Need to lower your business energy bills?

1. Ending Your Current Contract

• Compare and switch online: Finding the right business energy tariff is easy with online comparison tools.
• Separate gas and electricity: Remember that you'll need to switch gas and electricity separately.
• Sync your contract end dates: Switching both fuels at the same time and choosing the same contract length can save you time and hassle in the future.
• Avoid rollover contracts: If you don't actively switch before your contract ends, you might be moved to a more expensive out-of-contract rate.

2. Finding Your Meter Information * locate your MPAN and MPRN: To compare quotes accurately, have your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity and Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas handy. You can find these on a recent energy bill.

1. Business energy costs have declined in 2023, but they're still higher than normal. The conflict in Ukraine continues to be a major factor. Here's how:

   • Europe's reliance on Russian gas: Over the past two decades, Europe has become heavily dependent on affordable natural gas from Russia.
   • Economic sanctions: Sanctions imposed due to the conflict have limited gas supplies to Europe.
   • Increased reliance on expensive imports: Europe now relies on more costly Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports from places like the Middle East and America, driving up wholesale gas prices.
   • Gas for electricity production: The UK's National Grid uses imported natural gas to generate electricity. Higher gas prices directly increase electricity costs.

   The slight decrease in business energy costs in the first half of 2023 is attributed to a mild winter, increased energy efficiency measures, and a rise in renewable electricity production in Europe.

1. Unlike residential energy, business gas and electricity are not bundled together in dual fuel tariffs. You'll need separate contracts for each. We recommend choosing the same contract length for both to simplify management.

1. Unlike residential energy, business gas and electricity are not bundled together in dual fuel tariffs. You'll need separate contracts for each. We recommend choosing the same contract length for both to simplify management.

1. Yes! Charities and non-profits can get a 5% discount on their energy bills. You might also qualify for a discount by paying through Direct Debit.

1. No, you won't lose your gas and electricity supply when switching providers. It's a simple process that doesn't involve any physical changes to your connection. You'll continue to receive energy as usual, just from a different company.

1. Yes, you can! With a multi-site meter, you can combine your business energy expenses into a single invoice and manage the energy bills for multiple buildings under one contract. This simplifies administration and can lead to cost savings.

1. The Climate Change Levy is a green tax on business energy use in the UK. It aims to encourage energy efficiency. Businesses can participate in the Climate Change Agreement scheme to potentially benefit from lower rates.

1. Business energy contracts differ from residential ones in a few key ways:

   • Higher exit fees: Ending a business energy contract early usually involves larger penalties.
   • More complex agreements: Business energy contracts are often more detailed and less flexible due to higher consumption levels.

   Switching domestic energy suppliers is typically easier because households use less energy, and contracts often become more flexible after a fixed-rate period ends.

1. No, dual fuel tariffs (combining gas and electricity in one deal) are only for residential customers. Businesses need to manage their gas and electricity contracts separately.

   However, you can choose the same supplier for both fuels, and this might give you some bargaining power to negotiate a better overall deal.

1. They handle a wide range of complaints, including:

   • Billing issues
   • Problems with energy meters
   • Switching problems
   • Customer service complaints

1. If you have a complaint, first try to resolve it directly with your energy company. If you're unhappy with the outcome after eight weeks or receive a deadlock letter, you can escalate the complaint to the Energy Supply Ombudsman.

   The Ombudsman will investigate and make a decision based on the evidence. If you accept their decision, it's binding on the energy company. This could result in an apology, corrective action, or financial compensation.