There are over 50 commercial business energy providers within the UK, however the vast majority of businesses still choose one of the big 6. The big 6, although well known, do not necessarily provide the best value for money, that is why energy comparison is so important. If you’re looking for an energy provider be sure to compare a range of suppliers to ensure you find the best deal. Below, we take a look at who the big 6 are and what they have to offer, followed by several other energy suppliers who are worth keeping in mind.
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The ‘Big 6’ Business Energy Supplier Comparison
Compare energy suppliers (big 6 only) with the rating table below*
Supplier | TrustPilot Rating | MoneySuperMarket Rating | Which? Rating |
---|---|---|---|
2.1/10 | 4/5 | 54% | |
2.7/10 | 3.8/5 | 52% | |
1.4/10 | 4.2/5 | 55% | |
0.5/10 | 4.3/5 | 55% | |
0.4/10 | 3.9/5 | 52% | |
0.6/10 | 3.9/5 | 45% |
* Ratings accurate as of Janaury 2019.
Who Is The Best Business Energy Supplier?
The first and foremost question most business owners ask. There is no one-size-fits-all in terms of best. There are a variety of different suppliers, the ‘Big 6’ business energy suppliers own less than ~20% of market share in the UK. The other 80% of the market is made up of ~55+ energy companies, so there is plenty to choose from. As a business owner you want to take advantage of comparing as many as you can to find the best rates possible.
Compare Business Energy Quotes NowBusiness Energy Supplier Profiles
SSE
SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) was formed in 1998 and is now the second largest UK energy company. It is one of the big six and is responsible for supplying gas and energy to over 9.5 million customers. However, big does not necessary mean they are the best or cheapest energy supplier.
Advantages
- Simplified tariffs & clear rates
- Flexible contract terms
- The largest energy generator using renewable sources in UK
Disadvantages
- Price increases, in April 2017 SSE customers experienced an average of 14.9% raise in standard electricity prices.
- Likely to find better deals and better rated customer service with the smaller suppliers.
British Gas
British Gas is a household name, it is the largest of the UK energy suppliers and provides energy to around 12 million homes and approximately 500,000 businesses across the UK.
Advantages
- Fixed price plans for smaller businesses
- Tailored plans for larger businesses
- Locked in rates for 1, 2, or 3 years on fixed price plans
- Easy to manage account & lots of information available online
Disadvantages
- Many customer complaints regarding pricing, installation issues and unreliability
- Costly Repairs
- More expensive than many other providers
EDF Energy
EDF is one of Europes biggest energy companies and is responsible for providing 1/5 of the UK’s electrical supplies. EDF Energy has three main focus points; to generate energy, build nuclear power stations and sustainability.
Advantages
- A range of tariffs available for 1 – 4 years
- Have business tariffs designed for start ups
- Slightly better value for money than the majority of big 6 companies
Disadvantages
- Focus largely on nuclear power
- Increased their electricity prices twice in 2017
- More expensive than other providers
E.on
E.on, previously known as Powergen, is responsible for powering 5 million homes and businesses. They offer a range of tariffs and energy options including a clean energy tariff that uses 100% renewable electricity and green gas.
Advantages
- Focus on reducing carbon emissions and generating renewable energy
- A range of plans available to suit all business types and sizes
- Discounts available for paperless billing and making direct debit payments
Disadvantages
- Does not offer breakdown cover/ insurance
- The online help section is confusing and difficult to navigate
- Cheaper deals are likely to be found with other providers
Scottish Power
Scottish Power is owned by a Spanish energy company named Iberdrola and is responsible for supplying energy to more than 5 million homes and business across the U.K. They are the largest wind energy producer in the UK and they have a focus on sustainability. Scottish Power have hit a few bumps in the road too, from Ofgem encouraging Scottish Power customers to switch energy supplier to the company being banned from accepting new customers for a short period back in 2015 due to poor customer service.
Advantages
- Use more renewable energy especially wind energy
- Tariff options including fixed tariffs and buying energy upfront
- Online help information is detailed and easy to navigate
Disadvantages
- Poor customer service
- Prepayment scheme is difficult to understand and compare
- Large amount of negative reviews from past customers
Npower
Npower recently announced a merger with SSE meaning big changes are underway. Despite being one of the big 6, Npower does not have the best reputation. They provide energy to over 5 million homes and businesses, offer an easy to use app to make submitting meter readings and setting up payments easy and they have a range of tariffs available.
Advantages
- Use less coal in their fuel mix
- Offer green energy options
- Have various tariffs to choose from
Disadvantages
- According to the telegraph, in 2017, Npower had the biggest price increase of all the Big 6.
- Currently merging with SSE so the future is unclear
- Large number of complaints have been made regarding customer service
Renewable Business Energy Providers
Below are some of the energy providers who focus on providing green, renewable energy. If you’re interested in switching or would like to compare gas and electricity prices, contact us for tailored quotes and simple switching. We can easily compare utilities and find the best provider for what you require at great prices.
Bulb
Bulb is one of the newer green energy suppliers, their aim is to be transparent so in alignment with this they clearly outline their pricing details on their website. They offer a simply business tariff for businesses looking to go green.
Advantages
- 100% renewable electricity and 10% renewable gas
- Some of the lowest rates within the renewable energy sector for businesses with smaller energy consumption.
- No contract or exit fees
Disadvantages
- Only offer one tariff for electricity and gas
- Larger businesses may find cheaper rates with other providers
Bulb provides all the information you need on their website. When comparing energy providers (renewable and not), Bulb is one of the cheapest gas and electric suppliers available.
Ørsted
Ørsted (formerly Dong Energy) is a leader in supplying energy to businesses throughout the U.K. They are the UKs largest green electricity generator thanks to their use of offshore wind power.
Advantages
- Fully dedicated to green energy
- Leader in global offshore wind power production
- Lots of information available online
Disadvantages
- Difficult to find actual information about using them as a supplier and pricing on their website.
- Various websites (they have 21 listed on their ‘all sites’ page)
Orsted is passionate about providing renewable energy and it is clear to see they are continuously improving their clean energy offerings.
Ecotricity
Ecotricity is a UK leader in providing green energy for businesses and homes. They offer a range of plans suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Advantages
- 100% green electricity & frack-free gas
- Clear, easy to navigate website
- Ethical pricing & no exit fees
Disadvantages
- Slightly more expensive than other providers
Ecotricity claim to be Britains greenest energy company and have a clear focus on providing clean, green, environmentally friendly energy. They are recommended by many environmental groups and also ensure the energy they provide is completely animal-free (many companies use animal byproducts within their fuel mix).
Energia
Energia is a leader in providing renewable energy to Irish businesses.
Advantages
- Energy supplier of choice for over 1/5 of businesses in Northern Ireland
- A leader in wind energy
- Suitable for all businesses from start ups to multinationals
Disadvantages
- May not be the cheapest option when directly compared to some competitors
- Not much detail online regarding plans and tariffs
Engie
Engie, formerly known as GDF Suez, they offer several tariffs to suit businesses of all sizes as well as a renewable electricity tariff using 100% renewable sources.
Advantages
- Focus exclusively on supplying businesses
- Various tariffs to choose from
- Offers a no-carbon 100% renewable energy plan
Disadvantages
- Difficult to find online reviews stating previous customers experiences
Good Energy
Good Energy is a UK energy supplier that provide 100% renewable electricity provider with a goal of helping to solve climate change.
Advantages
- Award winning energy provider
- Highly ranked and trusted
- Offers various tariffs and solutions for businesses
Disadvantages
- Some customers have complained regarding service and admin
F & S Energy
F & S Energy formed in 2011, they purchase energy across the UK from small generators and sell it on to businesses. This allows them to offer green energy at very good prices.
Advantages
- Offer competitive rates
- Dedicated account manager assigned to you
- Personal service
Disadvantages
- Limited information regarding services and prices online
Green Energy UK
Aiming to make green energy the first choice for businesses, Green Energy UK offers competitive prices, shares in their company and excellent customer service.
Advantages
- 100% green energy supplier
- Offers electricity plans as well as dual fuel plans
Disadvantages
- Can only request business quotes via phone
- Can be difficult to find information you’re looking for online
Hudson Energy
Hudson Energy is a division of the North American company Just Energy Group and is a business-only gas and electric supplier.
Advantages
- Plans for SMEs as well as corporations
- 100% renewable electricity
- Contract flexibility
Disadvantages
- Only basic information is available on their website
- Difficulty finding customer reviews
Solarplicity
Solarplicity, formerly LoCO2 energy, is an independent supplier of green energy to both businesses and homes. They focus on providing renewable energy and green gas.
Advantages
- No hidden costs
- 100% renewable electricity
- Fair market price
Disadvantages
- Some customers report poor communication
- Website has limited information regarding plans
Octopus Energy
Founded in 2011, Octopus Energy are an independent energy supplier who are primarily focused on providing green energy to households but also offer tariffs for businesses.
Advantages
- UKs largest solar farm investor
- Offer fixed and flexible plans
- Competitive prices
Disadvantages
- Very little information on their website
- Some customers have complained about poor customer service
Smartest Energy
Smartest Energy are a leading independent supplier of renewable energy for businesses in the UK.
Advantages
- 100% renewable electricity
- Various tariffs
- Flexibility
Disadvantages
- Difficult to find online reviews
- Website can be hard to navigate
Total Gas & Power
Total Gas & Power are a leading energy supplier for businesses of all sizes within the UK. Aim to provide excellent customer service.
Advantages
- Lots of tariffs and options available
- Focus on providing excellent customer service
- Plenty of online information
Disadvantages
- Difficult to find reviews online
Vattenfall
Vattenfall is owned entirely by the Swedish government and is one of the largest producers of renewable energy in Europe. They supply over 6 million customers throughout Europe.
Advantages
- Own several UK wind farms as well as a solar farm
- Owned by Swedish government
- Offer a range of products and tariffs
Disadvantages
- Limited information available online
Naturgy Energy
Naturgy Energy, formerly Vayu Energy which was purchased by Gas Natural Fenosa in 2016 and became Naturgy in 2018, supply 20% of the large natural gas business users within Ireland.
Advantages
- 100% renewable energy options
- Various tariffs to choose from
- Large renewable electricity and natural gas business supplier
Disadvantages
- Lack of detailed information online
- No online reviews from customers
Renewable Business Energy Provider Comparison Table
Supplier | TrustPilot Rating | MoneySuperMarket Rating | Which? Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Bulb | 9.5/10 | 4.8/5 | 72% |
Orsted | 7.9/10 | / | / |
Ecotricity | 6.9/10 | / | 71% |
Energia | 7/10 | / | / |
Engie | 4.2/10 | 4.2/5 | / |
Good Energy | 6.2/10 | / | 60% |
F&S Energy | / | / | / |
Green Energy UK | 8.1/10 | / | / |
Hudson Energy | 3.8/10 | / | / |
Solarplicity | 3.5/10 | 3.7/5 | / |
Octopus Energy | 9.4/10 | 4.9/5 | 76% |
Smartest Energy | / | / | / |
Total Gas & Power | 1.3/10 | / | / |
Vattenfall | / | / | / |
Naturgy Energy | / | / | / |
When looking at the energy comparison sites not all of the providers are rated, however the majority of provider reviews can be found on Trustpilot.
Independent Business Energy Providers
These companies are independent/smaller suppliers who may offer business gas and electricity prices at more competitive rates compared to the big 6. Below is an outline of each provider, for more information or to compare gas and electric prices with ease simply request a quote. Many providers do display prices on their website making it easier to compare electricity prices and find the best energy deals.
Affect Energy
Affect Energy has a focus on providing simple, affordable energy with excellent customer service.
Advantages
- Personal touch
- Fixed & variable tariffs available
- Ideal for SMEs
Disadvantages
- Limited online information
- Difficulty finding customer reviews
AvantiGas
AvantiGas has a focus on providing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to customers. LPG is a great option for businesses and homes in rural areas and those that are not attached to the mains gas.
Advantages
- Ideal for remote locations
- Reliable & punctual
- Various options to suit certain industries
Disadvantages
- Mixed reviews online
- Supplier of gas only
Axis Energy
Axis Energy is part of Axis and they provide gas and electricity as well as broadband and phone services to businesses.
Advantages
- Value for money
- Flexibility
- UK call centre
Disadvantages
- Information on their website is not particularly detailed
- Difficult to find online reviews on their services
Better Energy
As an independent supplier of gas, Better Energy provides gas tariffs options cheaper than many of the big suppliers. Their goal is simply to provide energy at a lower cost.
Advantages
- Cheaper tariffs
- Excellent customer service
Disadvantages
- Currently a gas only supplier
BES Utilities
BES Utilities began in 2002 so is one of the longer running independent companies within the UK. They offer a range of tariffs and you can easily compare electricity and gas prices for businesses.
Advantages
- Based and operates only within UK
- Free smart meters with business electricity tariffs
- A more established independent supplier
Disadvantages
- Limited online information
- Not many customer reviews available online
Bristol Energy
Bristol Energy is owned by Bristol City Council and aims to encourage social equality, local renewables and stronger communities.
Advantages
- Offer a 100% green renewable tariff
- Operate throughout the UK
- Great option for micro businesses and SMEs
Disadvantages
- Lack quality customer service
Clear Business Energy
Clear Business Energy offers a range of services from gas and electricity to insurance, water and telecom products. They have a focus on SMEs so they may not be the best energy supplier for larger businesses.
Advantages
- Freeze rates before you switch
- Fix prices for up to three years
- UK based customer service team
Disadvantages
- Website is very basic
Contract Natural Gas (CNG)
CNG claims to be the largest independent gas shipper in the UK. They supply businesses and have been operating since 1994.
Advantages
- Offers a range of gas products
- Offer fixed price and variable contracts
- Use Automated Meter Reading for increased billing accuracy
Disadvantages
- Only supply gas
- Limited tariff information on their website
Corona Energy
As one of the leading business energy supplies in the UK, Corona has a focus on industrial and commercial gas usage.
Advantages
- Offer various tariffs
- Offer a 100% renewable option
- Competitive pricing
Disadvantages
- Mixed online reviews expressing concerns about pricing
Crown Gas and Power
Crown Gas and Power supplies businesses of all sizes with natural gas. They aim to keep things simple and be transparent with customers.
Advantages
- Focus of customer service
- Have a range of plans to suit businesses of all sizes
- Offer variable contract lengths
Disadvantages
- Limited information on their website
- Difficult to find customer reviews online
D-ENERGi
D-ENERGi is an independent energy supplier based in Manchester, they are a business-only supplier and have won a range of awards for their work.
Advantages
- Various tariffs to choose from
- Renewable energy option
- Dedicated rebates team to assist nonprofits reclaim VAT and CCL over-payments.
Disadvantages
- No option for managing your account online
Daligas
Daligas is a London based supplier of gas with a simplified product allowing them to offer very low prices.
Advantages
- Prices offered among the lowest in UK
- Simplified products (offer only two tariffs)
- Focus on providing excellent customer service
Disadvantages
- Only payment method is monthly direct debit
Dual Energy
Dual Energy is a low cost electricity supplier that focuses on using smart meters to offer accurate billing and competitive prices.
Advantages
- Several tariffs to choose from
- UK based customer service
- Focus on using smart meters & offer free smart meters to customers
Disadvantages
- Mixed reviews online
Extra Energy
Please note that as of late 2018, Extra Energy has ceased trading.
Extra Energy has only been running since 2014 but since that time has quickly grown their customer base. They aim to provide low prices and excellent customer care.
Advantages
- Fixed price option for up to 3 years
- Competitively low prices
- UK customer service center
Disadvantages
- Website lacks detail on the available tariffs
Flogas
Flogas has a focus on providing various types of gas including Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and mains gas.
Advantages
- Offer several product types
- Focus on providing excellent customer service
- Have gas solutions for off-grid businesses, farms, caravan parks, vehicles and more.
Disadvantages
- Gas only supplier
Gazprom Energy
Gazprom do not generate electricity or produce gas themselves but instead sell it. They have won awards and focus on supplying businesses with electricity and gas.
Advantages
- Focus solely on businesses
- Offer tariffs suitable for micro businesses up to corporate businesses
- Offer smart meter installation on their micro tariffs
Disadvantages
- Website content difficult to find and navigate
GnERGY
GnERGY is an independent supplier that has a focus for running their business with honesty, simplicity and efficiency.
Advantages
- Tailored tariffs
- Low prices
- Focus on transparency
Disadvantages
- Slow customer service response times
- Not a green energy supplier
Go Effortless Energy
Go Effortless Energy is a family run company that has a focus on making switching energy suppliers simple.
Advantages
- Clearly display pricing information online
- Offer a 12 month fixed price tariff
Disadvantages
- Limited business specific information online
Haven Power
Haven Power focuses on supplying electricity to UK businesses.
Advantages
- Offer SME suitable tariffs
- Offer corporate specific tariffs
- Personal service
Disadvantages
- Difficult to find past customer reviews
MA Energy
Based in London, MA Energy focuses on supplying electricity to UK businesses.
Advantages
- Work with a range of business types
- Customer base if 55% larger businesses and 45% SMEs
- Simple tariff structures
Disadvantages
- Difficult to find customer reviews online
Opus Energy
Opus Energy supplies gas and electricity to businesses of all sizes within the UK. They supply exclusively to businesses.
Advantages
- Claims to be the largest independent business energy supplier
- Offer a range of tariff options for businesses of all sizes
- Can also assist with renewable energy needs
Disadvantages
- Hard to understand invoices
- Slow customer service
Ovo Energy
Ovo Energy has a major focus on customer service and providing electricity to businesses throughout the UK. They also offer electricity and gas to home customers. Their main selling point is that they’re a green energy provider. Clear Business have recently taken over the handling and supplying of energy to Ovo Energy business customers.
Advantages
- 33% renewable electricity in business plan
- Fixed prices
- Competitive rates
Disadvantages
- Electricity only for businesses
News
14th February 2019 – Mitsubishi Corporation takes 20% stake in OVO Energy. This is a strategic investment to help OVO expand into more European and Asia Pacific markets.
PFP Energy
PFP offer a range of energy solutions to businesses and pride themselves on being transparent and open about pricing.
Advantages
- Simple tariffs
- Low prices
- Offer businesses 12 month fixed price contracts
Disadvantages
- Limited online information
Power NI
Power NI is the leading energy company in Northern Ireland, they focus on energy savings, green energy and energy effienciency.
Advantages
- Competitive prices
- Offer a range of tariffs to suit all business sizes
- Transparent pricing
Disadvantages
- Only provides electricity
Regent Gas
One of the oldest independent business gas suppliers in the UK. Regent Gas offer 4 tariffs and supply gas to a range of businesses.
Advantages
- Clearly list contract rates online
- 4 tariffs to choose from including a tailored option
- Dedicated account manager
Disadvantages
- Difficult to find online reviews
- No online account management available
Robin Hood Energy
Robin Hood Energy is a not for profit company owned by Nottingham City Council. They aim to tackle fuel poverty by providing cheap electricity and gas options to customers.
Advantages
- Offer a fixed 12 month business tariff
- Choice of payment options
- Dedicated account manager
Disadvantages
- Need to request a quote for current rate information
SSE Airtricity
SSE Airtricity is owned by SSE and supplies energy to businesses throughout Ireland.
Advantages
- Focus on wind farms
- Second largest energy supplier in Northern Ireland
- Green energy supplier
Disadvantages
- Airtricity came last in the 2016 Which? Survey of energy suppliers for the second year in a row.
Simple Gas
Simple Gas is a gas only energy supplier set up to make buying gas easier.
Advantages
- Pay for kilowatts used rather than standing charges
- Easy to switch
- Dedicated account manager
Disadvantages
- Only supply gas
United Gas and Power (UGP)
UGP offers businesses electricity and gas tariffs and offer several smart meter options.
Advantages
- Competitively priced
- Free smart meter installation
- UK based customer service team
Disadvantages
- Website lacks details regarding services offered
Utilita Energy
Utilita claims to be the fastest growing independent energy supplier in the UK. They focus on providing energy via prepayment meters.
Advantages
- Good option for businesses with bad or no credit score
- Use smart energy monitors
- Offer ‘one price fits all’ business tariff
Disadvantages
- Complaints regarding customer service and high pricing
Utility Warehouse
Utility Warehouse is a Telecom Plus PLC subsidiary and they current have a 2% share of the UK’s energy supply market.
Advantages
- No minimum contract length
- Easy to switch
- One of the 10 biggest UK energy suppliers
Disadvantages
- Can only join upon introduction from an authorized distributor
- Limited online information available
Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy began in 2014 and supply gas to businesses throughout the UK.
Advantages
- Offer 1 to 5 year fixed gas prices
- Dedicated account manager
- UK based
Disadvantages
- Limited online information
- Confusion online between this company and 1Gas connections (owned by the same person) as well as an identically named Xcel Energy that operates in America.
Yorkshire Gas and Power (YGP)
YGP is an independent gas and electricity supplier to businesses within the UK.
Advantages
- Focus on providing excellent customer service
- Offer fixed price contracts
- Offer multi site contracts for businesses
Disadvantages
- No online account management option
- Limited reviews online
Yu Energy
Yu Energy is one of the highest rated energy suppliers in the UK serving business-only customers.
Advantages
- Offer fixed price tariffs
- Several tariff options available
- Competitive pricing
Disadvantages
- Limited online information
Who Is The Cheapest Business Energy Supplier?
There is no one answer for this as there are so many suppliers within the UK business energy market. Straight off the bat, larger business should be taking advantage of using half-hourly meters to get more accurate readings, only then can they compare like-for-like with other suppliers. Businesses normally look at the ‘Big 6’ first due to their reputation, but unknowingly can get better energy policies for their business with independant energy suppliers.
Independent Energy Supplier Comparison Table
Compare suppliers in the UK business energy market with the our ratings table below:
Supplier | TrustPilot Rating | Money SuperMarket Rating | Which? Rating |
Affect Energy | 9.6/10 | / | / |
AvantiGas | 2.7/10 | / | / |
Axis Energy | / | / | |
Better Energy | 7.6/10 | / | / |
BES Utilities | 5.9/10 | / | / |
Bristol Energy | 7.7/10 | 4/5 | 70% |
Clear Business Energy | / | / | / |
Contract Natural Gas | / | / | / |
Corona Energy | 6.6/10 | / | / |
Crown Gas and Power | / | / | / |
D-ENERGi | 9.5/10 | / | / |
Daligas | 3.5/10 | 4.5/5 | / |
Dual Energy | 2.9/10 | / | / |
Extra Energy | 7.3/10 | 3.9/5 | 49% |
Flogas | 5.5/10 | / | / |
Gazprom Energy | 2.9/10 | / | / |
GnERGY | 6.4/10 | / | / |
Go Effortless Energy | / | / | / |
Haven Power | / | / | / |
MA Energy | / | / | |
Opus Energy | 6.2/10 | / | / |
Ovo Energy | 8.9/10 | 4.2/5 | 72% |
PFP Energy | 7.7/10 | 4.6/5 | 7/6% |
Power NI | 9.4/10 | / | / |
Regent Gas | / | / | / |
Robin Hood Energy | 8.2/10 | / | 66% |
SSE Airtricity | / | / | / |
Simple Gas | / | / | / |
United Gas and Power | / | / | / |
Utilita Energy | / | 4.1/5 | 75% |
Utility Warehouse | 7.9/10 | / | 79% |
Xcel Energy | / | / | / |
Yorkshire Gas and Power | / | / | / |
Yu Energy | 7.6/10 | / | / |
Switching energy providers is made easier when you work with us, just simply fill in our online form and we’ll do the rest. We’ll help you compare energy prices and find the best providers for your needs.