British Gas is one of the most recognised energy providers in the UK, offering a wide range of business gas and electricity tariffs. With its long-standing reputation and comprehensive range of services, it remains a popular choice for small and large businesses alike. In this article, we review British Gas business prices, tariffs, and key features to help you make an informed decision for your company.
An overview of British Gas for business
British Gas is the UK’s largest energy supplier, serving millions of homes and businesses nationwide. It offers a range of business energy solutions that cater to different needs, from small startups to large enterprises. British Gas business customers benefit from competitive tariffs, flexible contracts, and a dedicated customer service team.
British Gas business prices list
Please note that actual prices can vary based on factors such as your business’s location, size, and energy usage. The figures below provide a general idea of what to expect.
| Tariff Type | Gas Unit Rate (per kWh) | Gas Standing Charge (per day) | Electricity Unit Rate (per kWh) | Electricity Standing Charge (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-rate tariff | 6.50p | 27.50p | 18.00p | 30.00p |
| Variable-rate tariff | 6.80p | 28.00p | 18.50p | 31.00p |
| Green energy tariff | 7.00p | 27.50p | 18.20p | 31.00p |
| Pay-as-you-go tariff | 7.50p | 29.00p | 19.00p | 32.50p |
Notes
- Unit Rate: The amount you pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of gas or electricity you consume.
- Standing Charge: A fixed daily fee that covers the cost of supplying energy to your business, regardless of usage.
- Prices may differ based on market conditions and your specific business profile.
- The data provided here is indicative and should be verified with British Gas directly or through a business energy comparison service for the most accurate rates.
British Gas business gas and electricity tariffs
British Gas offers several business energy tariffs to suit different needs. These tariffs are designed to provide flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the opportunity to manage your energy usage more efficiently. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main business gas and electricity tariffs available.
Fixed-rate tariffs
A fixed-rate tariff from British Gas provides businesses with the certainty of fixed energy prices for the duration of the contract. This means that even if the market prices rise, your business energy rates will remain the same, helping you manage your budget more effectively.
Key benefits of fixed-rate tariffs:
- Price stability: Protects your business against fluctuating energy prices.
- Budget control: Easier to predict monthly expenses and plan accordingly.
- Contract terms: Fixed-rate contracts are usually available for one to three years.
Variable-rate tariffs
Variable-rate tariffs reflect changes in the wholesale energy market. This means that your energy rates can go up or down depending on the current market conditions. While this option can be more risky, it can also be beneficial if energy prices drop, allowing your business to take advantage of lower rates.
Key benefits of variable-rate tariffs:
- Potential savings: Rates can decrease if market prices fall.
- Flexibility: Ideal for businesses that do not want to commit to a long-term contract.
- Short-term contracts: Often available with more flexible terms.
Green energy tariffs
British Gas also offers green energy tariffs for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint. These tariffs include electricity sourced from renewable energy and can also include options for carbon-offset gas. Green tariffs are an excellent choice for companies committed to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact.
Key benefits of green energy tariffs:
- Sustainability: Supports your business’s environmental goals.
- Reputation: Enhances your brand’s image as environmentally responsible.
- Competitive rates: Often comparable to standard tariffs in terms of pricing.
Pay-as-you-go tariffs
For smaller businesses or those with irregular energy usage, British Gas offers pay-as-you-go tariffs. This type of plan allows you to pay for the energy you use without being tied into a long-term contract. It’s a flexible option that works well for businesses that need to manage their cash flow more closely.
Key benefits of pay-as-you-go tariffs:
- No long-term commitment: Flexibility to switch plans or providers.
- Only pay for what you use: Ideal for businesses with variable energy needs.
- Cost control: Avoids unexpected charges or fees.
Key features of British Gas business energy plans
British Gas provides a range of features and services designed to make managing your business energy simple and efficient. Here are some key features that set British Gas apart from other energy suppliers:
Smart meters
British Gas offers smart meters as part of their business energy packages, allowing you to monitor your energy usage in real-time. Smart meters help you understand your consumption patterns, which can lead to more efficient energy management and cost savings.
Online account management
With British Gas’s online account management tools, you can easily track your energy usage, view bills, and make payments. This convenient service allows you to manage your account 24/7, making it easier to stay on top of your energy consumption.
Dedicated business customer support
British Gas provides dedicated customer support for its business clients. Whether you have questions about your tariff, need assistance with billing, or require technical support, their business customer service team is available to help.
Energy efficiency advice
To help businesses reduce their energy costs and improve efficiency, British Gas offers practical energy-saving tips and solutions. This includes advice on reducing consumption, optimising heating and lighting systems, and making the most of smart technologies.
Pros and cons of choosing British Gas for business energy
Choosing the right energy supplier for your business is a critical decision. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of opting for British Gas as your business energy provider:
Pros
- Wide range of tariffs: Offers flexibility to choose the best plan for your business needs.
- Trusted provider: Established reputation with a strong market presence.
- Green energy options: Supports businesses focused on sustainability.
- Smart technology: Smart meters and online account management tools make monitoring and controlling usage simple.
Cons
- Price competitiveness: British Gas may not always be the cheapest option compared to some smaller, niche providers.
- Contract flexibility: Some fixed-rate tariffs might require long-term commitments.
- Customer service: Mixed reviews on customer service response times and resolution of issues.
How to switch to British Gas for business energy
Switching to British Gas for your business energy needs is straightforward. You can start by getting a quote directly from the British Gas website or through a comparison service that specialises in business energy plans. Once you’ve chosen a tariff, British Gas will handle the entire switching process, ensuring a smooth transition with no disruption to your energy supply.
Is British Gas the right choice for your business?
Whether British Gas is the right choice for your business depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a well-known provider with a wide range of tariff options, smart technology, and green energy solutions, British Gas could be a strong contender. However, if your primary focus is finding the absolute lowest price, it might be worth comparing quotes from other suppliers to see if there are more cost-effective options available.
Final thoughts – British Gas business prices review
British Gas offers a solid range of business energy solutions with tariffs designed to meet various needs. Its focus on sustainability, technology, and customer support makes it a reliable choice for many UK businesses. However, as with any energy supplier, it’s crucial to compare tariffs and consider your business’s unique requirements before making a final decision.
For more, visit the British Gas website or see our guide to the cheapest business gas and cheapest business electricity.
FAQ for British Gas business prices
British Gas provides a discount of up to 7% on business energy rates if you pay by Direct Debit. Additionally, they occasionally offer promotional rates and incentives for new customers signing up for longer-term fixed-rate contracts, which can reduce your overall energy costs.
British Gas business energy bills are calculated based on your unit rate (e.g., 6.50p per kWh for fixed-rate gas) multiplied by your consumption, plus the standing charge (e.g., 27.50p per day for gas). Seasonal changes and peak demand can also affect your overall charges.
Yes, British Gas charges exit fees ranging from £60 to £150 per fuel for early termination of fixed-rate contracts. The specific amount depends on the remaining term of your contract and your business size. Variable-rate and pay-as-you-go tariffs usually do not have exit fees.
British Gas typically requires a business credit check before approving a new account. If your business credit score is low, you may need to pay a deposit ranging from £200 to £1,000, depending on your anticipated energy consumption and the terms of your chosen tariff.
Activation of British Gas business energy services usually takes between 14 to 21 days after signing up. The exact timeline depends on the type of tariff selected and the current status of your energy supply. British Gas handles the switching process to minimise disruption during this period.
British Gas typically responds to business customer queries within 48 hours. For urgent issues like power outages or faults, they offer a priority line that aims to provide assistance within 2 to 4 hours, depending on the severity and location of the issue.