Skip to content
The Question Atlas
Menu

Business energy

Commercial supply, procurement and efficiency.

Decision guides

Comparison · Business energy

Choosing a business energy contract: fixed, flexible or pass-through

Fixed contracts set the energy price for the term, flexible or purchase-in-tranches contracts let you buy in steps to average market timing, and pass-through contracts expose you to wholesale movement and itemised third-party charges. Choose by budget certainty needs, ability to absorb volatility, load profile and the clarity of non-commodity charges. Broker involvement and regulation differ by country.

How to choose · Business energy

Where a business should start with energy efficiency

Begin by measuring: sub-metering or interval data shows when and where energy goes. Typical priorities are lighting controls, heating and cooling schedules and setpoints, compressed air and refrigeration leaks, motor and drive upgrades, and building envelope fixes. A walk-through audit by a qualified assessor ranks measures by disruption and benefit. Support schemes and mandatory audit rules vary by country.

Suitability · Business energy

Is on-site solar suitable for a business premises?

Suitability depends on daytime load, roof or land availability, tenure and lease terms, grid connection limits, planning rules and the ownership model, whether purchase, lease or power purchase agreement. Businesses that consume most energy during daylight benefit most from self-consumption. Rules, incentives and tax treatment vary by country, so consult your energy agency and an adviser.

Problems & fixes · Business energy

Business energy bill disputes, back-billing and broker problems

Common issues include estimated reads, back-billing for under-charged energy, out-of-contract rates, misdescribed contracts and undisclosed broker commission. Gather contracts, call recordings, bills and readings, raise a written complaint with the supplier or broker, and escalate to the relevant ombudsman or regulator route if unresolved. Protections for businesses differ by country and by business size.

Questions answered in this section

More in Energy and utilities