Electricity & gas for your business

Why change your business energy supplier?

Switching business energy supplier could help you get a better deal on your business gas and electricity. New customers often access the best prices, and getting a business energy quote is quick and risk‑free.

• Compare gas and electricity separately to find the best tariff for your business
• If you’ve moved premises and haven’t agreed a new contract, you may be on a deemed contract, which can cost up to 80% more than fixed plans
• Moving from a short‑term plan to a longer fixed tariff can offer price certainty, with contract lengths from 30 days up to 5 years
• To lower costs, look for a tariff with a lower kWh unit rate and a competitive standing charge, which covers the cost of keeping your supply connected

Our business energy experts are here to help you find the right option for your needs.

How do I switch my business energy contract?

Switching your business energy to British Gas is straightforward.

Start by getting a gas, electricity or dual fuel quote online by sharing a few details about your business and energy usage.

Once you’ve chosen a plan, British Gas will manage the switch for you, including contacting your current supplier.

Your energy supply won’t be interrupted, and you’ll just need to provide a meter reading before the switch completes.

If you’re already a British Gas business customer, you can also switch or renew by logging in to your online account and comparing available energy price plans.

Do I need to tell my current business gas and electricity supplier that I'm switching?

No. When you switch to British Gas business, we take care of contacting your current supplier for you as part of the switching process. There’s usually nothing you need to do, provided your account is up to date and you’re not tied into an existing contract. You’ll just be asked for a final meter reading so your old supplier can send a closing bill. Your energy supply won’t be interrupted during the switch.

Will my business gas and electricity supply be disrupted if I switch supplier?

No. Switching your business energy supplier won’t disrupt your gas or electricity supply. When you move to British Gas business, we manage the switch with your current supplier behind the scenes, so your energy continues as normal throughout the process. You’ll stay connected, at all times, and will only be asked to provide a final meter reading to ensure accurate billing when the switch completes.

Can I have my business electricity and gas with two different business energy suppliers?

You don't have to use the same supplier for both your business electricity and gas supply. If you do use the same supplier you benefit from a better price, all your energy needs managed in one account and aligning all contract dates.

What if I want to switch business gas and electricity supplier, but I'm tied into an existing contract?

If you’re currently in a fixed term contract, you may need to wait until it’s close to ending before switching supplier, as leaving early can mean paying exit fees. Many contracts allow you to switch during a renewal window near the end of your term without penalties.

If you’re on a deemed, out of contract or flexible plan, you can usually switch at any time. We’ll be clear about your options and help you understand the best time to switch, so you can avoid unnecessary costs. We suggest you check what contract and then get a business energy quote. The easiest and quickest way is to chat with us. You can also see your contract details in your online account.

Can I switch business gas and electricity if I am in debt to my current supplier?

Possibly. If you owe money to your current supplier, you’ll usually need to clear the balance or agree a payment plan before switching. Once that’s in place, you can normally move to a new business gas or electricity plan.

How does business gas and electricity pricing work?

The first thing to remember is that you don't have to use the same supplier for both your business electricity and gas supply - although you may be able to use this to secure a better price. Business electricity unit prices may be cheaper than domestic ones because of the amount of electricity used, but most business customers pay a higher rate of VAT.

Business electricity rates are based on your business size and electricity consumption - it may be calculated on a fixed or a variable rate tariff and will be based on a unit rate per kWh.

What is the VAT rate on business electricity bills?

Most businesses are charged VAT at the current rate of 20% for business gas and electricity. You may be eligible to pay the lower, domestic VAT rate of 5% depending on the type of business you own and the way you use energy.

Are business gas rates cheaper than domestic?

Not always. Business and domestic gas rates are priced differently and depend on factors like energy use, contract type and meter setup. Domestic energy rate are protected by the price cap. We can help you check which option is right for your situation.

What is micro business electricity?

You're a micro business if:

• You use less than 100,000 kWh of electricity a year, OR
• You use less than 293,000 kWh of gas a year, OR
• You have fewer than 10 employees (or their full-time equivalent) and your yearly turnover, or yearly balance sheet, is not more than two million Euros

If you're defined as a micro business, then we give you extra support with switching as set out by the energy regulator Ofgem.

What if I run my business from home and I want a quote for business gas and electricity?

If you run a business from home, whether you can get a business energy quote depends on how your energy is set up. If your property is used mainly for business or has a separate business meter, you can usually take out a business gas or electricity plan.

If your home and business energy use are combined on one domestic meter, you may need to stay on a domestic energy tariff instead. We’ll help you understand what applies to your setup and point you to the right option.

What do I need to do about my electricity supply if I'm moving to new business premises?

When you move premises, it’s important to check what electricity supply is already in place and let us know as early as possible. Start by finding out who currently supplies the electricity, your move in date, and whether the property has a smart or half hourly meter.

If British Gas Business already supplies the premises, we can help set up your account smoothly. If another supplier is in place, you can choose to stay with them or switch to a British Gas Business electricity plan that suits your needs. We’ll guide you through your options and make sure your supply is set up correctly, so you’re ready to trade from day one.

Can I switch business gas and electricity if I have more than one electricity meter at my premises?

Yes. If your business has more than one electricity meter, you can still switch your gas and electricity supply. The process may take a little longer, as we’ll need details for each meter to make sure your quote and contract are accurate. Depending on your setup, some meters may be half hourly or used for different parts of your premises, which can affect the type of plan available. We’ll guide you through your options and help you choose a business energy plan that works across all your meters.

How do I get a new electricity connection or meter upgrade? How do I get a new gas connection or gas meter?

If you need a new electricity or gas meter or an upgrade, what you need to do depends on your situation.

New connection

If your premises doesn’t have a gas or electricity supply, you’ll need to arrange a connection through your local electricity network operator. Once the supply is live, you can choose a British Gas business plan to suit your usage.

Meter upgrade or change

If you already have a supply but need a different meter type - for example, a smart meter or a half hourly meter — we can help assess what’s needed and guide you through the next steps.

We’ll help you understand your options, what information is required (such as your current meter details and usage), and make sure your electricity setup supports how your business uses energy.

New connection or meter upgrade

Do I need to pay for an upgrade to a business smart meter?

In most cases, there’s no upfront cost to upgrade to a business smart meter. If your business is eligible, we’ll usually install or upgrade your smart meter at no extra charge.

Availability can depend on factors like your meter type, energy usage, and location. If a smart meter isn’t suitable, we’ll explain your options and what works best for your business.

What types of electricity contracts are available for businesses?

We offer a range of business electricity contracts to suit different needs and usage levels. You can choose from fixed term contracts, where your unit rates are set for the length of your agreement, or flexible and rolling contracts if you need more freedom.

For businesses with higher or more complex energy use like those with half hourly meters, we also offer tailored electricity plans. All our fixed price electricity plans are Zero Carbon as standard, and you can choose renewable options if supporting sustainability goals is important to your business.

Are there any penalties for terminating my business energy contract early?

Possibly. If you’re on a fixed term business energy contract, ending it early can mean paying termination or exit fees. These cover the remaining period of your agreement and will be set out in your contract terms.

If you’re on a flexible, rolling or out of contract plan, you can usually leave without penalties. We’ll always explain your contract status and any charges upfront, so you can decide the best time to switch.

How can I monitor and manage my business energy consumption?

If you have a smart or half‑hourly meter, Energy360 DataView gives you clearer visibility of how and when your business uses energy, with real‑time insights that can help you manage costs and plan ahead.

How do I calculate my business energy usage?

The easiest way to calculate your business energy usage is to check a recent gas or electricity bill, where your usage is shown in kilowatt hours (kWh). If you don’t have a bill to hand, you can use meter readings or estimate usage based on your premises size, opening hours and the equipment you use.

If you have a smart or half‑hourly meter, Energy360 DataView gives you clearer visibility of how and when your business uses energy, with real‑time insights that can help you manage costs and plan ahead.