakdown of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002F\">this month's business energy prices\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking to BBC Radio 4 following a previous price cap announcement, Tim Jarvis, Director General for Markets at Ofgem, recommended that consumers should switch from standard variable rate tariffs to fixed rate tariffs to save money: \"We are starting to see the market returning, which is very much welcome, and I would very much urge people to shop around. We're seeing fixed-rate deals on the market now that are around £200 a year cheaper than the cap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our advice to people would be to look at the fixed market because it does insulate you from this volatility and fluctuations in the price cap, and ensure that you know what you're paying. The price cap is a cap on rates and what suppliers can charge, but there are cheaper deals out there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"c30aa344_2671_01f3_87da_ef8a7029c8fb\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>When is the next energy price cap review?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The energy price cap is reviewed every three months - February, May, August, and November. The new price cap is also implemented every three months - April, July, October, and January. According to Ofgem, the next round of price cap reviews will take place on the following dates:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>August 26, 2026 - period October 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>November 25, 2026 - period January 1, &nbsp;2027 to March 31, 2027\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>February 23, 2026 - period April 1, 2027, to June 30, 2027\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>These quarterly review points are useful markers for business owners to watch, as they can give a rough indication of where wholesale prices – and therefore future business contract offers – may be heading. Though the level of the price cap has no impact on non-domestic energy rates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n80193fdf_9b3d_0163_6c63_0813981bb529\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What is the business energy price cap?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>No. There is no business energy price cap in the UK, and there are no current plans to introduce one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The complexity of commercial energy contracts and the difference in usage between businesses mean that a cap on business energy rates would be difficult to set up.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike households, where most use gas and electricity for the same things but at different levels, the difference in how and when businesses use energy can be huge.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although a fish and chip shop and a car mechanic both need electricity, how and when they use this power is completely different. This is why there are no ‘off-the-shelf’ options for businesses and contracts need to be tailored to meet individual needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This makes it more difficult to create a single blanket rate across all businesses, so there is no commercial energy price cap.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In practice, this also means that business electricity and gas contracts can run for longer fixed terms – typically between 1 and 5 years, depending on your usage and risk appetite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a cap, non-domestic customers rolling onto deemed, default or out-of-contract tariffs can face significantly higher prices than those who negotiate a new fixed deal before their renewal date.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the government did offer support,&nbsp;schemes were designed to reflect the complexity of commercial energy contracts. This meant financial support was offered to all sizes and types of businesses.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These schemes were time-limited and applied automatically via suppliers, so there is currently no need – and no option – for SMEs to apply for new government energy discounts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"af0cc549_d3f0_0192_b9a3_1491f860b18b\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Do we need a cap on energy rates?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Wholesale energy prices have been so volatile in recent years that households and businesses across the UK have been hit with record energy bills. A price cap is one way to help lower the amount customers pay for energy. But it’s not perfect.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy price cap was introduced in 2019 to limit the amount suppliers could charge households on credit meters for gas and electricity. This came two years after the Safeguard Tariff, which caps the unit rate suppliers can charge anyone paying for gas or electricity in advance using a prepayment meter.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cap was brought in to end what (then Prime Minister) Theresa May described as “rip-off energy prices” that were being charged as a result of Britain’s “broken energy market”.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although it does help to control prices, the problem with this system is that it causes prices to bunch around the level of the cap. When the cap was introduced, the number of cheap energy deals (those that cost less than £1,000 per year) dropped by 90% during 2018, falling from 77 at the start of the year to just eight by the end.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made the domestic market a lot less competitive. The price cap was even cited as one of several reasons why some \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fwhat-if-your-business-energy-supplier-goes-bust\u002F\">energy suppliers went bust\u003C\u002Fa> or stopped trading over the last few years.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the business market, a similar cap could reduce the number of specialist suppliers and innovative tariffs available to SMEs, while still not fully protecting high-usage or energy‑intensive organisations from fluctuations in wholesale costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"cf600960_1ae7_01b6_bfdf_14ac5d43e023\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>How has the energy price cap changed?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cfigure data-asset-id=\"9f3f6372-ffda-4285-8ae6-03190aa80694\" data-image-id=\"9f3f6372-ffda-4285-8ae6-03190aa80694\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F8648db64-9324-4790-a618-7fbf4fabbf08\u002FBionic%20Energy%20Guide%20Images%20%2818%29.png\" data-asset-id=\"9f3f6372-ffda-4285-8ae6-03190aa80694\" data-image-id=\"9f3f6372-ffda-4285-8ae6-03190aa80694\" alt=\"Graph showing how the energy price cap has changed between April 2020 and July 2026\">\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp>There have been many changes to the level of the energy price cap since it was introduced in 2019. It was originally updated every six months, but market volatility saw Ofgem switch to quarterly updates from the start of 2023.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's also worth noting that, during the 2022–2023 crisis period, the Energy Price Guarantee effectively overrode the cap level for households by limiting typical annual bills, while non-domestic customers relied on EBRS and then EBDS rather than a unit-rate cap. There's more info on those schemes below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ctable>\u003Ctbody>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Date\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Price cap cost\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>+\u002F-\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>January 2019\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,137\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>-\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>April 2019\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,254\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>+£117\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>October 2019\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,179\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>-£75\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>April 2020\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,126\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>-£17*\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>October 2020\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,042\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>-£84\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>April 2021\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,138\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>+£96\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>October 2021\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,277\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>+£139\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>April 2022\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,971\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>+£693\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>October 2022**\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£3,549\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£2,500 (used to cap unit rates)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>January 2023**\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£4,279\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£2,500 (used to cap unit rates)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>April 2023**\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£3,280\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£2,500 (used to cap unit rates)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>July 2023**\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£2,074\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£3,000 (used to cap unit rates)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>October 2023**\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,923\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£3,000 (used to cap unit rates)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>January 2024**\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,928\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£3,000 (used to cap unit rates)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>April 2024\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,690\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>-£238\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>July 2024\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,568\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>-£122\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>October 2024\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,717\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>+£149\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>January 2025\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,738\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>+£21\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>April 2025\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,849\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>+£111\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>July 2025\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,720\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>-£120\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>October 2025\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,755\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>+£35\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>January 2026\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,758\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>+£3\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>April 2026\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,641\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>-£117\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>July 2026\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,862\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>+£221\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp>\u003Csup>Note: Energy Price Cap levels above are based upon an average household paying a supplier's standard variable rate&nbsp;tariff by monthly Direct Debit. \u003Cbr>\n\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003Cem>\u003Csup>*Although the price cap appeared to have dropped by £53, the actual reduction was just £17 due to a change in the way Ofgem calculates 'typical' household use.&nbsp;\u003Cbr>\n**\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003C\u002Fem>\u003Csup>A volatile energy market meant the Energy Price Guarantee was introduced alongside the Energy Price Cap. This ended in March 2024.\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>What was the Energy Price Guarantee?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ukpower.co.uk\u002Fofgem-energy-price-cap-explained\u002F\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Energy Price Guarantee\u003C\u002Fa> was a government scheme that limited the price of gas and electricity for domestic consumers in the UK.&nbsp;It was in place from October 2022 to March 2024.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is often cited as capping household energy at £2,500 a year, but this figure was based on an average household paying by Direct Debit. The actual capped unit rates were:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>34.00p per kWh of electricity\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>10.30p per kWh of gas\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Standing charges were also capped at:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>46.35p per day for electricity\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>28.49p per day for gas\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>This means that bills were higher or lower than the quoted £2,500, depending on energy usage and payment methods (paying by Direct Debit is usually the cheapest option).&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"e6c0a80f_3a37_01a3_a908_2170e6b841eb\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What was the Energy Bill Relief Scheme?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS)&nbsp;is now closed. The Energy Bill Relief Scheme was a discount on business energy bills that ran for six months between October 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023. EBRS worked differently from a price cap. Instead of capping rates, the government limited the wholesale price that suppliers pay to generators for energy.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n39027852_60d3_0113_aeff_10399b5af757\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Cp>The savings made by suppliers were passed on to consumers by a cut in the wholesale cost part of the unit rate on all business energy contracts signed after December 1, 2021. The discount was also applied to businesses on flexible, out-of-contract, and deemed rates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>What businesses were eligible for the Energy Bill Relief Scheme?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The Energy Bill Relief Scheme was applied to all non-domestic contracts. This means it was open to all businesses, including voluntary and public sector organisations.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were some exceptions, such as power stations, grid-level battery storage facilities, or any business that uses gas or electricity to generate power that will be sold back to the grid.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only other condition was that all eligible businesses were on one of the following contracts:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>An existing fixed price contract agreed on or after December 1, 2021. This includes contracts signed while the scheme is running.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Deemed rates, out-of-contract rates, or a variable tariff&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Flexible purchase or a similar contract&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Check out our guide for more information on the available \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-gas-and-electricity-tariffs-explained\u002F\">types of business energy contracts\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>What was the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS)?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) replaced the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fprice-cap\u002F#energy-bill-relief-scheme\">Energy Bill Relief Scheme\u003C\u002Fa> (EBRS) on April 1, 2023. The new scheme offered a discount on non-domestic gas and electricity unit rates. The unit rate is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and is the amount your business pays for each unit of energy it uses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n6bf0c26a_c447_01e1_2f63_6509b37e0c9f\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Who was eligible for EBDS?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>EBDS was available to non-domestic customers on fixed-price contracts that were agreed on or after December 1, 2021, as well as deemed and out-of-contract rates.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>What to do if you can’t pay your business energy bills\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you're struggling to pay your business energy bills, then you should contact your supplier as soon as possible. Under Ofgem rules, the supplier must offer a reasonably affordable payment plan. You can find out more in our guide to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-energy-bills\u002F#can-not-afford-business-energy-bills\u002F\">business energy bills\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>Should you fix your business energy rates?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Although we can't predict what will happen to energy prices, fixing your rates is the only way to guarantee bill stability by locking in a consistent price for your energy and the current discount.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tim Jarvis, Director General of Markets, at Ofgem, echoed this when speaking on BBC Radio 4, \"Prices are still high compared to historical norms. There’s a lot of volatility. The changes in prices are as a result of the changes in international markets. It does make this market difficult, so I would recommend people try and switch to protect themselves from these fluctuations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s where the tech-enabled experts at Bionic can help. We’ll compare rates from a panel of trusted UK suppliers to get our best available fixed rates for your business. If you need to fix your rates, head to our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002F\">Business Energy\u003C\u002Fa> page to start your price comparison.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n4cfd184c_a8b1_0127_062f_b1ead4c28566\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>How to cut&nbsp;your energy costs beyond the contract\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Negotiating a better contract is the most impactful single action you can take on business energy costs — but it's not the only lever available. Combining a competitive contract with sensible \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fefficiency-sustainability\u002Fenergy-saving-tips-for-business\u002F\">energy efficiency\u003C\u002Fa> measures can reduce your bills further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some practical steps that many SMEs overlook:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Get a smart meter installed.\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Felectricity-meter\u002Fsmart-meters\u002F\">Smart meters\u003C\u002Fa> send automatic readings to your supplier, eliminating estimated bills and ensuring you only pay for what you actually use.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Check your VAT rate. \u003C\u002Fstrong>Businesses consuming less than 33 kWh of electricity per day (or 1,000 kWh per month) may qualify for the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fvat-for-business-energy\u002F\">reduced 5% VAT rate rather than the standard 20%\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Review your Climate Change Levy (CCL) eligibility.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Businesses purchasing electricity from renewable sources, or with certain low-consumption profiles, may qualify for \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fthe-climate-change-levy\u002F\">Climate Change Levy\u003C\u002Fa> exemptions or relief.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Consider an energy audit.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Professional \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-energy-audit\u002F\">business energy audits\u003C\u002Fa> typically identify 10–20% savings opportunities through simple behavioural and equipment changes.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Install LED lighting and smart controls.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Lighting often accounts for 20–40% of a commercial electricity bill — switching to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fenergy-efficient-lighting-saving-your-business-money\u002F\">energy-efficient lighting\u003C\u002Fa> like LED upgrades can cut this by 50–80%.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Explore solar panels.\u003C\u002Fstrong> On-site \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fsolar-power-for-business\u002F\">solar panel\u003C\u002Fa> generation can significantly reduce grid electricity costs, with surplus electricity sold back via the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fselling-energy-back-to-the-grid\u002F\">Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Look at half-hourly metering. \u003C\u002Fstrong>If you use over 100 kW of electricity at peak demand, a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Felectricity-meter\u002Fhalf-hourly-meters\u002F\">half-hourly meter\u003C\u002Fa> may allow you to access time-of-use tariffs, where you pay less during off-peak hours. All homes and businesses will be metered every 30 minutes under \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Felectricity-meter\u002Fwhat-is-market-wide-half-hourly-settlement-mhhs\u002F\">Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS)\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch2>Frequently asked questions about the business energy price cap\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Got more questions about the energy price cap and your business? See if the answers are below:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Is there a price cap for small businesses in the UK?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>There is no price cap for business energy in the UK — the Ofgem cap only protects domestic customers on standard variable or prepayment tariffs. Small businesses, including sole traders and microbusinesses, are subject to commercial contract terms and have no equivalent regulatory price protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>What is a deemed rate, and why does it matter for businesses without a price cap?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>A deemed rate is the default tariff a supplier charges when a business moves into a property without an existing contract or lets its fixed deal expire without renewing. And because there is no cap on business energy, these rates are typically among the most expensive available. Signing a fixed-term contract before your renewal date is the most effective way to avoid being rolled onto a deemed rate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Does the Ofgem price cap affect what businesses pay for electricity and gas?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>The Ofgem price cap has no direct effect on business electricity or gas bills. It is a ceiling on the unit rates domestic suppliers can charge household customers, not a limit on commercial tariffs. However, the cap can be a useful indirect signal of wholesale market direction, since both domestic and business rates are ultimately influenced by the same underlying gas and electricity prices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>What replaced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme for businesses?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>The Energy Bill Relief Scheme (October 2022 to March 2023) was replaced by the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (April 2023 to March 2024), after which no further government support scheme for business energy has been introduced. Businesses currently have no access to any government-backed discount or cap on their energy costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>How often do business energy prices change compared to the household price cap?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the household price cap, which is updated on a fixed quarterly schedule, business energy prices can change at any time based on wholesale market movements, contract type, and when a business chooses to renew. Businesses on flexible or out-of-contract rates are exposed to price changes in near real time, which is why fixing rates on a multi-year contract provides far greater cost certainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Can energy-intensive businesses get any special protection from high energy prices?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>There is currently no live government scheme offering energy cost protection specifically for energy-intensive businesses in the UK, following the end of the EBRS and EBDS in March 2024. Some energy-intensive industries may be eligible for exemptions or reductions on certain non-commodity charges — such as the Climate Change Levy or network cost elements — so it is worth checking with an energy broker whether your sector qualifies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Why does the price of electricity track the price of gas even when renewable generation is high?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>In the UK, the wholesale electricity price is largely set by the most expensive form of generation needed to meet demand at any given moment, which is almost always a gas-fired power station. This means that even when wind and solar are generating abundantly, electricity prices remain tied to gas market movements, a mechanism known as marginal pricing; it is one reason why businesses feel the impact of global gas price volatility even if their supplier uses renewable sources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>What is the difference between a fixed-rate and a variable-rate business energy contract?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>A fixed-rate business energy contract locks in your unit rate and standing charge for the duration of the agreement, typically one to five years, giving you protection against wholesale price rises and making budgeting more predictable. A variable-rate contract fluctuates with market conditions, which can occasionally mean lower bills when prices fall, but leaves your business fully exposed when prices rise, and there is no cap to limit how high those rates can go.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":1055,"type":14,"value":1056,"linkedItems":1058},"Author",[1057],"les_roberts",[],{"name":1060,"type":14,"value":1061,"linkedItems":1063},"Reviewer",[1062],"author___matthew_hall",[],{"name":1065,"type":1066,"value":1067,"displayTimeZone":1068},"Publish Date","date_time","2022-09-22T23:00:00Z","Europe\u002FLondon",{"name":1070,"type":1066,"value":1071,"displayTimeZone":1068},"Updated Date","2026-06-30T23:00:00Z",{"name":1073,"type":11,"value":1074},"URL","price-cap\u002F",{"name":1076,"type":7,"value":1077},"Meta title","Is There a Business Energy Price Cap? 🦾",{"name":1079,"type":7,"value":1080},"Meta description","The energy price cap will increase by about 13% from July 1. But there is no price cap on business energy. Is it time to fix your rates? Here's all you need to know 🦾",{"name":1082,"type":1083,"value":1084},"Add no index tag","multiple_choice",[1085],{"name":1086,"codename":1087},"No","no",{"name":1089,"type":7,"value":1090},"Canonical URL","https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fprice-cap\u002F",{"name":1092,"type":14,"value":1093,"linkedItems":1094},"Related Articles",[],[],{"name":1096,"type":14,"value":1097,"linkedItems":1099},"Categories",[1098],"category___business_energy_guide",[],{"name":1101,"type":14,"value":1102,"linkedItems":1103},"Subfolder",[],[],{"name":1105,"type":14,"value":1106,"linkedItems":1107},"Tags",[],[],{"name":1109,"type":22,"value":1110},"Thumbnail Image",[1111],{"name":1112,"description":928,"type":27,"size":1113,"url":930,"width":932,"height":931,"renditions":1114},"TBR Thumbnails (11).png",229285,{},{"name":1116,"type":1083,"value":1117},"Show on index page",[1118],{"name":1119,"codename":1120},"Yes","yes",{"name":1122,"type":1083,"value":1123},"Hide Author",[1124],{"name":1086,"codename":1087},{"name":1126,"type":1083,"value":1127},"Hide Reviewer",[1128],{"name":1086,"codename":1087},{"name":1130,"type":1083,"value":1131},"Hide Tags",[1132],{"name":1119,"codename":1120},{"codename":913,"collection":81,"id":1134,"language":81,"lastModified":961,"name":1135,"sitemapLocations":1136,"type":1137,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"734318ee-79d5-4536-b08f-531824fa3074","ENERGY GUIDE - Does the energy price cap apply to businesses?",[],"guide",{"elements":1139,"system":1258},{"post__title":1140,"post__summary":1142,"post__content":1144,"post__author":1207,"post__reviewer":1210,"publish_date":1214,"updated_date":1216,"url":1218,"seo__meta_title":1220,"seo__meta_description":1222,"seo__add_no_index_tag":1223,"seo__canonical_url":1226,"related_articles":1228,"categories":1231,"subfolder":1234,"tags":1237,"thumbnail_image":1240,"show_on_index_page":1247,"hide_author":1250,"hide_reviewer":1253,"hide_tags":1255},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":1141},"Is commercial energy different to household energy? ",{"name":923,"type":7,"value":1143},"Although it comes from the same sources – and possibly the same supplier – business energy is different to household energy. Here’s all you need to know.",{"images":1145,"linkedItemCodenames":1152,"linkedItems":1158,"links":1205,"name":1052,"type":191,"value":1206},[1146],{"description":1147,"imageId":1148,"url":1149,"height":1150,"width":1151},"A tradesman shakes hands with a home owner in her kitchen. ","04a5a8a9-1804-4cf1-ba65-8619997b0c38","https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F80728376-6f5e-4303-90d7-fdf657da3d09\u002FGettyImages-1226023669.jpg",1414,2121,[1153,1154,1155,1156,1157],"n880b2769_de7f_01e5_2c2e_096c2b6f53f3","n840e6e07_2de5_014c_d386_ce8f1e60b2e4","c8ae457e_6fac_0126_9446_6e1fa5d328bb","edf05042_10b5_01d5_5ab6_792241e77c4e","n69a536f9_fcce_0134_dca2_33c857b6b7a7",[1159,1169,1178,1187,1196],{"elements":1160,"system":1165},{"text":1161,"anchor_id":1163},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1162},"Is commercial energy cheaper than domestic energy?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1164},"is-commercial-energy-cheaper-than-domestic-energy",{"codename":1153,"collection":81,"id":1166,"language":81,"lastModified":1167,"name":1166,"sitemapLocations":1168,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"880b2769-de7f-01e5-2c2e-096c2b6f53f3","2026-07-08T06:37:38.674171Z",[],{"elements":1170,"system":1175},{"text":1171,"anchor_id":1173},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1172},"How do business energy contracts differ from domestic energy contracts? ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1174},"how-business-energy-contracts-different-domestic-energy-contratcs",{"codename":1154,"collection":81,"id":1176,"language":81,"lastModified":1167,"name":1176,"sitemapLocations":1177,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"840e6e07-2de5-014c-d386-ce8f1e60b2e4",[],{"elements":1179,"system":1184},{"text":1180,"anchor_id":1182},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1181},"why-business-domestic-energy-contracts-different ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1183},"Why are business and domestic energy contracts different? ",{"codename":1155,"collection":81,"id":1185,"language":81,"lastModified":1167,"name":1185,"sitemapLocations":1186,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"c8ae457e-6fac-0126-9446-6e1fa5d328bb",[],{"elements":1188,"system":1193},{"text":1189,"anchor_id":1191},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1190},"is-it-more-difficult-to-compare-business-energy-quotes",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1192},"Is it more difficult to compare business energy quotes? ",{"codename":1156,"collection":81,"id":1194,"language":81,"lastModified":1167,"name":1194,"sitemapLocations":1195,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"edf05042-10b5-01d5-5ab6-792241e77c4e",[],{"elements":1197,"system":1202},{"text":1198,"anchor_id":1200},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1199},"how-is-switching-for-business-different ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1201},"How is switching business energy different? ",{"codename":1157,"collection":81,"id":1203,"language":81,"lastModified":1167,"name":1203,"sitemapLocations":1204,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"69a536f9-fcce-0134-dca2-33c857b6b7a7",[],[],"\u003Cp>Although it comes from the same sources – and possibly the same supplier – there are some key differences between commercial energy and household energy. These are largely to do with how energy is bought and sold, and the way contracts are drawn up.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This means that comparing and switching business energy isn’t quite as simple as switching household energy. And this is why it often makes sense to let a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fenergy-brokers-for-businesses\u002F\">business energy broker\u003C\u002Fa> do the heavy lifting. Here’s all you need to know.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cfigure data-asset-id=\"04a5a8a9-1804-4cf1-ba65-8619997b0c38\" data-image-id=\"04a5a8a9-1804-4cf1-ba65-8619997b0c38\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F80728376-6f5e-4303-90d7-fdf657da3d09\u002FGettyImages-1226023669.jpg\" data-asset-id=\"04a5a8a9-1804-4cf1-ba65-8619997b0c38\" data-image-id=\"04a5a8a9-1804-4cf1-ba65-8619997b0c38\" alt=\"A tradesman shakes hands with a home owner in her kitchen. \">\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Ch2>Five-point summary of our guide to home and business energy\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Col>\n  \u003Cli>Businesses pay different unit rates and charges (like the Climate Change Levy and 20% VAT vs. 5% for households), and can lock in prices for up to three or four years compared with the typical 12-month household contract.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Once a business signs an energy contract, there's no 14-day grace period to change your mind, and unlike households, commercial contracts aren't protected by the energy price cap.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Because businesses use energy differently (volume, timing, risk of insolvency), suppliers can't offer standard tariffs — every contract is tailored, making comparison harder than a simple price comparison site.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Businesses are locked in until their contract ends and can only arrange a new deal within their switching window (up to nine months before expiry), unlike households, which can switch anytime.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Because of the added rules, risk assessments, and lack of dual-fuel deals, using a broker like Bionic can simplify comparing quotes across suppliers and ensure businesses get the right rates and contract type.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n880b2769_de7f_01e5_2c2e_096c2b6f53f3\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Is commercial energy cheaper than domestic energy?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>This is tough to answer because commercial and domestic energy contracts are very different. The energy price cap has also limited the rates that suppliers can charge on domestic deals, while \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fblog\u002Fnoticed-energy-prices-have-fallen-over-past-few-months\u002F\">business energy prices\u003C\u002Fa> have been at the mercy of a very volatile market.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To give you an idea of how much households and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fbusiness-gas\u002F\">businesses can expect to pay for gas\u003C\u002Fa> and electricity, here are the latest unit rates (that’s the amount you pay for each kilowatt hour (kWh) unit of energy you use) and standing charges (a daily amount used to cover the cost of getting the energy to your premises).&nbsp;You can also find out more in our guide to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Faverage-energy-usage-for-businesses\u002F\">average business gas usage\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Household gas rates and business gas rates comparison&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Ctable>\u003Ctbody>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Unit rate&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Standing charge&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Annual annual bill\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Household gas&nbsp;(cap)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>7.3p&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>29.0p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,641&nbsp;(dual fuel)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Micro business gas&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>10.9p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>39.1p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,233 (single fuel)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Small business gas&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>10.6p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>40.6p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£2,533 (single fuel)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Medium business gas&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>11.1p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>49.9p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£5,455 (single fuel)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Large business gas&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>9.9p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>43.3p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£6,593 (single fuel)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Ch3>Household electricity rates and business electricity rates comparison&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Ctable>\u003Ctbody>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Unit rate&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Standing charge&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Annual annual bill\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Household electricity&nbsp;(cap)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>26.1p&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>57.2p&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,641&nbsp;(dual fuel)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Micro business electricity&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>29.7p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>57.1p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£3,178 (single fuel)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Small business electricity&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>28.1p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>70.6p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£5,878 (single fuel)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Medium business electricity&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>26.3p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>218.4p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£11,317 (single fuel)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Large business electricity&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>25.9p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>226.4p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£15,071 (single fuel)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp>\u003Csup>Note: Household rates are based on the price cap rate for a typical household paying by Direct Debit from July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026. See the \u003C\u002Fsup>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ofgem.gov.uk\u002Fpublications\u002Fenergy-prices-fall-again-winter#:~:text=From%201%20October%20the%20equivalent,of%2053.37p%20per%20day.\">\u003Csup>Ofgem website\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Csup> for more details. Business energy rates are correct as of July 2026. 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 received by Bionic from our panel of suppliers (inclusive of maximum Bionic commission), per business size thresholds, from July 1 to July 8, 2026.\u003C\u002Fsup>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n840e6e07_2de5_014c_d386_ce8f1e60b2e4\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>How do business energy contracts differ from domestic energy contracts?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The way \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fhow-is-energy-bought-and-sold-and-how-does-it-affect-prices\u002F\">business energy is bought and sold\u003C\u002Fa> means that contracts are more complex and there are different rules when it comes to switching. Here are the main differences between business and domestic energy contracts:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Rates and charges\u003C\u002Fstrong> – Most businesses use more energy than households and often use that energy at different times of the day. Suppliers set different rates to reflect these volumes and usage patterns. Businesses also have different charges on their \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-energy-bills\u002F\">energy bills\u003C\u002Fa>, such as the Renewable Obligation (RO), \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fselling-energy-back-to-the-grid\u002F\">Smart Export Guarantee\u003C\u002Fa> (formerly the Feed-in Tariff), and the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fthe-climate-change-levy\u002F\">Climate Change Levy (CCL)\u003C\u002Fa>. The standard rate of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fvat-for-business-energy\u002F\">VAT on business energy\u003C\u002Fa> is 20% compared to 5% on domestic energy, but a 5% rate is available for certain businesses.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Contract length\u003C\u002Fstrong> – While most household energy contracts last for 12 months, businesses can lock in rates for up to three or four years.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>No cooling-off period\u003C\u002Fstrong> – Household energy contracts come with a 14-day cooling-off period. This means you can cancel your contract at any time within 14 days of signing it, with no penalty charge from your supplier. But commercial energy contracts don’t offer a cooling-off period – once you sign, you’re locked in. This is why it’s important to get guidance from a broker to make sure you’re on the right type of contract for the needs of your business.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>No \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fprice-cap\u002F\">\u003Cstrong>price cap\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – To help households manage the cost of soaring energy bills, domestic energy rates have been capped since 2019. But commercial energy contracts don’t come with the same protection. Instead, the government supplied a discount on eligible commercial energy contracts via the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fenergy-bills-discount-scheme-explained\u002F\">Energy Bills Discount Scheme\u003C\u002Fa>, which ended on March 31, 2024.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>No dual fuel \u003C\u002Fstrong>– Households can often get a discount by getting their gas and electricity from the same supplier as part of a dual fuel deal. But businesses need to take out separate contracts for gas and electricity, even if both are provided by the same supplier.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Objections \u003C\u002Fstrong>– Domestic energy customers will only usually be refused an energy contract if they owe more than £500 for gas or electricity to their current supplier. But suppliers can refuse a commercial switch if a business is in debt to a supplier, has a fixed-term contract already in place, or the contract states any other reasonable requirement.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"c8ae457e_6fac_0126_9446_6e1fa5d328bb\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Why are business and domestic energy contracts different?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Business contracts are more complex than domestic ones because the ways businesses use energy are different. &nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Business energy contracts are more complex than domestic ones because of the different ways that businesses use energy.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it comes to households, suppliers can be sure that they all use energy in pretty much the same way – gas for heating and cooking, and electricity for appliances and lighting. The only difference will be that some households use more than others. This means they can offer an off-the-shelf tariff where everyone pays the same rates.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But businesses are different. On the face of it, a restaurant and a salon might not seem all that different – both are run from commercial premises, employ the same number of staff, and have a similar turnover and balance sheet. Both use gas and electricity, but in very different ways and probably at different times of the day. All these factors, along with location, will help determine the rates they pay.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then you need to factor in the risk to suppliers. Businesses tend to use significantly more energy than households, and all of the energy needed for a commercial energy contract is bought in advance. If a business \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fwhat-if-your-business-energy-supplier-goes-bust\u002F\">goes bust\u003C\u002Fa> 12 months into a three-year contract, then the supplier of that contract could effectively lose two years' worth of payments. This increases the risk profile and costs for suppliers and can affect the rates they quote. It’s also a reason why your \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fcredit-score-and-business-energy\u002F\">business credit score is considered when quoting your energy rates\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These added complexities mean that suppliers can’t offer off-the-shelf commercial energy tariffs. Instead, all contracts are designed for each individual business. So, even if you’re used to switching energy at home, you might still need some expert help when sorting your next contract.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"edf05042_10b5_01d5_5ab6_792241e77c4e\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Is it more difficult to compare \u003Cstrong>commercial\u003C\u002Fstrong> energy quotes?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Unlike domestic energy, for businesses, it’s not as simple as putting your details into a price comparison website and picking from several options. This is because contracts are tailored to the needs of each business and things like energy usage, business location, and the number of staff it employs are used to work out rates.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you want to make sure you’re on the best possible rates, you’ll need to ring around each supplier and get a quote from each. If you use both gas and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fbusiness-electricity\u002F\">electricity at your business\u003C\u002Fa> you’ll need to repeat the process for each fuel.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But using a service like the one we offer at Bionic means you can compare from a range of suppliers in one go. We use the details you give us to compare quotes from our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-energy-suppliers\u002F\">panel of suppliers.\u003C\u002Fa> We then talk you through the options to help make sure you choose the contract and supplier that’s best for your business.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Why can’t you switch completely online?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Getting a business contract in place is more complex than sorting one for your home. That’s why we talk you through your quotes to make sure you’re on the right type of contract and the right rates for your business. But there’s no hard sell. After we’ve tailored your quote, you're free to think about it or walk away.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We know that not everyone has the time or inclination to speak with an energy broker, especially if your earlier experience has been waiting on hold for hours, only to speak to someone who can't help, and then getting cut off. Or answering a call from an unknown number, and then getting the hard sell. What business owner has time for a 45-minute call? &nbsp;\u003Cbr>\n &nbsp;\u003Cbr>\nWe do things differently at Bionic. We use smart data to cut the amount of form filling. And to make the call as short as possible, we do as much as we can online. We get you connected to your agent in seconds. We show your quotes on your screen and talk you through them. Remember, it’s important to make sure you get the right contract as there’s no cooling-off period.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’re worried about unexpected fees, you can rest easy – the rates you’re quoted are the rates you’ll pay. We’re paid a commission by the supplier – not by you – and we’ll let you know exactly how much money we’ll be making from your switch.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n69a536f9_fcce_0134_dca2_33c857b6b7a7\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>How is switching different for businesses?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>You can switch from a domestic energy deal at any time. Some suppliers will charge an early exit fee if you switch before your contract enters its final 49 days, but you can still switch if you want to. Once you’ve agreed to switch, you should be with your new supplier within 21 days, regardless of how long was left on the contract with your old supplier.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Switching business energy suppliers isn’t quite as straightforward. Once you sign a business energy contract, you’re locked in until the end date of that contract. You can sign a new contract once your current one enters its switching window, which can be up to nine months before your contract’s end date, but the switch won’t happen until your current contract expires.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>FAQs&nbsp;on business energy and domestic energy\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you still have some questions about business commercial energy, we might have the answers below. If not, head to our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002F\">business energy\u003C\u002Fa> or feel free to get in touch via any of our social media channels.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Can an energy contract be renegotiated at any time?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>No. Once you’ve agreed to a contract with a supplier, you’re locked in until that contract ends. If you arrange a new contract, this won’t start until your current one ends. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a blend and extend deal midway through the term of your contract. For more details, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fblend-and-extend-contract\u002F\">check out our guide to blend and extend energy contracts\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Is there a cooling-off period on \u003Cstrong>commercial\u003C\u002Fstrong> energy contracts?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>No. Unlike with domestic energy, there’s no 14-day cooling-off period on business energy contracts.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Can I switch if I rent my business premises?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>If your business tenancy agreement states that you have to pay energy costs directly to your landlord, then it’s likely they will handle the energy contracts. But this doesn’t mean you can’t switch. If you think you can get a better deal elsewhere, let your landlord know you’d like to switch.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you pay the business energy bills yourself, you can go ahead and compare deals before switching. As a courtesy, you should always let your landlord know before you do though.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Will my energy supply be disrupted if I switch?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>No. When you switch suppliers, your gas and electricity are supplied through the existing pipes and cables, it’s just the supplier that changes. This means there’ll be no disruption to your energy supply and no need for any extra digging or drilling at your premises.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Will I save money if I switch suppliers?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>The rates quoted on fixed-term energy contracts are almost always lower than the rates charged by suppliers on their variable rate tariffs. Arranging a new fixed-rate contract should save you money compared to what you’d be paying if you let your current deal end and roll onto your \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-gas-and-electricity-tariffs-explained\u002F\">supplier's standard variable rate\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it’s unlikely that the rates you’re quoted for your next contract will be cheaper than the rates you’re currently paying. This is down to normal price inflation.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Will I be charged extra or hidden fees when I use a broker to switch energy?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>No. When you do a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002F\">business energy comparison\u003C\u002Fa> with Bionic, the rates you’re quoted are the rates you pay. There are no hidden extras and we always let you know exactly how much commission we’ll make on your contract. This is paid by the supplier, not by you, and it covers the cost of our service, including comparison, switch management, customer service and renewals.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":1055,"type":14,"value":1208,"linkedItems":1209},[1057],[],{"name":1060,"type":14,"value":1211,"linkedItems":1213},[1212],"author___ed_whitworth",[],{"name":1065,"type":1066,"value":1215,"displayTimeZone":1068},"2024-10-07T23:00:00Z",{"name":1070,"type":1066,"value":1217,"displayTimeZone":1068},"2026-07-07T23:00:00Z",{"name":1073,"type":11,"value":1219},"is-business-energy-different-to-household-energy\u002F",{"name":1076,"type":7,"value":1221},"Is commercial energy different to household energy? | Bionic",{"name":1079,"type":7,"value":1143},{"name":1082,"type":1083,"value":1224},[1225],{"name":1086,"codename":1087},{"name":1089,"type":7,"value":1227},"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fis-business-energy-different-to-household-energy\u002F",{"name":1092,"type":14,"value":1229,"linkedItems":1230},[],[],{"name":1096,"type":14,"value":1232,"linkedItems":1233},[1098],[],{"name":1101,"type":14,"value":1235,"linkedItems":1236},[],[],{"name":1105,"type":14,"value":1238,"linkedItems":1239},[],[],{"name":1109,"type":22,"value":1241},[1242],{"name":1243,"description":1147,"type":1244,"size":1245,"url":1149,"width":1151,"height":1150,"renditions":1246},"GettyImages-1226023669.jpg","image\u002Fjpeg",195407,{},{"name":1116,"type":1083,"value":1248},[1249],{"name":1119,"codename":1120},{"name":1122,"type":1083,"value":1251},[1252],{"name":1086,"codename":1087},{"name":1126,"type":1083,"value":1254},[],{"name":1130,"type":1083,"value":1256},[1257],{"name":1119,"codename":1120},{"codename":914,"collection":81,"id":1259,"language":81,"lastModified":1167,"name":1260,"sitemapLocations":1261,"type":1137,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"961e344d-f9b4-4092-9bc9-0333e775c3e1","ENERGY GUIDE - Is commercial energy different to household energy?",[],{"elements":1263,"system":1490},{"post__title":1264,"post__summary":1266,"post__content":1268,"post__author":1439,"post__reviewer":1442,"publish_date":1445,"updated_date":1448,"url":1450,"seo__meta_title":1452,"seo__meta_description":1454,"seo__add_no_index_tag":1456,"seo__canonical_url":1459,"related_articles":1461,"categories":1464,"subfolder":1467,"tags":1470,"thumbnail_image":1473,"show_on_index_page":1479,"hide_author":1482,"hide_reviewer":1485,"hide_tags":1487},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":1265},"How does being a micro business affect your energy contract?",{"name":923,"type":7,"value":1267},"Being a micro business affects the terms of your business energy contract. But what is a microbusiness? And does being one get you a better energy deal?",{"images":1269,"linkedItemCodenames":1276,"linkedItems":1293,"links":1437,"name":1052,"type":191,"value":1438},[1270],{"description":1271,"imageId":1272,"url":1273,"height":1274,"width":1275},"A micro business owner checks orders using her laptop while running her e-commerce small business from home.","4af06dbe-2314-4672-9111-9389d143555a","https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002Fde2a949c-fe6a-492c-b5e3-f61cef48ed52\u002FGettyImages-1298198890.jpg",483,724,[1277,1278,1279,1280,1281,1282,1283,1284,1285,1286,1287,1288,1289,1290,1291,1292],"n6a6efefe_b39d_01fa_02ec_6e079b308be3","e0e11528_e7cf_01fa_b5ad_fe787f744079","b70aac22_b2a0_01af_cef1_f5fd211d6dfc","a1d4e36d_6630_0147_8710_ff642798e2f6","n3de4b72e_a70e_01db_3177_5d9750a5a701","n7eb2466e_c985_01eb_6327_cca9794a786e","n6375214d_b1ce_014c_b349_8c2eb472052b","n82e770b1_87f5_01a5_1328_21332aab3acd","n3f790b0e_65c6_0149_2ecd_b2f6c359320d","n7e34c78b_deea_01e1_90a0_ae0fa6a63539","fb73f50b_5b9a_0164_e9c7_9a696a29b806","n1af83096_8a82_01ef_9610_9921db430888","n1765fb4e_1f20_01a1_0297_ef85df00c188","n874921e7_a7f5_017b_0446_799e12fb8faf","cc72b0d1_7a2e_011f_13ac_90e29d4caa35","n17b246bb_2081_018c_8969_a698a88eb150",[1294,1304,1313,1322,1331,1340,1349,1358,1365,1374,1383,1392,1401,1410,1419,1428],{"elements":1295,"system":1300},{"text":1296,"anchor_id":1298},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1297},"What is a micro business? ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1299},"what-is-a-micro-business",{"codename":1277,"collection":81,"id":1301,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1301,"sitemapLocations":1303,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"6a6efefe-b39d-01fa-02ec-6e079b308be3","2026-07-08T06:21:05.3219175Z",[],{"elements":1305,"system":1310},{"text":1306,"anchor_id":1308},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1307},"What are the latest micro business energy rates?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1309},"latest-micro-business-energy-rates",{"codename":1278,"collection":81,"id":1311,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1311,"sitemapLocations":1312,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"e0e11528-e7cf-01fa-b5ad-fe787f744079",[],{"elements":1314,"system":1319},{"text":1315,"anchor_id":1317},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1316},"How do micro business energy contracts work? ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1318},"how-do-micro-business-energy-contracts-work",{"codename":1279,"collection":81,"id":1320,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1320,"sitemapLocations":1321,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"b70aac22-b2a0-01af-cef1-f5fd211d6dfc",[],{"elements":1323,"system":1328},{"text":1324,"anchor_id":1326},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1325},"How are microbusiness energy contracts different? ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1327},"how-are-micro-business-energy-contracts-different",{"codename":1280,"collection":81,"id":1329,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1329,"sitemapLocations":1330,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"a1d4e36d-6630-0147-8710-ff642798e2f6",[],{"elements":1332,"system":1337},{"text":1333,"anchor_id":1335},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1334},"What is ADR?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1336},"what-is-adr",{"codename":1281,"collection":81,"id":1338,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1338,"sitemapLocations":1339,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"3de4b72e-a70e-01db-3177-5d9750a5a701",[],{"elements":1341,"system":1346},{"text":1342,"anchor_id":1344},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1343},"Can microbusinesses get half-hourly metering?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1345},"can-microbusinesses-get-half-hourly-metering",{"codename":1282,"collection":81,"id":1347,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1347,"sitemapLocations":1348,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"7eb2466e-c985-01eb-6327-cca9794a786e",[],{"elements":1350,"system":1355},{"text":1351,"anchor_id":1353},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1352},"Will your micro business be affected by the RAB nuclear levy?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1354},"will-your-microbusiness-be-affected-by-the-rab-nuclear-levy",{"codename":1283,"collection":81,"id":1356,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1356,"sitemapLocations":1357,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"6375214d-b1ce-014c-b349-8c2eb472052b",[],{"elements":1359,"system":1362},{"video":1360},{"name":977,"type":7,"value":1361},"qba2NixUyXA",{"codename":1284,"collection":81,"id":1363,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1363,"sitemapLocations":1364,"type":982,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"82e770b1-87f5-01a5-1328-21332aab3acd",[],{"elements":1366,"system":1371},{"text":1367,"anchor_id":1369},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1368},"Can you change your energy supplier if you’re in debt? ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1370},"can-you-change-your-energy-supplier-if-you-are-in-debt",{"codename":1285,"collection":81,"id":1372,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1372,"sitemapLocations":1373,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"3f790b0e-65c6-0149-2ecd-b2f6c359320d",[],{"elements":1375,"system":1380},{"text":1376,"anchor_id":1378},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1377},"What happens if you don’t pay your energy bills? ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1379},"what-happens-if-you-do-not-pay-energy-bills",{"codename":1286,"collection":81,"id":1381,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1381,"sitemapLocations":1382,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"7e34c78b-deea-01e1-90a0-ae0fa6a63539",[],{"elements":1384,"system":1389},{"text":1385,"anchor_id":1387},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1386},"What if your workplace is empty?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1388},"what-if-workplace-is-empty",{"codename":1287,"collection":81,"id":1390,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1390,"sitemapLocations":1391,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"fb73f50b-5b9a-0164-e9c7-9a696a29b806",[],{"elements":1393,"system":1398},{"text":1394,"anchor_id":1396},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1395},"Should you get a business energy deal when working from home? ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1397},"business-energy-working-from-home",{"codename":1288,"collection":81,"id":1399,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1399,"sitemapLocations":1400,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"1af83096-8a82-01ef-9610-9921db430888",[],{"elements":1402,"system":1407},{"text":1403,"anchor_id":1405},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1404},"What’s the difference between business energy and domestic energy? ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1406},"difference-between-business-energy-and-domestic-energy",{"codename":1289,"collection":81,"id":1408,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1408,"sitemapLocations":1409,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"1765fb4e-1f20-01a1-0297-ef85df00c188",[],{"elements":1411,"system":1416},{"text":1412,"anchor_id":1414},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1413},"Can you get a business gas and electricity deal when working from home? ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1415},"business-energy-work-from-home",{"codename":1290,"collection":81,"id":1417,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1417,"sitemapLocations":1418,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"874921e7-a7f5-017b-0446-799e12fb8faf",[],{"elements":1420,"system":1425},{"text":1421,"anchor_id":1423},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1422},"How to save energy at home ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1424},"how-to-save-energy-at-home ",{"codename":1291,"collection":81,"id":1426,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1426,"sitemapLocations":1427,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"cc72b0d1-7a2e-011f-13ac-90e29d4caa35",[],{"elements":1429,"system":1434},{"text":1430,"anchor_id":1432},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1431},"How to switch energy suppliers as a micro business ",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1433},"switch-energy-suppliers-micro-business ",{"codename":1292,"collection":81,"id":1435,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1435,"sitemapLocations":1436,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"17b246bb-2081-018c-8969-a698a88eb150",[],[],"\u003Cp>There are 5.3 million micro businesses in the UK – that’s 95% of all UK businesses – but do you know if your business is one of them?&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let’s take a look at what makes a micro business and how some big changes to the energy market will help make sure micro business owners get a fairer deal from brokers and suppliers.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cfigure data-asset-id=\"4af06dbe-2314-4672-9111-9389d143555a\" data-image-id=\"4af06dbe-2314-4672-9111-9389d143555a\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002Fde2a949c-fe6a-492c-b5e3-f61cef48ed52\u002FGettyImages-1298198890.jpg\" data-asset-id=\"4af06dbe-2314-4672-9111-9389d143555a\" data-image-id=\"4af06dbe-2314-4672-9111-9389d143555a\" alt=\"A micro business owner checks orders using her laptop while running her e-commerce small business from home.\">\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Ch3>Five-point summary\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Col>\n  \u003Cli>Micro businesses make up 95% of UK businesses—they typically have 10 or fewer employees and low turnover or energy usage.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Definitions vary: HMRC, Companies House, the EU, and Ofgem use slightly different criteria, but Ofgem also sets UK energy-specific thresholds for microbusiness status.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Micro businesses benefit from strengthened protections—Ofgem requires suppliers and brokers to give clear, upfront contract information and has improved switching rules.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>The latest micro business energy rates for July 2026 are: 10.9p\u002FkWh for gas and 29.7p\u002FkWh for electricity, with annual costs around £1,233 for gas and £3,178 for electricity (based on annual usage of 10,000 kWh).\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Recent reforms mean easier switching, faster dispute resolution, and better access to guidance, helping micro businesses avoid unfair terms and find the best energy deals.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n6a6efefe_b39d_01fa_02ec_6e079b308be3\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What is a micro business?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A micro business is a business that operates on a very small scale and has just a few employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are different definitions of micro businesses, including:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>HMRC \u003C\u002Fstrong>– For tax purposes, a micro business (referred to by the tax office as a ‘micro employer’) is a business with no more than nine employees.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Companies House – \u003C\u002Fstrong>Micro businesses are called ‘micro entities’ by the UK’s registrar of companies, and must meet two of the following three conditions:&nbsp;\n    \u003Cul>\n      \u003Cli>An annual turnover of no more than £632,000&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n      \u003Cli>An annual balance sheet total of no more than £316,000&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n      \u003Cli>No more than ten employees&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n    \u003C\u002Ful>\n  \u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>European Union \u003C\u002Fstrong>– The EU definition is probably the most widely recognised. It states that a micro business is one that has ten employees or fewer and an annual turnover and balance sheet of no more than €2 million.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>But the definition we’re most interested in is the one used by \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fwho-are-ofgem\u002F\">Ofgem\u003C\u002Fa>. The UK energy regulator uses the EU definition and adds that, for energy purposes, a micro business uses no more than 100,000 kWh of electricity per year or no more than 293,000 kWh of gas per year. This only applies to non-domestic premises.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you fall into this category, the regulator implemented measures to make it easier for you to switch to a better business energy deal.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"e0e11528_e7cf_01fa_b5ad_fe787f744079\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What are the latest microbusiness energy rates in 2026?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ctable>\u003Ctbody>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>Business size\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>Fuel\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>Annual usage\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>Unit price per kWh\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>Daily standing charge\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>\u003Cstrong>Annual bill&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Microbusiness\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Gas\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>5,000 to 15,000 kWh\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>10.9p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>39.1p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£1,233\u003Cbr>\n\u003Csub>(based on annual usage of 10,000 kWh)&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fsub>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Microbusiness\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Electricity&nbsp;\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>5,000 to 15,000 kWh\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>29.7p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>57.1p\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>£3,178\u003Cbr>\n\u003Csub>(based on annual usage of 10,000 kWh)&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fsub>\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp>\u003Csub>Note: Prices are correct as of July 2026. 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 received by Bionic from our panel of suppliers (inclusive of maximum Bionic commission), per business size thresholds, from July 1 to July 8, 2026.\u003C\u002Fsub>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"b70aac22_b2a0_01af_cef1_f5fd211d6dfc\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>How do micro business energy contracts work?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you run a microbusiness, you’ll get the following information from your supplier when you agree to a new energy plan:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>The key terms of the plan before you sign up for it. You should be given this information whether you use a broker or buy directly from the supplier.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>The contract and terms and conditions within, including renewal terms for fixed-term plans. This should be sent to you within 10 days of agreeing to a new contract.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Information on the contract end date and the latest date you can give notice to end a fixed-term contract.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>When your energy contract is up for renewal, you should then be given the following information:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>A renewal reminder explaining your options. This should arrive around 60 days before your contract end date and should include your current rates, alongside any new rates on offer. To make the comparison easier, it should also include details of your \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Faverage-energy-usage-for-businesses\u002F\">annual energy usage\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>To cancel your contract, you need to let your supplier know that you still have at least 30 days remaining on your current business energy contract. This should then be confirmed by your supplier within five working days.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>It should then take no more than five working days to switch business energy suppliers, thanks to the Ofgem Faster Switching rules. You can find out more in our guide on \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fwhen-to-switch-business-energy-supplier\u002F\">when to switch business energy suppliers\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"a1d4e36d_6630_0147_8710_ff642798e2f6\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>How are microbusiness energy contracts different?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>As a micro business, you’ll already have different rules and protections than other businesses. But these were extended when the following changes kicked in on October 1, 2022:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Greater transparency\u003C\u002Fstrong> – You'll be given all the key information about the terms of your energy deal, including any third-party costs when you enter into and exit from a contract. This includes any broker fees.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>No more termination notice needed – \u003C\u002Fstrong>Suppliers will no longer be able to insist on a 30-day notice period to end a microbusiness energy contract. The only exception is if a commercial deal expires, and the business is put on an ‘evergreen’ or ‘rollover’ tariff (read on to find out more about this)&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Better information on the market and your rights\u003C\u002Fstrong> – Citizens Advice will offer microbusiness owners access to up-to-date guidance and advice on consumer rights and how the market operates.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>On December 1, 2022, changes to how broker disputes are handled were implemented. The changes are designed to make for a more effective broker dispute resolution. The new regulations mean suppliers will only be able to work with brokers that have signed up for an approved dispute resolution scheme, known as alternative dispute resolution (ADR).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n3de4b72e_a70e_01db_3177_5d9750a5a701\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch3>What is alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for business energy?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a scheme from Ofgem and the energy ombudsman. It's been designed to make the complaints process easier for microbusinesses that have had issues when arranging an energy contract with a broker, price comparison website, or another third-party intermediary (TPI).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The service is completely free of charge for microbusinesses. Here's how it works:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>If you have a complaint with a broker, price comparison website, or other TPI, you first need to try and resolve the issue with them. You should be able to find the complaints procedure on their website. For example, you can find the Bionic complaints procedure at \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fabout-bionic\u002Fcomplaints\u002F\">https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fabout-bionic\u002Fcomplaints\u002F\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>If your complaint has reached deadlock, whereby no agreement has been reached and the complaints process has been exhausted, or eight weeks have passed without an agreement, you can then use the ADR scheme. As things stand, this means getting in touch with the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ombudsman-services.org\u002Fsectors\u002Fenergy\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">energy ombudsman\u003C\u002Fa>, but there may be other providers of dispute resolution in the future.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If you need to make a complaint to your business energy supplier, you can find out more about the complaints process in our guide - \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fhow-to-complain-business-energy-supplier\u002F\">How to make a complaint to or about your business energy supplier\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>What about these ‘evergreen’ or ‘rollover tariffs’?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>When any fixed-term business energy deal ends, suppliers will place customers on out-of-contract rates. These are usually more expensive than the rates you’ll find on a fixed deal, but you can switch from them at any time and won’t be charged a penalty fee.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But some suppliers will put customers on evergreen or rollover tariffs, which are a bit like being on out-of-contract rates (expensive!) but for a fixed period, usually 12 months. The big problem with this type of tariff is that, as with any fixed-term energy contract, once you’re locked in, you can’t get out.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This should all be laid out in the terms and conditions of your energy contract, and it’s something you should ask about before signing up for any new energy contract.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Will micro businesses have a cooling-off period on energy contracts?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Although the idea of a cooling-off period was discussed as part of the new proposals, Ofgem has decided against putting one in place but has said \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ofgem.gov.uk\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2022-03\u002FDecision%20Microbusiness%20Strategic%20Review.pdf\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">it will be revisited as part of future reforms\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ofgem.gov.uk\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2022-03\u002FDecision%20Microbusiness%20Strategic%20Review.pdf\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">find out more about this and the wider consultation in this Ofgem PDF\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n7eb2466e_c985_01eb_6327_cca9794a786e\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Can micro businesses get half-hourly metering?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Although \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fhalf-hourly-meters\u002F\">half-hourly meters\u003C\u002Fa> have traditionally only been available to businesses with a high energy demand, a major electricity market reform known as Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) means half-hourly settlement will become available to all UK&nbsp;homes and businesses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The MHHS migration began in September 2025 and is due to complete by May 2027, with older meters being upgraded to modern smart meters that can send half-hourly readings wherever possible. Even if your business does not yet have a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fsmart-meters\u002F\">smart meter\u003C\u002Fa>, your supply will still move to half-hourly settlement, using factors like annual consumption, property type and how intensively you use electricity to calculate your charges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Felectricity-meter\u002Fwhat-is-market-wide-half-hourly-settlement-mhhs\u002F\">Find out more in our guide to Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS)\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n6375214d_b1ce_014c_b349_8c2eb472052b\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Will your micro business be affected by the RAB nuclear levy?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Most micro businesses connected to the electricity grid will pay the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbilling-payments\u002Fregulated-asset-base-rab-nuclear-levy\u002F\">RAB nuclear levy\u003C\u002Fa>, which is added as a small charge to every kWh of electricity you use, in the same way as other third‑party costs on your bill.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The initial rate is around 0.35p per kWh, so a typical micro business using about 10,000 kWh a year might pay roughly £35 extra annually, with the exact amount depending on your consumption and whether you qualify for any exemptions such as \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Findustrial-business-energy\u002F\">Energy Intensive Industries (EII)\u003C\u002Fa> status (it's unlikely any micro businesses will meet this criteria).&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For most small offices, shops and salons, this will appear as a modest non‑commodity line on the bill, but it still adds to overall costs. As ever, improving \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fefficiency-sustainability\u002Fenergy-saving-tips-for-business\u002F\">energy efficiency\u003C\u002Fa> and cutting usage is the most effective way to limit how much you pay towards the RAB levy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Find out more by watching the short video below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n82e770b1_87f5_01a5_1328_21332aab3acd\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n3f790b0e_65c6_0149_2ecd_b2f6c359320d\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Can you change your energy supplier if you’re in debt?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Before you compare business or domestic energy deals, remember that if you’ve been in debt with your supplier for more than 28 days, you won’t be able to switch until the debt is paid off.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And you won’t be able to compare business energy deals until your current deal enters its switching window, which is usually between one and six months before its end date.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n7e34c78b_deea_01e1_90a0_ae0fa6a63539\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What happens if you don’t pay your energy bills?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you don’t pay your energy bills, you’ll fall into debt with your energy supplier. This could mean that your account is handed over to a debt recovery agency, and you may have your supply cut off.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although disconnection is usually the last resort for suppliers, the plug could be pulled on your power if you don't work out a way to deal with the debt within 30 days of your missed payment. &nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To make matters worse, disconnection usually comes with a fee that is added to the money you owe. If you're reconnected, you'll need to pay another fee.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can find out more, including some reasons why your bills might be higher than you expected, at our guide to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-energy-bills\u002F\">business energy bills\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"fb73f50b_5b9a_0164_e9c7_9a696a29b806\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What happens to your business energy deal if your workplace is empty?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If your business premises are empty – maybe because you can partially run your business from home - you’ll still be billed by your energy supplier unless you’re on a no-standing charge tariff.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is because energy bills are essentially made up of two charges, one of which you’re billed for regardless of whether you’re using any gas or electricity:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Unit cost\u003C\u002Fstrong> - A charge for the energy your business uses, each unit is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Standing charge\u003C\u002Fstrong> - A charge to cover the cost of transporting energy to your premises and maintaining the national grid. This is charged at a daily rate, regardless of whether you use any gas or electricity.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Although you’ll still be billed if your workplace is empty, the overall cost of your bills should be cheaper, provided you’re no longer using gas and electricity.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If your workplace is lying empty, make sure all equipment that can be is turned off at the mains and switch off any heating or lighting timers.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might also be worth considering switching to a no-standing charge energy tariff but bear in mind that unit costs are usually more expensive on these deals, so you could end up paying more for your energy once you go back to work.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n1af83096_8a82_01ef_9610_9921db430888\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Should you get a business energy deal when working from home?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If one or more in your household \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fblog\u002Fbest-uk-work-from-home-jobs-and-cities\u002F\">works from home\u003C\u002Fa> or runs their business from home, you’ll be using a lot more gas and electricity than you would be if you worked from commercial premises. And all this extra energy used to power laptops, extra screens, lighting and endless cups of tea and coffee will ultimately lead to higher bills.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this case, you might be considering swapping your domestic tariff for a business energy deal. But before you switch, it’s worth looking at the difference between business energy and domestic energy deals.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n1765fb4e_1f20_01a1_0297_ef85df00c188\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What’s the difference between business energy and domestic energy?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Although they come from the same source and often even the same supplier, there are some distinct \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fis-business-energy-different-to-household-energy\u002F\">differences between business energy and domestic energy\u003C\u002Fa>, including:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Different rates and charges\u003C\u002Fstrong> - Both household and domestic energy bills differ depending on things like location and the amount of energy used. Business users also have some additional charges on their bills. For instance, while VAT is set at 5% on household energy bills, it’s 20% for businesses. There are some instances when businesses pay a reduced rate of 5%, you can find out more in our guide to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fvat-for-business-energy\u002F\">VAT and business energy\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;And then there are things like the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fthe-climate-change-levy\u002F\">Climate Change Levy (CCL\u003C\u002Fa>) and Contracts for Difference, that are also added to the bills of certain businesses. To find out more about these charges, check out our guide to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-energy-bills\u002F\">business energy bills\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Long-term fixed rates\u003C\u002Fstrong> - While most domestic deals run for a year, with an option to leave early if you want (often subject to an early exit fee), commercial rates can be locked in for two, three or four years. This means that if prices go up, you could be shielded from rate rises for a number of years. On the flip side, if prices drop, then you’ll be paying more than the current market rate. Although commercial deals have this added security, be aware there's no cooling-off period, so it makes sense to arrange your deal with the Bionic team to ensure your deal meets your exact needs before you sign up.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>A longer switching window\u003C\u002Fstrong> - In theory, you can switch from a fixed-rate domestic deal any time you want. But unless there are 49 days (about 1 and a half months) or fewer until your contract's end date, you'll most likely be charged an early exit fee, which can be anything up to £60 per fuel. Business energy deals, on the other hand, tend to offer a switching window of up to six months, during which time you can compare deals and arrange for the switch to take place as soon as your current one ends.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Fuel flexibility\u003C\u002Fstrong> - Business gas and electricity are sold separately - even if you have the same supplier for both, this won’t come as a dual fuel deal and you’ll have two separate contracts, possibly with two separate renewal dates to remember. If you switch business energy with Bionic, we take care of all renewals, so you do not need to worry about missing your renewal date, and we can arrange to have your gas and electricity deals run concurrently, so they both have the same end date.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>No price cap on business energy \u003C\u002Fstrong>– The energy price cap was introduced in 2019 to try to curb what the government of the time had labelled ‘rip-off’ energy prices. But it only applied to domestic standard variable rate contracts. To help businesses combat rising energy prices, the government introduced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. This is not a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fprice-cap\u002F\">price cap on business energy\u003C\u002Fa>, but instead offers a discount on rates. This means that the cheaper your fixed rates, the cheaper your discounted rates. It also means that, unlike the domestic \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fblog\u002Fnoticed-energy-prices-have-fallen-over-past-few-months\u002F#energy-price-cap\">energy price cap\u003C\u002Fa> (now known as the Energy Price Guarantee), there's less protection for people on out-of-contract rates.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n874921e7_a7f5_017b_0446_799e12fb8faf\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Can you get a business gas and electricity deal when working from home?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>In order to qualify for a business energy tariff, you’ll need to be registered as a business or have a business rates document or other proof that your business exists and be able to prove that a high proportion (usually 50% or more) of your energy use is for business purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although this sounds like a lot, you’ll most likely find that the extra lighting, heating and electricity to run your office equipment accounts for at least this much, but appliances that would be on regardless of your business being there, such as your fridge and freezer.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’re considering a business energy deal at home, you’ll probably find that a micro business energy contract is more suitable, as these work much more like domestic deals, and you can let your supplier you want to switch at any point during your agreement.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To qualify for a micro business energy deal, you’ll also have to meet the Ofgem definition of a microbusiness, which means your company must:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>Use less than 200,000 kWh of gas a year, or&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Use less than 55,000 kWh of electricity a year, or&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Have fewer than ten employees (or their full-time equivalent) and an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total not exceeding € 2 million.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If you think you’d benefit from a business energy deal, give the tech-enabled team at Bionic a call on \u003Cstrong>0800 077 3987\u003C\u002Fstrong>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"cc72b0d1_7a2e_011f_13ac_90e29d4caa35\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>How to save energy at home&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-essentials\u002Fguides\u002Fflexible-working\u002F\">work from home\u003C\u002Fa> or run your business from home, it’s worth considering some ways to cut the amount of gas and electricity you use. Although the current cost of energy means that these tips will barely make a dent in most households’ bills, it’s still worth getting into the habit of being less wasteful when it comes to using energy.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Turn the heating off \u003C\u002Fstrong>- Seeing as the weather is getting warmer, it makes sense to turn the heating off and wear an extra layer or two to keep out any chills. If you must have the heating on, try turning it down a degree or two at least.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Dry clothes outside\u003C\u002Fstrong> - The warmer, drier weather means you can cut your electricity usage by line-drying clothes instead of using the tumble dryer or radiators.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Don’t stay on standby\u003C\u002Fstrong> - Make sure any electrical equipment, including computers, televisions, games consoles and radios, are switched off properly when not in use. Remember, appliances still use energy when left on standby, so switch off at the wall when you can.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Unplug unused chargers\u003C\u002Fstrong> - Phone and laptop chargers still drain electricity when plugged in and switched on, even when there’s no device connected to them. So always switch off at the wall and unplug when not in use.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Switch off lights \u003C\u002Fstrong>- Don’t leave lights on in empty rooms, and make the most of the longer days by working near windows to make the most of the natural light.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Don’t forget the kettle\u003C\u002Fstrong> - All this extra time spent at home means your kettle will be put through its paces, so make sure you don’t reboil your kettle when making a cuppa, and only use as much water as you need.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Keep your house dust-free\u003C\u002Fstrong> - A build-up of dust on lights and the elements at the back of your fridge and freezer means they must work harder, so use the extra time at home to get the duster out and give everything&nbsp;the once over to keep them clean and more energy efficient.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>It’s important to make sure everyone in your home is on board with any energy-saving measures you put in place, and you all work together to keep costs down.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n17b246bb_2081_018c_8969_a698a88eb150\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>How to switch energy suppliers as a micro business&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The simplest way for microbusiness owners to compare and switch energy suppliers is to get in touch with the tech-enabled experts at Bionic.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We only need your business postcode to start our comparison, and a member of our team will talk you through the quotes to make sure you’re fully informed of your options before deciding.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once you’ve chosen the deal you like best, we’ll handle the rest of the switch for you. Our Digital Renewal Service means we can even handle renewals on your behalf, so there’s no need to worry about being rolled onto an evergreen contract.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To find out more, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fabout-bionic\u002Fdigital-renewal-service\u002F\">check out our Digital Renewal Service page\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":1055,"type":14,"value":1440,"linkedItems":1441},[1057],[],{"name":1060,"type":14,"value":1443,"linkedItems":1444},[],[],{"name":1065,"type":1066,"value":1446,"displayTimeZone":1447},"2025-06-06T09:00:00Z","UTC",{"name":1070,"type":1066,"value":1449,"displayTimeZone":1068},"2026-06-16T23:00:00Z",{"name":1073,"type":11,"value":1451},"micro-business-energy\u002F",{"name":1076,"type":7,"value":1453},"How does being a micro business affect your energy contract? | Bionic",{"name":1079,"type":7,"value":1455},"Being a micro business affects the terms of your business energy contract. But what is a micro business? And does being one get you a better energy deal?",{"name":1082,"type":1083,"value":1457},[1458],{"name":1086,"codename":1087},{"name":1089,"type":7,"value":1460},"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fmicro-business-energy\u002F",{"name":1092,"type":14,"value":1462,"linkedItems":1463},[],[],{"name":1096,"type":14,"value":1465,"linkedItems":1466},[1098],[],{"name":1101,"type":14,"value":1468,"linkedItems":1469},[],[],{"name":1105,"type":14,"value":1471,"linkedItems":1472},[],[],{"name":1109,"type":22,"value":1474},[1475],{"name":1476,"description":1271,"type":1244,"size":1477,"url":1273,"width":1275,"height":1274,"renditions":1478},"GettyImages-1298198890.jpg",258359,{},{"name":1116,"type":1083,"value":1480},[1481],{"name":1119,"codename":1120},{"name":1122,"type":1083,"value":1483},[1484],{"name":1086,"codename":1087},{"name":1126,"type":1083,"value":1486},[],{"name":1130,"type":1083,"value":1488},[1489],{"name":1119,"codename":1120},{"codename":915,"collection":81,"id":1491,"language":81,"lastModified":1302,"name":1492,"sitemapLocations":1493,"type":1137,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"f1ef6d03-ca1d-4772-91b0-97cdad411b4b","ENERGY GUIDE - How does being a micro business affect your energy contract?",[],{"elements":1495,"system":1745},{"post__title":1496,"post__summary":1498,"post__content":1500,"post__author":1694,"post__reviewer":1697,"publish_date":1701,"updated_date":1703,"url":1704,"seo__meta_title":1706,"seo__meta_description":1708,"seo__add_no_index_tag":1710,"seo__canonical_url":1713,"related_articles":1715,"categories":1718,"subfolder":1721,"tags":1724,"thumbnail_image":1727,"show_on_index_page":1733,"hide_author":1736,"hide_reviewer":1739,"hide_tags":1742},{"name":147,"type":7,"value":1497},"Why are energy prices so high? Are they still going up?",{"name":923,"type":7,"value":1499},"What is going on with energy prices in the UK? Global conflict is again causing price volatility. Will this affect your business energy bills? Here's all you need to know.",{"images":1501,"linkedItemCodenames":1529,"linkedItems":1546,"links":1692,"name":1052,"type":191,"value":1693},[1502,1508,1514,1518,1524],{"description":1503,"imageId":1504,"url":1505,"height":1506,"width":1507},"An onshire wind farm at dusk overlayed with graphs to illustrate rising and falling energy prices. The caption reads: What's going on with energy prices?","99127ef5-263e-412d-9fc3-3416993b029f","https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F5093227d-a961-4769-a34f-3bba9e7d1257\u002FBionic%20Energy%20Guide%20Images%20%289%29.webp",1080,2048,{"description":1509,"imageId":1510,"url":1511,"height":1512,"width":1513},"Graph showing how electricity prices have changed over the last 12 months","128a0aec-bf3f-4ff6-a24e-f82c4f02404e","https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F866d2087-3bd7-4eb9-8a23-98d7e55b5570\u002Fgbrelepri_com%20%281%29.png",1040,1500,{"description":1515,"imageId":1516,"url":1517,"height":1512,"width":1513},"Graph showing how gas prices have changed over the last 12 months","ccd3d981-c67a-4086-bc0c-a667f87a0bd9","https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002Fbbe506d3-264f-418d-ad24-647d48aa3102\u002Fnguk_com%20%281%29.png",{"description":1519,"imageId":1520,"url":1521,"height":1522,"width":1523},"Ofgem graph showing how gas prices have been very volatile and the price trends since 2021.","dc41587c-f4f4-4f13-bc7a-96dca4fb0ea5","https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F76c785c5-86b8-48b3-98a2-30ffb3774849\u002Fgas-prices-forward-deliv.png",462,600,{"description":1525,"imageId":1526,"url":1527,"height":1528,"width":1523},"Ofgem graph showing how electricity prices have been very volatile and the price trends since 2021.","2af18240-e487-4c3a-aa85-f3d764f7820c","https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F4a4310bb-da30-4dbb-a118-9c91b71986af\u002Felectricity-prices-forwa.png",476,[1530,1531,1532,1533,1534,1535,1536,1537,1538,1539,1540,1541,1542,1543,1544,1545],"ea58e2c5_a9b7_0104_ccee_7916ed62e768","n36ad610e_fa7d_01c2_27e5_5c3773cfaab1","n1b799a60_2951_01ee_0ccb_3b5b83656c6e","n8bf22116_c5a0_0162_8594_a8a860510414","n9b6713dc_1bee_013d_451c_867feec335a3","c987a195_583f_0126_2e70_77b6868071c2","n70d7caae_6141_01f4_ab04_df0c89d604e9","cc2ef75b_728a_0188_765e_d3150cc23d29","fc72463a_4037_0137_6cdb_d19e472ddf0d","n21887c61_3416_01f2_ace2_27407237ad79","n618d8134_2184_017d_98d5_0f6bf13e6ba9","n482eb0d6_ba9b_012e_84fa_45df2a1649d6","dd88eb9b_2e6b_01aa_25bf_4d9205fe3f94","n53560517_3b40_0117_cddf_c8ef36b0cbae","n744117cc_ee52_01ef_74b2_ed39f44f0fc9","n12ce5e01_dd82_01c6_f26b_7d8a40351105",[1547,1557,1566,1575,1584,1593,1602,1611,1620,1629,1638,1647,1656,1665,1674,1683],{"elements":1548,"system":1553},{"text":1549,"anchor_id":1551},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1550},"What are the latest rates?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1552},"what-are-the-latest-rates",{"codename":1530,"collection":81,"id":1554,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1554,"sitemapLocations":1556,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"ea58e2c5-a9b7-0104-ccee-7916ed62e768","2026-07-08T06:18:02.425821Z",[],{"elements":1558,"system":1563},{"text":1559,"anchor_id":1561},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1560},"Why have energy prices been rising?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1562},"why-are-we-seeing-falling-energy-prices",{"codename":1531,"collection":81,"id":1564,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1564,"sitemapLocations":1565,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"36ad610e-fa7d-01c2-27e5-5c3773cfaab1",[],{"elements":1567,"system":1572},{"text":1568,"anchor_id":1570},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1569},"How much are wholesale energy prices right now?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1571},"how-much-are-wholesale-energy-prices-right-now",{"codename":1532,"collection":81,"id":1573,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1573,"sitemapLocations":1574,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"1b799a60-2951-01ee-0ccb-3b5b83656c6e",[],{"elements":1576,"system":1581},{"text":1577,"anchor_id":1579},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1578},"Are energy prices still rising?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1580},"are-energy-prices-still-rising",{"codename":1533,"collection":81,"id":1582,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1582,"sitemapLocations":1583,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"8bf22116-c5a0-0162-8594-a8a860510414",[],{"elements":1585,"system":1590},{"text":1586,"anchor_id":1588},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1587},"What causes energy price volatility?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1589},"what-causes-energy-price-volatility",{"codename":1534,"collection":81,"id":1591,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1591,"sitemapLocations":1592,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"9b6713dc-1bee-013d-451c-867feec335a3",[],{"elements":1594,"system":1599},{"text":1595,"anchor_id":1597},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1596},"Why are energy prices so high?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1598},"why-are-energy-prices-so-high",{"codename":1535,"collection":81,"id":1600,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1600,"sitemapLocations":1601,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"c987a195-583f-0126-2e70-77b6868071c2",[],{"elements":1603,"system":1608},{"text":1604,"anchor_id":1606},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1605},"How do global events impact energy prices in the UK?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1607},"how-global-events-impact-uk-energy-prices",{"codename":1536,"collection":81,"id":1609,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1609,"sitemapLocations":1610,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"70d7caae-6141-01f4-ab04-df0c89d604e9",[],{"elements":1612,"system":1617},{"text":1613,"anchor_id":1615},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1614},"How has the pandemic affected energy prices?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1616},"how-has-the-pandemic-affected-energy-prices",{"codename":1537,"collection":81,"id":1618,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1618,"sitemapLocations":1619,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"cc2ef75b-728a-0188-765e-d3150cc23d29",[],{"elements":1621,"system":1626},{"text":1622,"anchor_id":1624},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1623},"Why are renewable energy prices so high?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1625},"why-are-renewable-energy-prices-so-high",{"codename":1538,"collection":81,"id":1627,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1627,"sitemapLocations":1628,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"fc72463a-4037-0137-6cdb-d19e472ddf0d",[],{"elements":1630,"system":1635},{"text":1631,"anchor_id":1633},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1632},"Will energy prices go down in 2024?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1634},"will-energy-prices-go-down-in-2024",{"codename":1539,"collection":81,"id":1636,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1636,"sitemapLocations":1637,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"21887c61-3416-01f2-ace2-27407237ad79",[],{"elements":1639,"system":1644},{"text":1640,"anchor_id":1642},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1641},"Should you fix your energy prices in 2024?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1643},"should-you-fix-your-energy-prices-in-2024",{"codename":1540,"collection":81,"id":1645,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1645,"sitemapLocations":1646,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"618d8134-2184-017d-98d5-0f6bf13e6ba9",[],{"elements":1648,"system":1653},{"text":1649,"anchor_id":1651},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1650},"What if you can't afford to pay your energy bills?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1652},"what-if-you-cant-afford-to-pay-your-energy-bills",{"codename":1541,"collection":81,"id":1654,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1654,"sitemapLocations":1655,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"482eb0d6-ba9b-012e-84fa-45df2a1649d6",[],{"elements":1657,"system":1662},{"text":1658,"anchor_id":1660},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1659},"Will energy prices ever come down?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1661},"will-the-energy-price-rises-ever-end",{"codename":1542,"collection":81,"id":1663,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1663,"sitemapLocations":1664,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"dd88eb9b-2e6b-01aa-25bf-4d9205fe3f94",[],{"elements":1666,"system":1671},{"text":1667,"anchor_id":1669},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1668},"What can you do to keep your business energy bills low?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1670},"what-can-you-do-to-keep-your-business-energy-bills-low",{"codename":1543,"collection":81,"id":1672,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1672,"sitemapLocations":1673,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"53560517-3b40-0117-cddf-c8ef36b0cbae",[],{"elements":1675,"system":1680},{"text":1676,"anchor_id":1678},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1677},"Can I predict my energy bill?",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1679},"can-i-predict-my-energy-bill",{"codename":1544,"collection":81,"id":1681,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1681,"sitemapLocations":1682,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"744117cc-ee52-01ef-74b2-ed39f44f0fc9",[],{"elements":1684,"system":1689},{"text":1685,"anchor_id":1687},{"name":230,"type":7,"value":1686},"Things to think about when choosing an energy deal",{"name":957,"type":7,"value":1688},"things-to-think-about-when-choosing-an-energy-deal",{"codename":1545,"collection":81,"id":1690,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1690,"sitemapLocations":1691,"type":963,"workflowStep":964,"workflow":964},"12ce5e01-dd82-01c6-f26b-7d8a40351105",[],[],"\u003Cp>\u003Cbr>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>&nbsp;Energy rates remained relatively flat across 2025, and business gas prices dipped slightly as we entered 2026.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But, as we outline below, geopolitical events can be a big driver of prices, so we could be about to see more price volatility as the Middle East continues to be destabilised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cfigure data-asset-id=\"99127ef5-263e-412d-9fc3-3416993b029f\" data-image-id=\"99127ef5-263e-412d-9fc3-3416993b029f\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F5093227d-a961-4769-a34f-3bba9e7d1257\u002FBionic%20Energy%20Guide%20Images%20%289%29.webp\" data-asset-id=\"99127ef5-263e-412d-9fc3-3416993b029f\" data-image-id=\"99127ef5-263e-412d-9fc3-3416993b029f\" alt=\"An onshire wind farm at dusk overlayed with graphs to illustrate rising and falling energy prices. The caption reads: What's going on with energy prices?\">\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp>A drop in the latest \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fprice-cap\u002F\">energy price cap\u003C\u002Fa> review means lower rates for millions of households, but this has no impact on business energy rates. That's why it still pays to switch to a fixed-rate energy contract to make sure you don't roll onto your supplier's out-of-contract rates. These can be as much as 35% than what you'd pay on a fixed contract.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy rates you pay are largely based on wholesale prices in the live market. These prices change frequently, and there's no way to be certain whether they'll go up or down. But the level of the domestic cap can give an idea of where prices are heading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although not directly connected to business energy rates, the cap does suggest that prices are falling. If your business energy deal is coming up for renewal, it's worth comparing prices to see what rates you can lock in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now let's take a closer look at why prices have been so volatile, what current rates look like, whether you should fix your rates, and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Five-point summary\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Col>\n  \u003Cli>After huge spikes in 2022, energy prices levelled off across 2023 and 2024. However, they are still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, and experts predict they may not return to those lower levels for the rest of this decade.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Unlike household energy, business energy prices have never been protected by a price cap. While government support schemes like the Energy Bills Discount Scheme helped from 2022 to 2024, there is now no ongoing support for business rates.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Events like the war in Ukraine, Middle Eastern Conflicts, lower renewable generation, storage shortages, and supply chain disruptions have all contributed to keeping energy costs high. Global gas prices and oil markets still have a big influence on UK energy bills.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Energy suppliers buy energy in advance (hedging) to protect against volatility. This means current bills are often based on previously higher purchase prices. Suppliers also factor in risk, which keeps prices higher even as the wholesale market falls.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>The best way for businesses to protect themselves is to lock in a competitive fixed-rate contract before prices rise further. Energy-saving measures, smart meters, and comparing deals regularly can also help cut costs over time.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"ea58e2c5_a9b7_0104_ccee_7916ed62e768\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What are the latest business gas and electricity rates?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The rates your business is charged for energy will depend on the size and type of your business, the amount of energy you use, and when and how you use it. The location of your business will also affect the rates you pay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Visit our business gas and business electricity pages to learn each supplier's \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fbusiness-gas\u002F\">latest business gas rates\u003C\u002Fa> and each supplier's \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fbusiness-electricity\u002F\">latest business electricity rates\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n36ad610e_fa7d_01c2_27e5_5c3773cfaab1\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Why are energy prices rising?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Energy prices fell steadily across 2023 and into 2024. The energy market has returned to a relatively normal state with none of the volatility we saw in 2022, and prices have stabilised. This was how things worked before Covid and before the price spike, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ofgem.gov.uk\u002Fenergy-data-and-research\u002Fdata-portal\u002Fwholesale-market-indicators\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">as you can see from the graphs on the Ofgem website\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But more price volatility could be on the way. The situation in the Middle East is creating uncertainty in global gas supply routes, which could lead to price rises. This is because UK business energy prices tend to reflect the wholesale price of oil and gas. Tensions in the Middle East have pushed both global gas and oil prices up, which historically drives higher energy prices here in the UK.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There has recently been more energy market volatility following conflict in the Middle East.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The escalation of the conflict has seen&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Fworld\u002F2026\u002Fmar\u002F02\u002Foil-prices-iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-shipping\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">European wholesale gas prices rise by 50%\u003C\u002Fa> and, according to some of our suppliers at Bionic, we could see price rises of 9% on electricity and 20% on gas.&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fis-the-iran-israel-conflict-affecting-energy-prices\u002F\">You can find out more in this guide\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Why did energy prices increase so much in 2022?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Wholesale energy prices rose by more than 500% year-on-year between August 2021 and August 2022. A relatively mild winter across the UK and much of Europe, coupled with the energy-saving efforts of homes and businesses worried by the prospect of unaffordable energy bills, helped to cut demand and caused a drop in prices across 2023.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy market was also hit by the shocks of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the closure of Nord Stream 1, and other infrastructure issues. These events had a huge impact on prices, but this was lessened when European countries cut their reliance on Russian gas by filling storage facilities with liquified natural gas from across the globe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prices continued to fall across 2023 but have been steadily increasing across 2024. And even though prices have fallen, they're still around 50% higher than at the start of 2021. Wholesale prices are still higher than pre-pandemic levels, and the experts at Cornwall Insight, energy market intelligence analysts, have suggested that prices might not return to pre-pandemic levels this decade.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although wholesale prices have fallen, energy is still very expensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex Staker, Head of Commercial Operations at Bionic, explains why these price drops aren't always passed on to customers: \"It's to do with the way energy is bought and sold and the risk associated with this process. To be able to offer fixed rates, energy suppliers need to buy power in advance of selling it to customers. This means the rates at which they have bought wholesale energy to sell today might differ from the current wholesale rates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Suppliers also need to factor risk into their price calculations, in much the same way as finance providers factor risk into the prices they charge for credit.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Energy suppliers are continuously buying energy to make sure there's enough to cover demand. If demand exceeds supply, then they need to buy more at current market prices to cover the shortfall. But if supply exceeds demand, then suppliers need to sell the excess energy back to the grid - if the day-ahead price is lower than the price they bought the energy for, then they'll lose money.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When the market is so volatile, the risk to suppliers is greater and so prices go up. And this is also part of the reason why it can take time and a consistent run of lower rates for any price drops to be passed on to customers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n1b799a60_2951_01ee_0ccb_3b5b83656c6e\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>How much are wholesale energy prices right now?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The latest \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftradingeconomics.com\u002Fcommodities\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trading Economics\u003C\u002Fa> figures show the current cost of UK natural gas futures for the next month&nbsp;forward delivery contract rates (which are the wholesale prices that suppliers typically pay for the energy they supply to customers on fixed rate contracts) for gas and electricity are:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>Wholesale gas costs around 116p per therm* (around 29 kWh)&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Wholesale electricity costs around £98 per MWh* (1,000 kWh)&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>\u003Csub>Prices correct as of 7 am on July 8, 2026.\u003C\u002Fsub>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n8bf22116_c5a0_0162_8594_a8a860510414\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Are energy prices still rising?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Energy prices fell in early 2025 following a period of relative stability and slight increases. Prices fell as we entered 2026, but we've entered \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fis-the-iran-israel-conflict-affecting-energy-prices\u002F\">another period of volatility due to the conflict in Iran\u003C\u002Fa>. This has caused price spikes for both gas and electricity, as the graphs below show.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cfigure data-asset-id=\"128a0aec-bf3f-4ff6-a24e-f82c4f02404e\" data-image-id=\"128a0aec-bf3f-4ff6-a24e-f82c4f02404e\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F866d2087-3bd7-4eb9-8a23-98d7e55b5570\u002Fgbrelepri_com%20%281%29.png\" data-asset-id=\"128a0aec-bf3f-4ff6-a24e-f82c4f02404e\" data-image-id=\"128a0aec-bf3f-4ff6-a24e-f82c4f02404e\" alt=\"Graph showing how electricity prices have changed over the last 12 months\">\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp>Source - \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftradingeconomics.com\u002Funited-kingdom\u002Felectricity-price\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trading Economics\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cfigure data-asset-id=\"ccd3d981-c67a-4086-bc0c-a667f87a0bd9\" data-image-id=\"ccd3d981-c67a-4086-bc0c-a667f87a0bd9\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002Fbbe506d3-264f-418d-ad24-647d48aa3102\u002Fnguk_com%20%281%29.png\" data-asset-id=\"ccd3d981-c67a-4086-bc0c-a667f87a0bd9\" data-image-id=\"ccd3d981-c67a-4086-bc0c-a667f87a0bd9\" alt=\"Graph showing how gas prices have changed over the last 12 months\">\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp>Source - \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftradingeconomics.com\u002Fcommodity\u002Fuk-natural-gas\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trading Economics\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To get an idea of the changes in wholesale prices from 2021 to 2026, check out the graphs below:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cfigure data-asset-id=\"dc41587c-f4f4-4f13-bc7a-96dca4fb0ea5\" data-image-id=\"dc41587c-f4f4-4f13-bc7a-96dca4fb0ea5\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F76c785c5-86b8-48b3-98a2-30ffb3774849\u002Fgas-prices-forward-deliv.png\" data-asset-id=\"dc41587c-f4f4-4f13-bc7a-96dca4fb0ea5\" data-image-id=\"dc41587c-f4f4-4f13-bc7a-96dca4fb0ea5\" alt=\"Ofgem graph showing how gas prices have been very volatile and the price trends since 2021.\">\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cfigure data-asset-id=\"2af18240-e487-4c3a-aa85-f3d764f7820c\" data-image-id=\"2af18240-e487-4c3a-aa85-f3d764f7820c\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F4a4310bb-da30-4dbb-a118-9c91b71986af\u002Felectricity-prices-forwa.png\" data-asset-id=\"2af18240-e487-4c3a-aa85-f3d764f7820c\" data-image-id=\"2af18240-e487-4c3a-aa85-f3d764f7820c\" alt=\"Ofgem graph showing how electricity prices have been very volatile and the price trends since 2021.\">\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Cp>Source -&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ofgem.gov.uk\u002Fenergy-data-and-research\u002Fdata-portal\u002Fwholesale-market-indicators\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ofgem \u003C\u002Fa>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ofgem.gov.uk\u002Fnews-and-insight\u002Fdata\u002Fdata-portal\u002Fwholesale-market-indicators\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">and ICIS\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what was behind this unprecedented price volatility?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n9b6713dc_1bee_013d_451c_867feec335a3\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What causes energy price volatility?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Supply and demand are also major factors in price volatility.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When energy is in short supply, prices tend to go up, but will usually drop again when supply levels are greater. And it's the same with demand - prices go up when demand is high, but usually fall again when demand is lower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Price volatility has been a big issue since 2020, as normal supply and demand issues have been coupled with a series of global events that pushed up prices further. The role of the pandemic in causing huge global supply and demand shocks can't be underestimated. Neither can the impact of the war in Ukraine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Price volatility is always a concern for energy suppliers, which is why they typically trade on futures markets to help increase certainty about supply and prices for consumers. This means suppliers can\u003Cstrong>&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fstrong>buy or sell a set amount of gas or electricity at a specific price, for settlement on a specific date in the future.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When prices are so volatile that suppliers find it more difficult to trade, they may have to provide extra collateral to cover the risk of supply shortages. This caused some suppliers to pull out of providing prices when rates spiked in 2022. With no commercial cap in place, some suppliers increased out-of-contract gas rates by an average of 180%, and out-of-contract electricity rates by an average of 130% during this period.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here’s why these wholesale rates affect the price we all pay for gas and electricity:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>Suppliers buy energy from the wholesale market and then sell it to domestic and business energy customers&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>When wholesale prices go up, energy suppliers increase their rates to cover the extra costs, and we’re all hit with higher energy bills\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Switching to a fixed-rate deal will protect you against any mid-contract price rises, but you’ll probably find your rates will rise at the next renewal.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"c987a195_583f_0126_2e70_77b6868071c2\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Why are energy prices so high?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Supply and demand issues push up wholesale energy prices (that's the amount your provider pays energy generators for the gas and electricity they supply to your business). And rising wholesale costs are often the biggest factor in rising energy prices. Here are some reasons why UK energy prices shot up and remain the highest in Europe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Lower renewable energy generation\u003C\u002Fstrong>&nbsp;- Low winds, coupled with outages at some nuclear power stations, mean that a higher percentage of our electricity generation is using gas during its production.&nbsp;If you're on a green energy deal that provides 100% renewable electricity, you'll still see your rates increase. This is because the way the UK energy system works means that the price of renewable energy is tied to the price of gas - if gas prices go up, so do renewable energy prices.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Low gas reserves\u003C\u002Fstrong>&nbsp;- The UK has some of the lowest gas reserves in Europe, which means there’s almost no way of&nbsp;stockpiling gas to use it when needed. Capacity is equivalent to roughly 2% of the UK’s annual demand, compared with&nbsp;25% for other European countries and as much as 37% in Europe’s four largest storage holders.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>&nbsp;\u003Cstrong>Insufficient government support\u003C\u002Fstrong>&nbsp;- Although the government's £15 billion support package will see households credited with £400 over six months from October, this won't have as big an impact as measures taken in other European countries. France, for instance, has capped electricity price increases to 4% until the end of the year.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Issues with the energy market\u003C\u002Fstrong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fwhat-if-your-business-energy-supplier-goes-bust\u002F\">34 UK energy suppliers have gone bust since 2021\u003C\u002Fa>. This is largely down to many of them having a business model that couldn't cope with an increase in wholesale prices. And when suppliers go bust, consumers help to absorb the cost through higher bills.&nbsp;For instance, when Bulb ceased trading, it was such a big supplier - providing power to around 1.5 million homes and businesses - that the government placed it into 'special administration' instead of going through the 'supplier of last resort' process. Initial estimates suggested this process would cost £2.2 billion over two years, but figures from the Office for Budget Responsibility&nbsp;(OBR) show that an extra £4.6bn has been spent on handling the company, which will bring the total to £6.5 billion. This could add as much as £200 on to annual household energy bills.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>UK energy prices are also affected by global events.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n70d7caae_6141_01f4_ab04_df0c89d604e9\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>How do global events impact energy prices in the UK?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The UK doesn’t operate in a bubble when it comes to energy. Global events — from political tensions to extreme weather — can quickly ripple through to your gas and electricity bills. Here’s how it happens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Global gas prices\u003C\u002Fstrong> - The UK imports a lot of gas, especially liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US, Qatar, and Norway. When global supply gets disrupted — by wars, sanctions, or bad weather — the price of gas soars.\u003Cbr>\nBecause gas powers a big chunk of our electricity, higher gas prices often mean higher energy bills. For example, the Russia-Ukraine conflict cut Europe’s gas supply and sent UK prices soaring, even though Britain wasn’t a major buyer of Russian gas.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Oil prices push up costs - \u003C\u002Fstrong>Oil plays a smaller role in UK energy generation, but it still matters. When oil prices rise — for example, due to OPEC production cuts or tensions in the Middle East — transport and supply chain costs climb too. In some cases, gas prices are linked to oil, meaning costs can rise together.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Extreme weather disruptions\u003C\u002Fstrong> - Storms, droughts, and freezing winters can damage energy infrastructure or boost demand overnight. A cold snap across Europe - like the Beast from the East in 2018, for example - can drain gas supplies and force prices up across the UK.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Supply Chain Setbacks\u003C\u002Fstrong> - Pandemics, shipping delays, and global crises can hold up new energy projects, like offshore wind farms or gas terminals.\u003Cbr>\nWhen there’s less supply on the market, prices stay higher for longer.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Currency Fluctuations\u003C\u002Fstrong> - Energy is priced globally in US dollars. So if the pound (£) falls in value, it costs more to import gas and oil. Those higher costs can trickle down into your bills.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Market Volatility and Speculation\u003C\u002Fstrong> - Global traders react quickly to headlines, not just facts. Speculation about shortages or political risks can spike energy prices before anything even happens. This volatility filters through to the UK’s wholesale market, driving supplier costs higher.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Life after lockdown\u003C\u002Fstrong>&nbsp;- An increase in demand as lockdown restrictions eased across the globe. There's more on that in the section below, titled:&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fblog\u002Fnoticed-energy-prices-have-fallen-over-past-few-months\u002F#how-the-pandemic-affected-energy-prices\">How did the pandemic affect energy prices?\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"cc2ef75b_728a_0188_765e_d3150cc23d29\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>How did the pandemic affect energy prices?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Let's quickly go back to the first lockdown of early 2020, when a drop in demand saw&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.telegraph.co.uk\u002Fmoney\u002Fconsumer-affairs\u002Fenergy-prices-all-time-lows-savings-arent-passed-consumers\u002F\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">energy prices drop to their lowest ever levels\u003C\u002Fa>. Although wholesale prices had been dropping since hitting a high of £67.69 per Megawatt-hour (MWh) in September 2018, things bottomed out at just over £24 per MWh in April and May 2020, at the height of the first lockdown.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prices steadily increased late 2021, when we saw some massive spikes. An increase in demand&nbsp;was a big driver of the price hikes. &nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A greater need for energy since the crash of spring 2020 saw gas prices increase more than fivefold and return to pre-pandemic levels. &nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the wholesale electricity market, there has been a reduction in available power supplies compared to last year. When combined with higher gas prices, this has led to an increase in the wholesale price of electricity.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An increase in network and policy costs also pushed prices up.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Higher electricity distribution and transmission costs have driven a rise in network costs, as has an increase in policy costs, such as the Renewable Obligation (RO). For reference, the RO is a levy placed on all licensed electricity suppliers to encourage them to source a proportion of the electricity they supply from renewable energy sources.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pandemic also saw more&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-energy-suppliers\u002F\">energy suppliers\u003C\u002Fa>&nbsp;hit by 'bad debt' and many lost money because customers simply couldn't afford to pay their energy bills.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"fc72463a_4037_0137_6cdb_d19e472ddf0d\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Why are renewable energy prices so high?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you're on a green deal that offers 100% renewable energy, you might be wondering why your prices are shooting up even though no gas is used to generate it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's all because of the way the UK's energy system works. Although&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fassets.publishing.service.gov.uk\u002Fmedia\u002F677bbe318ef66f3f5ea396d7\u002FEnergy_Trends_December_2024.pdf\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">renewable energy accounted for more than half (50.5%) of the UK's total energy generation between July and September of last year\u003C\u002Fa>, we still rely on gas-powered plants to generate some of our electricity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that's where the pricing issues come from. Energy prices are set using a system called 'marginal cost pricing'. In short, this means that the most expensive type of energy is used to set the price for all types of energy, including renewables.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if you're on a plan that delivers 100% renewable energy, the price of your electricity is set not upon the cost of wind or solar generation, but on the cost of the last source used to meet demand. As gas-powered stations are used to top up electricity demand in the UK, so the cost of gas-powered electricity is used to set the price of all electricity.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, when gas prices spike, you can bet that electricity prices won't be far behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Renewable and nuclear power have been moved off marginal pricing and onto Contracts for Difference. This means the cost of renewable and nuclear-generated energy is no longer tied to gas prices. Instead, generators will get a fixed, pre-agreed price for the low-carbon electricity they produce during the time the contract is running.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This decoupling of costly global fossil fuel prices from electricity produced by cheaper renewables should help ensure consumers benefit from lower prices when switching to lower-cost, clean energy sources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can find out more in our guide to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fhow-is-energy-bought-and-sold-and-how-does-it-affect-prices\u002F\">how energy is bought and sold in the UK\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n21887c61_3416_01f2_ace2_27407237ad79\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Will energy prices go down in 2026?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Energy prices were expected to fall in 2026, but Israel's war on Iran has created instability in the Middle East, which has led to supply concerns and increased market volatility. This continues to change on a daily basis and could continue to impact the UK energy market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But prices are still expected to be high for many businesses, as higher \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fnon-commodity-costs-energy-triad-period\u002F\">non-commodity costs\u003C\u002Fa> will make up nearly 60% of a typical \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fbusiness-electricity\u002F\">business electricity\u003C\u002Fa> bill, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cornwall-insight.com\u002Fthought-leadership\u002Fblog\u002Fenergy-market-predictions-for-2026-the-trends-that-will-reshape-the-gb-power-system\u002F\" data-new-window=\"true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">according to reports from Cornwall Insight\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there's now the added complication of destabilisation in the Middle East.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n618d8134_2184_017d_98d5_0f6bf13e6ba9\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Should you fix your energy prices in 2026?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Fixing your energy rates is the only way to take control of your costs in an unstable market and protect against future price rises. Although we can't predict what energy prices will do in 2026, the market has been relatively stable, but tensions in the Middle East have pushed both global gas and oil prices up, which historically drives higher energy prices here in the UK.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now could be a good time to lock in rates, not least because of the geopolitical situations that could lead to more volatility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you're unsure what to do, start a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002F\">business energy price comparison\u003C\u002Fa> by clicking the button on the right to see how current rates compare to your renewal offer. We only need your postcode to run a price comparison of rates from our panel of trusted UK suppliers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n482eb0d6_ba9b_012e_84fa_45df2a1649d6\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What if you can't afford to pay your energy bills?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you can't afford your business energy bills, you must speak to your supplier as soon as possible to sort out a repayment plan. If you don't work something out with your supplier within 30 days of your missed payment, they can start action to disconnect your energy supply.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For more information, check out our guide to&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-energy-bills\u002F#can-not-afford-business-energy-bills\">business energy bills\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"dd88eb9b_2e6b_01aa_25bf_4d9205fe3f94\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Will energy prices ever come down?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Although prices fell dramatically after the spike in 2022 and were expected to fall in 2026 (the Middle Eastern conflict has made this less likely), they're still much higher than pre-pandemic levels. It looks unlikely that they'll ever return to those levels, and fixing your rates remains the best way to protect against price volatility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n53560517_3b40_0117_cddf_c8ef36b0cbae\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>What can you do to keep your business energy bills low?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The only way business owners can currently shield themselves from out-of-contract rates and any potential future price rises is to lock in existing rates as soon as possible. &nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To get a quote tailored to meet the needs of your business, pop your postcode in the box on our&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002F\">business energy page\u003C\u002Fa>, and we'll call you back to talk you through your options.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you want to help cut your&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-energy-bills\u002F\">business energy bills\u003C\u002Fa>, it also helps to think about how and when you’re using gas and electricity. So, consider the following:&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>Assess&nbsp;when&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;heating your&nbsp;premises&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Switch appliances off&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Pay attention to the&nbsp;weather&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Install a&nbsp;smart&nbsp;meter&nbsp;to&nbsp;save&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Be mindful of water costs&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Turn off lights when not in use or fit light&nbsp;sensors&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Encourage all staff to be energy-aware&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Draught-proof&nbsp;your building&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Go paperless as much as you can&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Request an energy&nbsp;audit&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>For more detailed information, check out our blog on&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fblog\u002Fquick-energy-saving-tips-for-smes\u002F\">how to save business energy\u003C\u002Fa>&nbsp;(and money).&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But you also need to be realistic. Even if you put in place all of the energy-saving measures possible and cut your usage right down, there’s still a minimum amount of energy you need to use to keep your business running, so you might still feel it on your balance sheet if your energy rates rise.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n744117cc_ee52_01ef_74b2_ed39f44f0fc9\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Can I predict my energy bill?&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>You might think that, in theory, you could predict your energy bill before you receive it.&nbsp; But it’s more complicated than just figuring out how much energy you have used because taxes and levies are also added into costs.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To find out more about how to read your business energy bill and calculate costs accurately read our guide to understanding&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fbusiness-energy-bills\u002F\">business energy bills\u003C\u002Fa>.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cobject type=\"application\u002Fkenticocloud\" data-type=\"item\" data-rel=\"component\" data-codename=\"n12ce5e01_dd82_01c6_f26b_7d8a40351105\">\u003C\u002Fobject>\n\u003Ch2>Things to think about when choosing an energy deal\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Not all&nbsp;business energy tariffs&nbsp;are the same - if you choose the wrong one, your business will pay too much for gas and electricity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And because signing up to a&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002F\">business energy\u003C\u002Fa>&nbsp;deal means you're locked in for the duration of the contract, you could be paying too much for anything up to five years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This might leave you wondering whether it's worth bothering at all - here's why it definitely is worth&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fbusiness-gas\u002F\">comparing business gas\u003C\u002Fa>&nbsp;and&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fbusiness-electricity\u002F\">business electricity\u003C\u002Fa>&nbsp;deals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’ve never switched business energy suppliers, your current provider will have you placed on an expensive ‘out of contract rates’ deal, which can cost up to twice as much as contracted rates (even more in the current market).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When switching, you'll need to bear in mind that the rates you're offered will depend on things like the amount of energy you use, the location of your business premises, and whether or not your business is in good financial shape - a poor credit score could see you paying higher rates, as your business is seen as a higher risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's also worth knowing that business energy suppliers don’t offer dual fuel deals, so even if you agree to a gas and electricity deal with the same supplier, these will still be two separate energy contracts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>How to switch business energy suppliers\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The quickest and simplest way to find the best business energy deals is to speak to the tech-enabled human experts at Bionic.&nbsp;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just give us your business name and postcode, and we'll use smart data and our own expertise to find the best business gas and business electricity tariffs for your business in a matter of minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To get started, pop your business postcode in the box at&nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002F\">Bionic.co.uk\u003C\u002Fa>, or give us a call on 0800 086 1326.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our business energy experts will then search for the best deals from our panel of trusted and quality UK energy suppliers, and then help you choose the right energy tariff over a short call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You just need to decide which deals you like best, and we’ll take care of the rest. And there's no need to worry about renewals either, as we can find you the best deals year after year.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":1055,"type":14,"value":1695,"linkedItems":1696},[1057],[],{"name":1060,"type":14,"value":1698,"linkedItems":1700},[1699],"author___alex_staker",[],{"name":1065,"type":1066,"value":1702,"displayTimeZone":1068},"2025-07-09T15:00:00Z",{"name":1070,"type":1066,"value":1217,"displayTimeZone":1068},{"name":1073,"type":11,"value":1705},"whats-going-on-with-energy-prices\u002F",{"name":1076,"type":7,"value":1707},"Why Are Energy Prices So High? Are They Going Up? | Bionic",{"name":1079,"type":7,"value":1709},"💡 We look at why energy prices have been increasing and ask will they ever come back down? Will a price cap rise affect businesses? And what can you do to save money? 🦾",{"name":1082,"type":1083,"value":1711},[1712],{"name":1086,"codename":1087},{"name":1089,"type":7,"value":1714},"https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002Fguides\u002Fwhats-going-on-with-energy-prices\u002F",{"name":1092,"type":14,"value":1716,"linkedItems":1717},[],[],{"name":1096,"type":14,"value":1719,"linkedItems":1720},[1098],[],{"name":1101,"type":14,"value":1722,"linkedItems":1723},[],[],{"name":1105,"type":14,"value":1725,"linkedItems":1726},[],[],{"name":1109,"type":22,"value":1728},[1729],{"name":1730,"description":1503,"type":64,"size":1731,"url":1505,"width":1507,"height":1506,"renditions":1732},"Bionic Energy Guide Images (9).webp",296084,{},{"name":1116,"type":1083,"value":1734},[1735],{"name":1119,"codename":1120},{"name":1122,"type":1083,"value":1737},[1738],{"name":1086,"codename":1087},{"name":1126,"type":1083,"value":1740},[1741],{"name":1086,"codename":1087},{"name":1130,"type":1083,"value":1743},[1744],{"name":1119,"codename":1120},{"codename":916,"collection":81,"id":1746,"language":81,"lastModified":1555,"name":1747,"sitemapLocations":1748,"type":1137,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"45d905a3-5e19-4cd4-ad19-bc3fc5c443f9","ENERGY GUIDE - Why are energy prices so high?",[],{"codename":140,"collection":81,"id":1750,"language":81,"lastModified":1751,"name":1752,"sitemapLocations":1753,"type":1754,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"44f38524-549d-4549-950e-c088465c5ff8","2025-02-26T15:30:05.4919857Z","Content Block - Guides - Energy",[],"content_block___guides",{"elements":1756,"system":1780},{"title_left":1757,"text_left":1759,"cta_button_text":1765,"cta_link_url":1767,"image_right":1769},{"name":184,"type":7,"value":1758},"Not your usual boring business content!",{"images":1760,"linkedItemCodenames":1761,"linkedItems":1762,"links":1763,"name":163,"type":191,"value":1764},[],[],[],[],"\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Sign-up to The Backbone\u003C\u002Fstrong>, our free fortnightly newsletter for anyone who owns, runs, or works in one of the millions of businesses across the UK. Get the inside track from real business owners just like you\u003C\u002Fp>",{"name":48,"type":7,"value":1766},"Yes, sign me up",{"name":51,"type":7,"value":1768},"https:\u002F\u002Fbackbone.bionic.co.uk\u002Fsign-up",{"name":1770,"type":22,"value":1771},"Image Right",[1772],{"name":1773,"description":1774,"type":27,"size":1775,"url":1776,"width":1777,"height":1778,"renditions":1779},"backbone-image.png","Backbone cover photo",144987,"https:\u002F\u002Fassets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443\u002F77bbf83a-1306-0152-fea5-3b5eaf937634\u002F3212614b-64af-47bf-8de8-bb4b18ed29cb\u002Fbackbone-image.png",452,403,{},{"codename":141,"collection":81,"id":1781,"language":81,"lastModified":1782,"name":1783,"sitemapLocations":1784,"type":1785,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"31d6b6b9-30ef-4f5a-bde5-ec18f1823f86","2024-11-19T13:47:59.5857742Z","Content Block - Image with CTA - Ins Backbone",[],"content_block___image_with_cta",{"elements":1787,"system":1788},{},{"codename":142,"collection":81,"id":1789,"language":81,"lastModified":1790,"name":1791,"sitemapLocations":1792,"type":142,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"27c81dfe-7041-4ad0-913b-6f7b41ef4a2b","2024-11-12T12:29:58.1483257Z","Content Block - Social",[],{"name":1794,"type":7,"value":1795},"Meta Title","Compare Business Energy Prices July 2026 ⚡🔥 Switch and Save Now",{"name":1797,"type":7,"value":1798},"Meta Description","Compare business energy prices for July 2026 from our panel of suppliers. Beat price volatility - start a business energy comparison online and switch today.",{"name":1800,"type":7,"value":1801},"Meta Canonical","https:\u002F\u002Fbionic.co.uk\u002Fbusiness-energy\u002F",{"name":1803,"type":1083,"value":1804},"Meta Robots",[1805],{"name":1806,"codename":1806},"index",{"name":1808,"type":1083,"value":1809},"Meta Aggregate Schema",[],{"codename":1811,"collection":81,"id":1812,"language":81,"lastModified":1813,"name":1814,"sitemapLocations":1815,"type":1816,"workflowStep":87,"workflow":81},"seo_business_energy","d1af2bf5-9605-4d8d-9f9f-a997e0e9faf1","2026-07-08T06:03:09.165208Z","SEO Business Energy",[],"seo_product_page",1784910353852]