Guide to Comparing Business Electricity Prices By Mr Jonathan Elliott At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

How much do prices differ for businesses?
The prices that suppliers charge for business electricity, gas and other utilities can vary massively. It’s not unusual for one business to be paying three times the rate as the building next door. Over the past couple of years the highest unit rate for business electricity we have seen, for example, is 32 pence per kilowatt hour and the cheapest is less than seven.

What rates are available to me?
Most suppliers require your business to have a minimum credit rating - so the better score you have, the better deals you are going to get. Other variables that determine what rates each business is eligible for include: postcode, business type (sole trader, Ltd etc), sector (retail, manufacturing etc), annual consumption (average for an SME is 25,000 kWh/year), meter profile (the first two digits in a meter reference number range from 00-08 which is a classification related to consumption - most small businesses are 03/04 profile) and payment terms (direct debit being best).

How do I get a quote?
We simply ask customers to grab a recent copy of their business electricity gas, or telecoms bill and we can usually quote immediately over the phone based on a search of suppliers in the market. Our system is updated daily with new prices from across the whole market – including all of the ‘Big 6’ energy suppliers. The quote will detail the annual savings you can expect from the rates we have offered. If you like the quote, we will arrange the contract between you and the supplier and ensure that the transfer happens smoothly.

Who are the ‘Big 6’?
1. Eon (also known as Powergen)
2. Npower (also known as RWE)
3. Scottish & Southern (also know as SSE, incorporating Southern Electric, Scottish Hydro Electric, SWALEC, Atlantic Electric & Gas.)
4. Scottish Power
5. EDF (incorporating London Energy, SWEB and Seeboard)
6. British Gas (incorporating Scottish Gas, Electricity4Business, Bizzenergy, Enron and Electricity Direct)

How much does a price comparison service cost?
We provide a free service and only receive an introductory commission from suppliers once we have safely transferred you to them as a customer. Price transparency is key to earning the trust of our customers and, whilst we are unable to publish all our commission rates here, we’re happy to let you know on a case-by-case basis. Simply email your customer ID to us and ask for details.

Why do you need to see a copy of my bill?
Your bill shows us a unique meter reference number (10 digit ‘MPR’ for gas or a 21 digit ‘MPAN’ for electricity) which we need to confirm your consumption. It also tells us what kind of meter you have, which supply area you are in and what kind of electricity/gas user you are. It ensures that we quote you the correct price and, without it, we cannot offer you a price.

What does a meter reference number (MPAN/MPR) look like?
The number will start with an ‘S’ and is usually printed on a bill, sometimes in a grid format.

What if I don’t know my contract end date?
If you are unsure whether you are currently in a contract or don’t know when it ends, you can find out from your supplier by sending them a letter requesting the information.
How long will it take to switch supplier?
It takes approximately 4-6 weeks to switch suppliers and we will oversee the whole process on your behalf. Rest assured, your supply cannot be cut-off as a result of switching!

What happens if my supplier objects to my transfer?
Giving sufficient termination notice should prevent your current supplier objecting to you leaving them. However, they may object on the grounds of outstanding debt or contract. Our service is geared towards making sure every switch happens smoothly and successfully.

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