When your business energy contract is up for renewal, you’ve got two choices: call the supplier yourself, or use a broker. Both get you a new contract. But the experience and the price can be very different.
Going direct to the supplier
When you call your supplier’s renewal line, they’ll offer you a new rate. It’s simple, it’s fast, and you’re dealing with someone you already know.
The upside:
- No middleman
- Quick if you’re happy with your current supplier
- One phone call
The downside:
- You only see one supplier’s rates
- The renewal rate is rarely their best offer
- No way to know if a better deal exists elsewhere
- You’re negotiating without market data
Most suppliers know that renewal customers are less likely to switch. The rate they offer you on the phone is almost never the same as what they’d offer through a broker channel.
Using an energy broker
A broker compares rates across multiple suppliers on your behalf. They handle the admin, the switching process, and often the ongoing management of your account.
The upside:
- Access to the whole market in one go
- Someone else handles the paperwork
- Often better rates than going direct (brokers see wholesale-adjacent pricing)
- Renewal tracking so you never roll over again
The downside:
- Some brokers aren’t transparent about fees
- Bad brokers steer you toward suppliers that pay them the most
- You’re trusting someone else with your energy costs
The broker industry has a transparency problem. Many brokers don’t disclose their commission, and some take 3–5p/kWh without telling you. That can add thousands to your annual bill.
How to tell if your broker is honest
Ask one question: “Will you show me your fee on every quote?”
If the answer is no, walk away.
At Edge, our fee is listed separately on every quote in your deal room. You see the supplier’s rate, the standing charge, and our commission side by side. If you don’t like the numbers, you don’t switch. If you don’t switch, you pay nothing.
So which is better?
For most businesses, a transparent broker is the better option. You get the convenience of someone else doing the legwork, access to better rates, and if the broker is honest about their fees, you can verify the value they’re adding.
Going direct makes sense if you have a strong relationship with your supplier and you’re confident their rate is competitive. But without comparing, you’ll never know.
What to do next
If you want to see how your current rate compares to the rest of the market, it takes two minutes. Sign an LOA, and we’ll have quotes in your deal room within 48 hours.
If you’re a smaller business and wondering whether the effort is worth it, read is it worth using an energy broker for a small business. And for a deeper look at how brokers actually earn — and whether they’re earning it honestly — see how energy brokers actually save you money.
Want to talk about your energy contract?
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