Business Electricity for UK Businesses
Business electricity works differently from household energy. Business contracts are agreed individually, usually for a fixed term, and they are not covered by the household energy price cap. Missing a renewal date can leave a business on more expensive out-of-contract or rollover rates.
Meridian acts as a broker (third-party intermediary), helping UK businesses explore electricity contracts from energy suppliers and understand the terms before they agree.
How can a UK business compare business electricity prices?
Gather a recent bill showing your MPAN and annual usage, check your current contract end date and notice period, then compare quotations from suppliers — directly or through a broker — looking at unit rates, standing charges, contract length and terms, not just the headline price. Business electricity is not covered by the household price cap.
Who it’s for
- Shops and convenience stores
- Restaurants, cafés, pubs and takeaways
- Offices and professional services
- Salons and personal care businesses
- Businesses moving into new premises
What we help you with
Plan ahead of your renewal
Knowing your contract end date and notice period helps you avoid rolling onto rates you have not chosen.
Understand the contract types
We explain the difference between fixed-price and other contract types, and what is included in unit rates and standing charges.
Electricity and gas together
If you use both, we can review them at the same time and help you line up contract end dates.
Transparency about commission
Brokers are usually paid commission by the supplier. You can ask us about it at any time, and suppliers must provide information about broker costs included in your contract.
How it works
- 1
Share your details
Your meter number (MPAN, shown on your bill), annual usage, current supplier and contract end date.
- 2
We help you compare
We review options from the providers we work with, explain the differences in plain English, and tell you which provider you would contract with.
- 3
Review the supplier's offer
You review the supplier's quotation and contract, including charges, term and broker cost information, before deciding.
- 4
Supplier manages the switch
If you go ahead, the supplier arranges the switch and bills you directly under its contract.
Common business electricity contract types
| Contract type | How prices work | Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-price | Unit rate and standing charge fixed for the term | Budget certainty; check renewal and exit terms |
| Variable / flexible | Prices can change during the term | Can move with the market; less predictable |
| Out-of-contract / deemed | Rates applied when no contract is agreed | Often more expensive; avoid by renewing on time |
Before you start
- A recent electricity bill showing your MPAN and annual usage
- Your current contract end date and any notice requirements
- Whether you have a smart, half-hourly or other meter type
- Suppliers usually carry out credit checks, and prices can change until a contract is agreed
- Business energy bills can include VAT and the Climate Change Levy, depending on your usage and how the premises are used
Our role and your provider
Electricity is supplied by licensed energy suppliers. Meridian is not an energy supplier and acts as a broker (third-party intermediary) between you and the suppliers we work with.
The supplier's contract sets your prices, term, renewal and termination rights. Please read it carefully before you agree.
Read more in our Terms & Conditions.
Business Electricity: frequently asked questions
Is business electricity covered by the energy price cap?
No. The energy price cap applies to household customers. Business electricity prices are set in your contract with the supplier, which is why reviewing your contract before it ends matters.
When should I review my business electricity contract?
Check your contract end date and notice period well before your renewal. Many suppliers let you agree a new contract ahead of your current one ending, which helps you avoid out-of-contract or rollover rates.
What information do I need for a quote?
Your MPAN (the meter number on your bill), your annual usage in kWh, your current supplier and your contract end date. A recent bill usually has everything.
How is Meridian paid?
As a broker we are usually paid commission by the energy supplier, which is normally included in the rates you pay. You can ask us about it at any time, and suppliers must provide information about broker costs included in non-domestic energy contracts.
What happens if my business moves premises?
Tell your current supplier as early as possible, take meter readings on the day you move, and check whether your contract can move with you. We can help you look at options for the new premises.
Who can help me compare business electricity contracts?
You can approach suppliers directly or use a broker (third-party intermediary). Meridian Merchant & Energy Solutions Ltd acts as a broker, helping UK businesses explore electricity contracts from the suppliers it works with and explaining the terms. Suppliers must provide information about broker costs included in non-domestic contracts, and you can ask Meridian about its commission at any time.
How can a UK business reduce its electricity costs?
Review your contract before it ends so you are not moved onto out-of-contract rates, check your bills are based on actual meter readings, make sure the correct VAT rate is applied, and look at how and when you use energy. We do not promise savings — prices depend on the market, your usage and the supplier.
Related solutions
Related guides
Request a Quote
Request a Business Electricity quote
Tell us what your business needs. Our team will review your enquiry and contact you.
- One enquiry for payments, energy, water and connectivity
- Select as many services as you need
- Our team reviews your requirements and contacts you
- No obligation to proceed