Commercial Gas
Simple, Quick, Gas Pricing
How do you choose a Business Gas Supplier?
Is your gas contract coming up for renewal?
Are you confused or overwhelmed by the level of choice and industry jargon?
If so, the Energy Action Group can take the pain out of the process for you.
We can help you compare business gas suppliers with the latest tariffs and charges at our fingertips, making sure you are looking at like-for-like offers.
Business Gas Suppliers
Not sure which Gas Supplier to use?
Not all Gas Suppliers will suit your organisation.
Different suppliers favour different business sectors and can provide market-leading prices for those that match their criteria. Some suppliers prefer hospitality, others large industrial sites, some favour smaller businesses and charities.
Certain suppliers are highly competitive with large commercial gas supplies and will be highly motivated to win your business. On the other hand, some suppliers specialise in smaller gas consumption and will be hard to beat. Knowing which one is right for you is key.
Business Gas Prices
Make sure the prices you are being offered are in the right ballpark, check the tariffs below. These represent average prices on the market today.
Current Business Gas Prices
Micro Business
5,000 – 100,000 kWh
3.2 p
Small Business
5,000 – 292,000 kWh
2.8 p
Small & Med. Business (SME)
292,000 – 500,000 kWh
2.2 p
Large Business
500,000 – 1,000,000 kWh
1.9 p
Industrial
1,000,000 – 3,000,000 kWh
1.7 p
Other
In excess 0f 3m kWh
Price on application
Prices are based on standard pricing and average standing charges and will depend on location, meter size and contract duration.
Types of Business Gas Contracts
You may have been offered a low, or even a no-standing charge tariff. Choosing whether you should have a low, high or no standing charge is not straight forward and shouldn’t be selected without knowing the effect it could have on your organisation. For example, if you are using low amounts of gas right now, but are paying a high standing charge, you cold be losing out.
Are You Comparing Business Gas Rates?
If so, how do you know which type of contract is right for you?
This depends on what type of organisation you are, where you are located, what your annual gas consumption is, what type and size of commercial gas meter you have and your appetite for risk.
If you are heavy commercial user with large gas meters, operating evenings and weekends with periods of intense energy usage, you will need bespoke prices from a select group of suppliers. Obtaining prices can take several days as your consumption, site profile and credit rating are evaluated.
For smaller organisations, we can obtain prices almost immediately once credit risk has evaluated.
Choosing the Right Gas Supplier
Why is this important when negotiating an energy contract?
Gas suppliers will take a view of your organisation, and if they like what they see, they can be more competitive on the unit rate and standing charges. Credit score, years in operation and the sector you work in are all assessed. The more gas and electricity you use the higher the potential for better prices, and if it all stacks up, then they will be flexible in order to win your business.
This is where a competent, professional, energy consultancy can help you. With close professional relationships with a range of energy suppliers, we can work with those most likely to be eager for your business, and by creating competition amongst them we will secure the best market rates for you.
Keeping Energy Buying Simple
When compared with electricity, gas contracts are relatively simple, but there are still differences between suppliers. Some gas suppliers accept BACS payments (at a cost premium), but many do not and only allow Direct Debit payments. Others allow cheques and BACS also. Some offer a discount if you pay by Direct Debit.
Changes by Ofgem, to the way Unidentified Gas charges are levied, can result in unforeseen costs, even after your contract has finished. This is only apparent in the Terms and Conditions of the contract.
Lowest Business Gas Rates, How to Find Them?
Buy Gas Ahead
One of the best ways to consistently secure the best gas rates is to be selective as to when you buy. This is easier said than done, but by constant monitoring of the gas market, it is possible to buy at the right point in time. Timing is crucial.
Did you know you can enter into a gas contract for a supply starting 24 months in the future?
Monitoring and understanding the business gas market allows the EAG to identify low gas rates for future dates. Some gas suppliers will allow you to buy up to 24 months ahead of your renewal date, securing great gas rates for your future use.
Gas prices started dropping in December 2019, continuing through early 2020, providing an opportunity to secure low rates and save thousands of £s in gas bills. But what if your contract isn’t up for renewal? No problem! Even if your contract renewal isn’t due for months or even years ahead, you can still secure these rates.
The key here is knowing the right time to buy. In 2020 the EAG took advantage of this and launched the annual buying basket very early, helping many members lock-in very low rates. We also advised members to choose the longest term possible to keep these rates.
Be sure to shop around and select the gas supplier that favours your sector.
Compare Gas Rates - Get a Quote
How do you choose the right Gas Contract?
The Energy Market is continually evolving. Legislation and taxation change on a regular basis. It is essential to know what impact your decisions may have on your organisation now and in the future. Using the EAG to find the right commercial gas deal for you means that we carry out all the due diligence on your behalf. We will explain the differences between the various and competing offers to you and clarify how they could impact you.
Multi-site and Multi Meter Pricing
If your organisation operates multiple sites with multiple meters you will be aware of the complexities of renewing or re-negotiating your terms and prices. You need to dedicate time and energy to ensure all site, consumption and meter details are up to date and correct, and navigate between multiple suppliers and competing offers, whilst trying to understand the differences in their proposals.
Ideally, all your gas and electricity supplies should be consolidated into one single tender with a single start and end date for all your services.
The EAG can help you identify and organise all your supplies and submit tenders for multiple electricity and gas supplies to a selection of suppliers.
Do you have more than 3 sites and would like to get Multi-site gas and electricity quotes?
What is the difference between a Micro Business, and a Non-Micro Business?
This is important as there are legal differences in the way they are treated by energy suppliers.
A Micro Business is defined as: A non-domestic consumer that meets one of the following criteria:
- employs fewer than 10 employees (or their full-time equivalent) and has an annual turnover or balance sheet no greater than €2 million; or
- uses no more than 100,000 kWh of electricity per year: or
- uses no more than 293,000 kWh of gas per year.
You are deemed to be a Micro Business if you meet any one of the above criteria. Otherwise, you are treated as a Non-Micro Business.
Ofgem have put in place changes that enable micro business customers to give termination notice at any time during their contract. Suppliers must clearly state the contract end date and notice period on bills and statements of account for micro business energy consumers on fixed term contracts.
Non-micro Businesses are not covered under the above criteria and need to be vigilant of the terms of their contract renewals.
There can be significant differences when quoting business gas and business electricity for micro and non-micro businesses. Micro businesses can be quoted quickly. Non-micro businesses often require bespoke pricing. This can take up to 5 days with many suppliers who will analyse the details thoroughly.
Note: Commercial gas contracts are liable to automatic rollover terms so make certain you submit your Termination Letter to your current gas supplier. Without termination you will be placed on Out of Contract Rates which are significantly higher. If you do remember to terminate, but don’t place a new contract by your renewal date, you will be placed on Deemed Rates, also known as Rollover Rates. These can be as much as double your current tariff.
Suppliers send contract renewal letters to Micro businesses but not to Non-Micro businesses. If you have more than ten employees, you need to terminate your current electricity agreement proactively. Contract Management is part of the EAG’s client services, and we can manage these processes on your behalf.
- Be careful, if you do not submit termination and replace your existing contract you will be placed on Deemed Rates
- Make sure that before switching occurs, your current contract runs its full course before moving to a new one.
Finding Your MPRN
What is MPRN?
Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) is a unique number assigned to every gas supply in the UK and is used to identify individual gas supply points. They are formed of numbers only and consist of between 6 and 11 digits.
- The MPRN is for Gas Supplies only and should not be confused with MPAN which is for electricity. MPAN stands for Meter Point Administration Number.
Most suppliers print the MPRN on either the first page of their gas bills or the reverse.
Your MPRN should not be confused with your gas supplier account number or the meter serial number printed on the meter itself.
MPRNs starting with 74 or 75 relate to Independent Gas Transporters. This could have an adverse effect on the price you pay for gas as some suppliers charge a premium rate to customers served by Independent Gas Transporters.
If your MPRN is not printed on a recent bill or if have just moved into new premises and do not yet have a gas bill, you can find out your MPRN by:
- Calling Transco’s MPRN helpline on 0870 608 1524 (Transco can only provide details of MPRNs that do not belong to Independent Gas Transporters)
- If you can’t find your MPRN Call 01252 338777 and The EAG can help you
The MPRN is NOT the meter serial number.
For full information on MPRN and how to find it click here.
Moving Premises
What happens if I move into new premises without signing a new contract?
If your organisation moves into a new property with existing utility supplies and starts to consume any utility without signing a contract, you will be subject to expensive ‘deemed rates’. To avoid this, you should seek a new supply contract prior to occupying the premises.
You should contact the EAG well in advance of moving into new premises. This will give us time to identify all gas, water and electricity supplies on site. We can check to see if the premise have the appropriate meters and supply capacities and infrastructure in place to meet your future needs.
If we find you need to upgrade, remove, or install new gas or electricity meters, the EAG provides a full service.
Make sure you read your meters before you move in, and also when you move out.
What happens to my utilities when I move out of my old premises?
Energy contracts correlate to site meter point. These are specific to your site address. When you leave your current premises, your contract will cease from the day that you move out. It will not transfer to your new address. If you are happy with your current supplier, you can contact them to obtain prices for supplying your new premises. They will require information on the new site, the date you take occupancy and the opening meter readings. They may require sight of the lease. Make sure you compare any prices you are offered with general market rates provided by other suppliers. The EAG can arrange for a whole-of-market comparison on your behalf to find the best deal. Connecting gas or electricity is generally straightforward but comparing energy quotes is time-consuming and complicated.
When moving into new premises getting help and advice on energy related matters can save you time and money.
The EAG are well positioned to get all your services installed with minimum fuss and provide you with the best market rates for your utility contracts.
What happens when I switch my business gas supplier?
There won’t be any disruptions to your supply when you switch supplier. Your new supplier will coordinate the transfer with your old one and make all the arrangements for the switch-over. Be aware, unlike domestic gas deals, commercial gas contracts do not have a cooling off period.
Be sure you take final meter readings and send them to your old supplier so they can send an accurate final bill, and an opening meter reading to your new supplier. The switch should take no more than four-to-six weeks, although it can be completed within 10 working days.
How to Reduce Annual Gas Bills - 4 Ways to Reduce Costs.
1. Switch Contracts Regularly
Switch to the cheapest available tariff by using the EAG’s price comparison services. But remember, price isn’t everything, customer service and reliability are also highly valued. Switching annually is the most common choice, but when prices are right, it pays to lock in for longer.
Always make sure you are comparing like-for-like offers! Not all gas contracts are equal. Check to see if all charges are included and fully fixed for the duration of the contract.
2. Pay by Direct Debit
3. Manage your Gas Consumption and learn how to be Energy Efficient
Basic energy efficiency measures could cut costs by 10%, and sometimes a lot more! Identify energy wastage, change human behaviour and update obsolete and inefficient commercial gas equipment.
4. Employ Energy Management to reduce your Gas Consumption
Deploy energy management reporting systems to analyse consumption levels. Increased invoice accuracy will help reduce your costs.
Your data highlights where gas is being used allowing you to refine your processes, make adjustments and decrease consumption.
Do you need a New Connection?
We can take care of all your Utility Connections.
Get a Smart Meter Installed at the same time you move into a new property
Do away with estimated bills. Smart Meters provide regular correct readings and ensure you’re not overcharged.