Business Energy Suppliers

British Gas was founded in 1812 as originally the Gas Light and Coke Company. It was recognised as the first Public Utility Company of its kind. Today British Gas is owned by its parent company Centrica and it supplies energy to more than 11 million homes and businesses.
As the largest UK provider of retail energy, British Gas can support a range of businesses from SMEs to large corporates consuming gigawatts of energy. Contracts conditions and features

• Contracts are available for 1, 2 or 3 years.
• Prices are fixed for the agreed 1, 2, or 3 year period.
• Contract prices include Feed-In-Tariff, Renewable Obligation and Contract for Difference charges.
• Smart Meters are often installed free of charge which provides accurate billing and energy monitoring.
• Existing smart meter functionality is supported.
• British Gas has tariffs with no standing charges, but minimum usage is required to qualify.
• Range of payment methods accepted including direct debit, cash and cheque. Direct debit is monthly and variable if there is a smart meter for the premises.
• Renewal notice posted 60 days prior to contract ending.
• Termination notice required at least 30 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in a 28 day rolling contract. Prices are substantially higher than contract prices.
• Contract terminated but failed to switch to an alternative supplier will result in deemed prices which are higher in cost than a 28 day rolling contract.
• The actual contract end date features on the invoice, but the termination notice does not.
• Termination notices can be emailed or sent by recorded post. Termination notices posted by standard post or phone will not be accepted.
• All businesses types are accepted for application though credit conditions must be met.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• British Gas provides new connections where required.
• IGT meters not supported for SME’s.
• Aggregated meters are supported.
• Related meters are supported.

Contract Natural Gas (CNG) was formed in 1994 just after the deregulation of the energy markets. The specialist gas supplier is a real alternative to the ‘Big Six’, where focus is on delivering good customer service.

• At this point in time, CNG only provide gas to UK businesses.
• Business gas contracts available to SMEs are for the periods of 1, 2, 3 and 4 year lengths.
• Smart metering is available to businesses that have a usage above 293,000kwh of gas.
• Contract tariffs have no standing charge as long as the site consumes gas.
• Range of payments accepted including cash and cheque.
• Billing cycle is every 30 days with the bill posted on the 10the and the account debited on the 20th of the month.
• Direct debits are variable.
• Termination notices are required at least 30 days prior to the contract end date for micro businesses and 90 days for non-micro businesses.
• Renewal notices are sent 60 days prior to the contract end date for micro-businesses, and 120 days for non-microbusinesses.
• Failure to terminate the contract will result in an auto roll-over contract for a further year.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out-of-contract rates which are substantially higher.
• Termination notice should be emailed or sent by recorded posted.
• Termination notice features on invoice as does the contract end date.
• IGT meters are supported but bespoke rates are required.
• Aggregated meters are supported by CNG.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for reduce rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Contract end date does feature on invoices as does the termination notice.

Corona Energy was formed in 1995 initially focused on providing gas to UK businesses. Today they deliver to 11% of the Industrial & Commercial Gas market across 8000 businesses. Recently, the company took the decision to become a dual fuel supplier and now provides quotes for electricity supply too.

• Corona Energy provides both Gas and Electricity to UK businesses.
• Contracts lengths are 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years for fixed contracts where additional charges are passed-on.
• Fully fixed contracts are available from 1-3 years.
• Contract prices include a Feed-In-Tariff charge and Renewable Obligation charge only on the “Fully fixed” contracts.
• Smart metering is available on electricity meters and existing Smart meters on the premises are supported.
• Current electricity contracts come with a low standing charge.
• Cash and cheque payment terms are available but maybe subject to tighter credit conditions.
• All business types are accepted subject to passing the credit check.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for a reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Billing cycle is monthly and variable with DD collection 10 days after the invoice date.
• Renewal notices are posted 60 days prior to the contract ending.
• Termination notices are required at least 30 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in an auto roll-over of contract for a further year.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in you getting out-of-contract rates which are substantially higher.
• Termination notice should be emailed or sent by recorded posted.
• Contract end date does feature on invoices as does the termination notice.
• Aggregated and related meters are supported by Corona Energy.

Dual Energy was established in 2009 and is a UK owned independent electricity provider servicing all UK businesses. Dual Energy is at the forefront of Smart Meter billing as it installs smart meters on all business premises it supplies.

• Despite the name, Dual Energy only provides UK businesses with electricity services.
• Contract terms are 2 and 3 years with a price review at the end of each year.
• The price review includes a price matching clause which upon review, Dual Energy has first refusal to meet any competing prices. If prices are met then the contract is continued for another year until either the 2 year term or 3 year term has been completed. Failure to match prices during the price review will allow the business to switch to an alternative supplier.
• Contract prices include Feed-In-Tariff and Renewable Obligation charges.
• Smart meters are installed for all new customers and existing smart meters are supported.
• Direct debit is the only option for this supplier with monthly variable and fixed as the 2 options, although monthly variable is the most common option given the smart meter feature.
• Billing cycle is monthly with invoices emailed on the 5th and DD taken 14 days after.
• Dual Energy does not accept applications from managed properties, pubs, clubs, hotels and takeaways.
• All businesses must meet the credit criteria before acceptance and some businesses may be required to pay a security deposit.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for the reduce rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Renewal notice should be emailed/posted 60 days prior to the contract ending.
• Termination notices must be given at least 30 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out-of-contract rates which are substantially higher.
• Failure to terminate will result in a lapsed contract where out-of-contract rates are imposed.
• Termination notice should be emailed or sent by recorded posted.
• Related meters are supported by Dual Energy.
• The contract end date does feature on the invoice as does the termination notice.

Dong Energy has been in the UK market since 2004. In 2012 it entered the retail gas market with purchase of Shell gas direct for £30 million. Dong Energy can also supply electricity but only when the AQ is above 5 gigawatts per meter.

• Fixed contract terms are available for 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months.
• No standing charge tariffs are available but only to businesses that consume more than 73200 kWh of gas.
• Smart meters are available, though existing smart meters are not supported.
• Payment is only taken via monthly variable direct debits.
• Direct debits are taken on the 20th of each month.
• Dong Energy will not accept applications from pubs and night clubs.
• Businesses are credit checked before acceptance.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for reduce rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Termination notices are required at least 30 days prior to the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 120 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in an auto roll-over contract for a further year.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out-of-contract rates which are substantially higher.
• Termination notices should be emailed or sent by recorded posted.
• Termination notice features on the invoice as does the contract end date.
• IGT meters are supported but bespoke rates are required.
• Aggregated meters are supported.

EDF Energy is owned by its French parent company Électricité de France abbreviated to EDF. The company was formed in the UK in 2002 by acquiring and merging with SEEBOARD Plc, London Electricity and SWEB Energy Plc. EDF is a constituent part of the ‘Big Six’ and has a customer base of 5.7 million homes and businesses.

• EDF is a dual fuel supplier.
• Contracts are available for a term of 1, 2, and 3 years.
• Prices are fixed for the agreed 1, 2, and 3 year periods.
• Contract prices include Feed-In-Tariff, Renewable Obligation and Contract for Difference charges.
• Smart meters are accepted but not supported.
• Related meters are supported but not aggregated gas meters.
• Multi-metered electricity supplies are not supported.
• Cash and cheque payments are accepted.
• Direct Debit payments carry a further 7% discount on top of the unit rate and standing charge.
• No restrictions on business type.
• Businesses are credit checked before acceptance.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for the reduce rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Termination notices are required at least 30 days prior to the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 60 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in a lapsed contract with “Easy Fix” charges applied.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in “Easy Fix” charges being applied.
• Termination notices should be emailed, sent by recorded post or completed online.
• Contract end date does feature on the invoice but the termination notice doesn’t.
• IGT meters are not supported.

E.ON UK formerly known as Powergen is a subsidiary of German giant E.ON. The parent company acquired full ownership in January 2002. E.ON has over 5 million customers and so forms part of the ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers.

• Eon is a dual fuel supplier to UK businesses.
• Contracts are available for a term of 1, 2, and 3 years.
• Prices are fixed for the agreed 1, 2, and 3 year periods.
• Contract prices include Feed-In-Tariff, Renewable Obligation and Contract for Difference charges.
• Smart meters are accepted but not supported.
• Related meters are supported as are aggregated gas meters and multi-metered supplies.
• Cash and cheque payments are accepted.
• Direct Debit payments carry a further 4% discount on top of the unit rate and standing charge.
• No restrictions on business type.
• Businesses are credit checked before acceptance.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for reduce rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Termination notices are required at least 30 days prior to the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 120 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in a lapsed contract with 28 day rolling prices.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out of contract pricing.
• Termination notice should be emailed, sent by recorded posted or done over the phone.
• Contract end date does feature on the invoice but the termination notice doesn’t.
• IGT meters are not supported.

Gazprom Energy is wholly owned subsidiary of the Russian energy giant Gazprom Group. Its history in the UK markets goes back to 2006 when it started supplying gas to UK businesses followed by electricity in 2009.

• Gazprom Energy is a dual fuel supplier.
• Contracts are available for a term of 1, 2, and 3 years for Gas and, 1 to 2 years for electricity.
• Contract prices include the Feed-In-Tariff Charge.
• Smart meters are accepted but the functionality is not supported.
• Related meters are not supported but aggregated meters are.
• Direct Debit payments are preferred but cash and cheque can be accepted on bespoke rates.
• Pubs and Takeaways are not accepted by Gazprom.
• Businesses are credit checked before acceptance.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for reduce rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Termination notices are required at least 30 days prior to the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 60 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in an auto-roll contract over for a further year.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out-of-contract pricing.
• Termination notices should be emailed, or sent by recorded posted.
• Contract end date does feature on the invoice as does the termination notice.
• IGT meters are not supported.

Haven Power started trading in 2006 and provides UK businesses with electricity only. In 2009 Haven Power was acquired by Drax Power ltd, which has given in financial stability with a £100 million plus turn over. Haven Powers key strength has been its focus on delivering exceptional customer service.

• Haven Power is an electricity only supplier.
• Offers contracts from 1-6 years, which are fixed or variable priced.
• Contracts with CCL exemption are on offer.
• Contract prices include Feed-In-Tariff and Renewable Obligation charges.
• Smart meters are accepted but not supported.
• Related meters are not supported.
• Direct Debit payments are preferred but cash and cheque can be accepted on bespoke rates.
• Pubs, Clubs and Takeaways may be rejected for application.
• Businesses are credit checked before acceptance, they require a higher credit score threshold compared to other suppliers.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for the reduce rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Termination notices are required at least 90 days prior to the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 120 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate the contract will result in an auto-roll over.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out of contract pricing.
• Termination notices should be emailed, or sent by recorded posted.
• Contract end date does feature on the invoice as does the termination notice.
• Minimum consumption threshold for acceptance is 5000kWh.

Npower’s history goes back to 1990 following the privatisation of the energy markets by the late Thatcher Government. In 2000 the company split into two and the UK operation was renamed Innogy. In 2002 the company was acquired by RWE and is now known as RWE Npower plc.

• Npower is dual fuel supplier.
• Contracts term ranges from 1-3 years.
• Minimum threshold for electricity customers is an annual usage of 10,000kWh a year and 500kWh a year for gas.
• Gas contracts are offered with no standing charge.
• Contract prices include Feed-In-Tariff and Renewable Obligation charges.
• Smart meters are accepted but the functionality is not supported.
• Related meters and aggregated meters are supported.
• Direct Debit payments and non-direct debit payments accepted.
• Businesses are credit checked before acceptance with Experian, though the threshold is low.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for a reduce rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Termination notices are required at least 30 days prior to the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 60 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in a lapsed contract and out-of-contract pricing.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out-of-contract pricing.
• Termination notices should be emailed, or sent by recorded posted.
• Contract end date does feature on the invoice as does the termination notice.
• IGT meters are not supported.

Opus Energy started trading in 2002 to supply UK businesses with gas and electricity. With the backing of GDF Suez it now supplies 200,000 businesses throughout the UK.

• Opus is a dual fuel supplier to UK businesses.
• Contracts are offered for 1, 2, and 3 years fixed term and on variable termed contracts.
• All contracts are subject third party pass on charges.
• All types of businesses are considered subject to the credit status.
• Direct Debit is the only payment accepted.
• Contract prices include Feed-In-Tariff, Renewable Obligation and Contract for Difference charges.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for a reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Smart meters are installed where the minimum usage target of 12000 kWh is met.
• Existing smart meter functionality is supported.
• Related meters and aggregated meters are supported.
• Termination notices are required at least 30 days prior to the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 60 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in an auto-rollover for a further one year.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out of contract pricing.
• Termination notices should be emailed, or sent by recorded posted.
• Contract end dates does feature on the invoice as does the termination notice.
• IGT meters are supported.

Founded in 2009 by Stephen Fitzpatrick as a domestic retailer of energy, Ovo Energy prides itself as an alternative to the Big Six.

• Ovo Energy only supplies electricity to UK businesses.
• Contracts are fixed and a choice on 1 or 2 year terms is available.
• All types of businesses are accepted subject to credit check
• Direct debit is the only payment method accepted.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for a reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Existing smart meters are accepted but functionality may not be supported.
• Related and multi-metered supplies are accepted.
• Ovo energy do not auto-roll customers and offer the same prices as new customers.
• Customers can opt for auto-renewal.
• Contract end date does feature on the invoice.

Another constituent of the Big Six, Scottish Power Plc was formed in 1990 following the privatisation of the energy markets. In 2006 it was acquired by Iberdrola the Spanish Energy Giant. Today Scottish Power supplies 5.6 million households and businesses throughout the UK.

• Scottish Power is a dual fuel vertically integrated supplier.
• Electricity contracts are available for 1, 2 and 3 years.
• Gas contracts are offered for 1 and 2 years.
• Fixed monthly direct debit is preferred but quarterly direct debit is available for a 5% surcharge.
• All businesses are accepted subject credit check. Some businesses will have more stringent credit criteria than others.
• Contract prices include Feed-In-Tariff and Contract for Difference charges.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for a reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Existing Smart meter supplies accepted but the functionality is not supported.
• Related meters and aggregated meters are supported.
• Termination notices are required at least 30 days prior to the contract end date but not more than 60 days.
• Renewal notices are sent 60 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in being placed on a 28 day rolling contract.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out-of-contract pricing.
• Termination notices should be emailed, or sent by recorded posted.
• Contract end date does feature on the invoice as does the termination notice.
• IGT meters are not supported.

SSE Plc was formerly Scottish and Southern Energy Plc. The company was created in 1998 following the merger of Scottish Hydro-Electric and Southern Electric. It’s the second biggest retailer in the UK with 9.2 million customers and is a part of the ‘Big Six’.

• SSE is a dual fuel supplier to businesses.
• Contracts offered for periods of 1-4 years.
• Feed-In Tariffs are not included in unit rates but appear as an extra charge.
• All businesses are accepted but SSE continuously checks the financial health of their UK business customers. Those that do not meet the strict credit criteria may be offered contracts with higher unit prices.
• All payments are accepted though non-direct debit payments see an uplift of 2%.
• Smart meters are accepted and the functionality supported but there is a surcharge on the quarterly standing charge.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for a reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Related meters and aggregated meters are supported.
• Termination notices are required at least 30 days prior to the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 60 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in being placed on out of contract pricing.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out of contract pricing.
• Termination notice should be emailed, or sent by recorded posted.
• Contract end date does feature on the invoice as does the termination notice.
• IGT meters are supported but on bespoke rates.

Crown Gas and Power is a subsidiary of Crown Oil Ltd. It is a specialist gas supplier which has been trading since the deregulation.

• Crown Gas and Power is a gas only supplier to UK businesses.
• Will not take pubs, clubs and takeaways but will accept restaurants.
• Only limited liability companies are accepted.
• All contracts are subject to credit check approval.
• Only direct debit is accepted as a payment method.
• Smart meters are available for installation.
• Existing smart meter functionality is supported.
• IGT meters are not supported.
• Aggregated meters are supported.
• Termination notices are required at least 30 days prior to the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 60 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in being placed on out of contract pricing.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out of contract pricing.
• Termination notice should be emailed, or sent by recorded posted.
• Contract end date does feature on the invoice as does the termination notice.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for a reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption.

Founded in 2001 Axis provided telephony services and lines to businesses. It is now the only company that provides UK businesses with telephone, broadband, mobile, gas and electricity services– essentially a one-stop shop for all telecommunications and utility requirements.

• Axis is a dual fuel supplier for UK businesses.
• Contract lengths offered are for 1 and 2 years.
• Will not accept fast food takeaways and will only accept pubs or clubs if on a freehold premises.
• All contracts are subject to credit check and a security deposit could be requested.
• Only Direct debit payment is accepted.
• Smart meter installation provided free of charge.
• Existing Smart meter functionality supported.
• IGT meters are not supported.
• Aggregated meters are supported.
• Related and multi-metered supplies supported.
• Termination notices are required at least 90 days prior to the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 120 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in an auto-rollover for a further year.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out-of-contract pricing.
• Termination notices should be emailed, or sent by recorded posted.
• Contract end date does feature on the invoice as does the termination notice.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for a reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption.

Extra Energy is a recent entrant to the UK market and is part of the German owned Extra Energie group.
Extra Energie Group is owned by Moti Ben-Moshe an Israeli investor and pioneer who has shaken the German market and hopes to repeat the same success in the UK.

• Extra Energy is a dual fuel supplier to UK businesses.
• Contract length for 1, 2 and 3 are offered for both gas and electricity.
• Will accept all business types but must meet credit criteria.
• Credit threshold is set low.
• Direct debit is the only payment method accepted.
• Existing smart meter functionality is not supported but will provide supply.
• Cannot support related meters.
• Termination notices are required at least 90 days prior to the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 120 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in an auto-rollover for a further year.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out of contract pricing.
• Termination notices should be emailed, or sent by recorded posted.
• Contract end date does feature on the invoice as does the termination notice.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for a reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Contract prices include Feed-In-Tariff and Renewable Obligation charges.

Hudson Energy is part of the US Company Just Energy Group. They entered the UK market in 2012 with focus on delivering exceptional customer service. A green focused supplier with 97% of customers on green tariffs

• Hudson Energy supplies electricity only to UK businesses.
• Contracts offered ranging from 1- 3 years.
• Application for electricity supply from pubs, clubs, takeaways and restaurants will not be accepted.
• Contracts are subject to credit status.
• Contracts include third party charges such as Feed In tariffs.
• Supports related meters.
• Termination notices not required.
• Renewal notice sent 120 days prior to the contract end date.
• Failure to agree or find an alternative supplier after the contract end date will result in out-of-contracts rates being applied.
• Variable direct debits are the preferred payment option.
• Cash and cheques payments are accepted but a surcharge will apply.
• Related meters supported.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for a reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Renewal notice and contract end date are not shown on the invoice.
• Early exit out of a contract is possible but there may be a fee.

Regent Gas was formed in 1995 as a gas supplier to UK businesses. It now supplies “1,000’s” of businesses throughout the UK.

• Regent Gas is single fuel supplier of gas to UK businesses
• Fixed price contracts are offered for 1, 2 and 3 years with third party charges passed on.
• 3 variations of contracts offered; Fixed, Variable and Mid-term review.
• Monthly variable direct debit preferred.
• Transportation costs are on a pass through basis.
• Termination notices are required at least 90 days before the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 120 days before the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in an auto-rollover contract for a further year.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out of contract pricing.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for a reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption
• Aggregated meters supported.

GDF Suez UK has been operating in the UK since 1999. Its prime focus has been Industrial and Corporate customers where they have a 4.7% of the market share.
GDF energy primarily focuses on Industrial and Corporate customers.

• GDF Suez UK is a dual fuel supplier to UK Businesses.
• VAT declaration is accepted where businesses and organisations qualify for a reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption.
• Aggregated meters supported.
• Direct debit is the preferred payment method.
• Termination notices are required at least 60 days before the contract end date.
• Renewal notices are sent 60 days before the contract end date.
• Failure to terminate will result in an auto-rollover of contract for a further year for non-mirco business customer.
• Failure to switch after the termination notice being accepted will result in out-of-contract pricing.

SmartestEnergy is owned by Marubeni Corporation and it provides SMEs and large corporates with business electricity. SmartestEnergy delivers energy to 730 customers including names such as John Lewis Partnership and Toyota Motors.

• Smartest Energy is a single fuel supplier of electricity.
• Will only consider supplies where usage exceeds 1GW per year.
• Contracts terms are fixed for 1, 2 and 3 years.
• Smart meters are installed on all business premises.
• Variable direct debits preferred as the payment method.
• Cash and cheque accepted but there will be a surcharge.
• Related meters accepted.
• Contract end dates are not shown on invoice.
• Termination dates are not shown on the invoice.
• Related meters accepted.