Business energy is not protected like domestic energy. There's no price cap, no cooling-off period and contracts can auto-renew onto expensive rollover rates if you miss the notice window, so diarise your renewal date. Fixed contracts give certainty but can lock you in at a peak, while flexible or pass-through deals track the market and suit only those who can stomach swings. Many venues buy through brokers, who are often paid commission built into your unit rate.
Ofgem rules now require suppliers to make sure broker fees are disclosed to microbusinesses and small businesses, so ask for the figure in writing. Check the standing charge as well as the unit rate, as a quiet venue can be hammered by it. Read the meter yourself to avoid estimated bills, and if you're in a dispute, small businesses can take complaints to the Energy Ombudsman once the supplier's process is exhausted.
What we ask on the show
- Should a small pub fix its energy price or go flexible?
- Are energy brokers worth the commission?
- What happens if you miss the renewal window?
- How much do standing charges hurt quiet venues?