Zero Carbon Electricity as standard
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When you start a new fixed term contract with British Gas business, you'll get zero carbon electricity as standard, on all our new Fixed Price Plans, which is backed by electricity from renewable energy sources and nuclear generation.
We offer renewable business energy options to boost your organisation's green credentials and help meet carbon reduction targets. For an additional premium we offer:
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.
If you have a half-hourly meter, we'll give you a tailored price based on when and how you use electricity.
OFGEM offer useful information on their website It's a helpful guide on how to talk to suppliers or third party intermediaries.
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 energy 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.
If you have a half-hourly meter, we'll give you a tailored price based on when and how you use electricity.
OFGEM offer useful information on their website It's a helpful guide on how to talk to suppliers or third party intermediaries.
You could save money by shopping around
You have a few options when searching for business electricity:
If your business uses more than 150,000 kWh of electricity or gas, call us for a bespoke quote for green business energy today.
If your business uses more than 150,000 kWh of electricity, call us for a bespoke quote for green business electricity today.
In the last year, businesses have had a long list of problems to tackle.
There’s still a strong focus on delivering net zero strategies, but the wider business context continues to be challenging, and some organisations hesitate to take firm steps on the path to net zero.
Rather than stow away net zero plans for a distant future, what steps can be taken to overcome the risks faced today, and new challenges on the horizon? We surveyed 300 businesses to find out how they are planning to overcome net zero risks and accelerate their net zero plans.
A: Business electricity rates are based on your business size and electricity consumption. They may be cheaper than domestic rates because of the amount of electricity used, but most business customers pay a higher rate of VAT - typically 20% instead of 5% for domestic electricity. Businesses also pay the Climate Change Levy which is currently 0.811p/kWh for electricity.
A: 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.
A: 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. Find out more about VAT for business energy and how to apply for a reduced VAT rate.
A: You're a micro business if:
If you're defined as a micro business, then we give you extra support with switching as set out by the energy regulator Ofgem. See help for micro businesses.
A: To start your comparison, it's useful to have to hand the amount of electricity you use a year in kWh and the date your current contract ends. Then you can:
A: Electricity rates are constantly changing, so you could save money by switching to a better deal when your existing contract is due for renewal. You can negotiate a new deal and make sure you're getting competitive business electricity rates up to 180 days in advance.
It's not always just about cost, though. You might choose to switch for better customer support, or a tariff that suits your needs, for example if you're half-hourly metered, or looking for a green electricity tariff to help meet government targets.
With no automatic rollover contracts or exit fees, it's easy to switch your business electricity to a new supplier if you've paid all your outstanding bills.
OFGEM offer useful information on their website It's a helpful guide on how to talk to suppliers or third party intermediaries.
A: All the information you need to switch business electricity supplier can be found on your bill, including:
If you need help, see how to read your bill.
A: No, you do not have to give any notice of your intention to leave your current business electricity supplier. To make sure your switch is as quick and smooth as possible, you should :
A: No, once you've accepted a quote for your business electricity, your new supplier will take care of the switching process and agree a date to take over supply with no disruption to your business or electricity supply.
A: Read your terms and conditions with care as it's possible that you may not be able to switch contracts for a set period. Your contract may mean you have to pay a charge if you want to get out of it before the end date. So, check to make sure any savings you'd make aren't cancelled out by contract penalties.
A: If you move into new business premises and use electricity without agreeing a contract with the existing supplier, you'll be on what's called 'deemed rates'. Deemed rates are typically much higher than contracted rates, so you could save a lot of money by comparing prices and switching to a cheaper business electricity tariff.
Whilst on deemed rates, you have the right to switch at any time, but to make it easier, make sure you've paid any outstanding bills.
A: Follow these steps to help make your business move smoother:
1. If you're business electricity is supplied by British Gas business, let us know the day after you move into your new premises. Tell us you're moving
Other energy providers may ask for at least one month's notice of your planned moving date.
2. Take an electricity meter reading at both your old and new premises when you move.
3. Pay all outstanding bills to make switching easier
4. Compare business electricity prices and agree a contract when you move into your new premises to avoid paying higher 'deemed' rates
5. If you're moving into a new build, you may need to pay a connection charge.
A: Ask the letting agent, landlord or previous tenant who supplies the electricity to your premises. If you can't contact them, you can use the Energy Networks Association postcode search tool to find out the name of your network operator and their telephone number. Your network operator will be able to tell you who supplies your electricity.
If the previous tenant of your premises has called the electricity supplier to let them know they're moving, the energy supplier may send you a letter addressed to 'The Occupier'. This letter will provide any details you need about your gas and electricity or dual fuel supplier.
A: Yes, you can have separate contracts for each of your business electricity meters. But you may find it quicker and easier to manage all your electricity contracts in one place through an online energy account
A: If you're moving, renovating or expanding your commercial premises, we can arrange your meter installation and electricity supply quickly and easily. Our experienced engineers install all types of meters, including smart meters and half-hourly meters for small and large businesses. Just contact us for a quote.
A: Green electricity comes from natural, renewable sources like sunlight, wind, rain, plants and geothermal heat – unlike fossil fuels like coal and oil which are diminishing and contribute to global warming. If you're thinking of moving to a green electricity tariff, and your business uses more than 150,000 kWh a year, we can help.
A: The Feed-In Tariff (FiT) scheme ended to new applicants on 1st April 2019. If you're already registered for FiT, this won't affect you and you'll continue to receive FiT your payments.
You can apply for an existing British Gas Feed-in Tariff to be registered in your name or to switch your FiT payments to British Gas from another FiT Licensee. See our Feed-in Tariff page for more information
If you're not already registered for FiT, but you have installed renewable or low carbon technology, you may be able to apply for the Smart Export Guarantee.
A: Smart meters can help you save time by submitting automated meter readings and help you manage your energy costs to get more accurate energy bills.
A: The unit of measurement for electrical energy, equivalent to the power of one kilowatt operating for one hour. A bill from your energy supplier will show your usage in kWh. To calculate your annual consumption, multiply the figure by 12.
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 energy 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.
If you have a half-hourly meter, we'll give you a tailored price based on when and how you use electricity.
OFGEM offer useful information on their website It's a helpful guide on how to talk to suppliers or third party intermediaries.
You have a few options when searching for business electricity:
* We may record calls to help improve our service to you. Calls to 0800 numbers are free from mobiles and landlines. Calls to 0330 / 0333 numbers will cost you no more than 01 or 02 numbers from landlines and mobiles and may be included with your call package if you get 'inclusive minutes'. Text messages are charged at your standard message rate and may be included in your call package.
[1] If you agreed your contract directly with us, the 7% discount will be shown as a discount line on your bill.
If you agreed your contract through a third party broker, the discount is included in the standing charge and unit rate.
Customers who move to our variable prices, whose variable prices have changed, those we've price matched, or where another supplier’s energy agreement has transferred to us, do not qualify for a Direct Debit discount.
