If you’re running a UK business, energy is probably one of your top three overheads. And unlike rent or payroll, it’s one you can cut without changing anything about how you operate.
Here’s what actually moves the needle.
1. Stop rolling over your contract
This is the single biggest mistake businesses make. When your fixed-rate contract expires, your supplier moves you onto an out-of-contract rate. These rates are typically 30–50% higher than what you’d get by actively switching.
Set a reminder 3–4 months before your contract ends and start comparing.
2. Compare the whole market, not just your current supplier
Your existing supplier will offer you a renewal rate. It’s rarely the best one available. Suppliers price differently depending on the time of year, their capacity, and what profile of customer they want.
An energy broker compares rates across every available supplier and shows you the full picture. At Edge, we put every quote in a deal room so you can see the supplier rate, standing charge, and our fee side by side.
3. Check your meter type
Many small businesses are on the wrong meter profile. If you’ve grown, your consumption may have crossed a threshold where you qualify for better rates on a different meter class.
Ask your supplier or broker to check whether your current meter profile is still the right one.
4. Look at your standing charges
Most businesses focus on the per-kWh rate and ignore standing charges. But standing charges can vary by £100–£200 per year between suppliers for the same meter. Always compare the total cost, not just the unit rate.
5. Consider contract length
Longer contracts (2–3 years) often come with lower rates because the supplier locks in their margin. But you lose flexibility if prices drop. In a falling market, a shorter contract might save more.
There’s no universal answer. It depends on your risk appetite and cash flow.
6. Use an energy broker (but check their fees)
A good broker searches the whole market and saves you time. But not all brokers are transparent about what they earn. Some take commissions of 3–5p/kWh without telling you.
At Edge, our fee is listed on every quote in your deal room. You can see exactly what the supplier charges and what we earn. If you don’t switch, you pay nothing.
7. Track your renewal dates
If you manage multiple sites, missed renewal dates are expensive. Each site that rolls over onto out-of-contract rates can cost thousands per year.
Your deal room at Edge tracks every renewal date automatically and alerts you when it’s time to compare again.
What to do next
The fastest way to find out if you’re overpaying is to compare. It takes two minutes to sign an LOA, and you’ll have quotes in your deal room within 48 hours.
Not sure whether to go through a broker or call suppliers directly? Read our comparison of energy broker vs going direct. And if you’re weighing up whether a fixed or variable rate makes more sense right now, see our guide to fixed vs variable energy rates.
Want to talk about your energy contract?
Get in touch