Small business energy offers: how to find the right deal for your business

Energy remains a significant business expense, taking the time to review your options could help you secure a better deal and gain more certainty over your costs. To make it less time consuming we’ve collated some tips for when your business energy contract has expired. 

At EDF Small Business, we work with thousands of small businesses across the UK, and we know that finding the right energy offer isn't just about getting a competitive price. It's about finding a tariff that works for your business today and supports your plans for tomorrow. And sometimes it’s about getting a little perk for yourself, so we’ve included EDF Small business current offers to help you save even more.

Why energy costs matter more than ever for small businesses

Rising costs continue to be one of the biggest challenges facing UK small businesses.

According to our recent Growth on Hold report in partnership with Enterprise Nation and Squared, 69% of small businesses have delayed or cancelled growth plans due to rising costs, while 77% of high street businesses have put expansion plans on hold. The report also found that 32% of businesses rank energy among their top three cost pressures and 93% say they spend more time managing overheads and energy contracts than they did a year ago. 

Why Should you review your business energy contract regularly? 

Actually, you should be monitoring your energy consumption regularly, but depending on what tariff your business is on, you may not need to check your tariff regularly. 

If you’re in a fixed tariff you should have reminders in your diary of when to check your business contract and you can start looking often 3-6 months in advance.

Reviewing your contract before it ends can help you:

• Access offers that may not be available when your contract expired 
• Lock in certainty over future energy costs
• Avoid being moved onto less competitive out-of-contract rates
• Have time to look at your consumption and the different tariff options that better suit your business needs

Many small businesses renew energy contracts automatically and often this can mean you fall onto variable tariff which is often more expensive. So, if you’re on a variable you should be regularly checking wholesale market prices to check if you can fix at a lower rate. 

Fixed vs Variable business energy tariffs

One of the biggest decisions you'll make when choosing a business energy deal is whether to select a fixed or variable tariff.

Fixed Tariffs

With a fixed tariff, your unit rates stay the same for the duration of your contract.

Benefits include:

• Greater budgeting certainty
• Protection from market price increases
• Predictable monthly costs

Fixed contracts are often popular with small businesses looking for stability and certainty.

Variable Tariffs

With a variable tariff, your rates can move up or down depending on market conditions.

Benefits can include:

• Flexibility
• The opportunity to benefit if market prices fall

However, prices can also increase, making budgeting more difficult.

Due to sustainability advancements and more costs pressures on small businesses, there are more tariff options available than before. Download our Tariff Navigator to find out the best option for your business. 

Current EDF Small Business offers

We're committed to helping small businesses get more than just energy. On top of dedicated small business energy specialist, effortless online account management and cheapest prices direct here are our current offers as of 24/9:

Enterprise Nation 

Sign up to a fixed tariff and earn up to £150 in Amazon vouchers.

• £50 amazon voucher - for 1 year tariffs
• £100 amazon voucher - for 2 year tariffs
• £150 amazon voucher - for 3 and 4 year tariffs

Follow this link for how to get the Enterprise nation offer and T&C’s.

Free Low Carbon Report with Perse

Want to understand your business's carbon footprint and identify opportunities to reduce emissions? Eligible businesses can unlock a free low-carbon report through Perse, helping you take practical steps towards sustainability. 

See our low carbon report free trial.

Free energy efficiency assessment with Heliotec

1,000 eligible EDF Small Business customers can receive free access to Heliotec's energy intelligence platform for four months. The platform helps turn complex energy data into clear, actionable recommendations. Designed to help you make more informed energy decisions, it gives you greater visibility and control over your energy consumption.

Get a free personalised energy efficiency report when you switch. Find out how.

Coffee and a Quote

Thinking about switching your business energy? Get a quote online and get a free £5 Costa Coffee voucher. 

Get a small business energy quote and get a free coffee. T&C’s apply.

Free London pop up shop space from 30^th November – 13^th December

We're offering three businesses the chance to take over a retail space in the heart of Notting Hill, London from 30 November to 13 December, completely free of charge. Applications close 11th October.  

Apply for the free pop up in Notting Hill.

Common Questions about business energy deals

How to choose the right energy offer for your business

When comparing small business energy offers, consider more than just the headline price or a free voucher. 

Ask yourself:

• How important is budget certainty?
• What contract length suits your business plans?
• Do you want support with reducing energy use?
• Are there additional benefits included?
• What level of customer service and account management do you need?

The cheapest option or a new customer offer today may not always deliver the best long-term value.

Should you go direct?

Many business owners use brokers to find energy contracts, which can be a useful option.

However, it's also worth checking prices directly with suppliers.

At EDF Small Business, we offer our cheapest prices direct, giving you confidence that you're seeing our most competitive available rates with no broker fees added on top.

Can I get a reward for switching business energy supplier?

Some suppliers provide additional benefits when you switch or renew, such as sustainability tools or access to partner offers, bill credit or vouchers. It's worth comparing the full package rather than focusing solely on the offer, make sure you consider unit rates and standing charges.

Should I choose a 1-year or 4-year fixed energy tariff?

A 1-year contract may offer greater flexibility if you're expecting your business needs to change. A longer fixed tariff can provide greater price certainty and reduce the need to review your contract each year. The right choice depends on your business plans, cash flow and appetite for risk.

Find the right small business energy offer

Every business is different, which means there's no one-size-fits-all energy contract.

Whether you're looking for greater price certainty, support with energy efficiency, or a competitive quote from a trusted supplier, reviewing tariffs and suppliers can help ensure you're getting the best value for your business.

Watch our lunch and learn on how to choose the right tariff.

Get a quote directly from EDF Small Business today and discover our latest small business energy prices.