What to Look for in a Business Electric Quote

Energy costs can have a big impact on a budget, and quotes do not all tell the same tale. Two quotes can look similar on first glance, but the little details can drastically alter the total cost. This guide explains what to check line by line before agreeing to a supply contract. It keeps the language clear and practical, and it is written for UK businesses that want a confident business electricity comparison. Use it as a working checklist to avoid surprises later and to secure a fair deal that fits the way the site uses power.

Start With Accurate Site Details

Every quote starts with data from the meter. An accurate site profile helps a supplier price the risk correctly and helps a business receive the rate it deserves.

MPAN and Profile Class

The MPAN identifies the supply point. It appears on recent bills and shows the profile class. That profile class signals the usage pattern. It also guides how the offer should be structured. Check that the MPAN on the quote matches the MPAN on the bill. A mismatch can delay the switch or lead to re-pricing. If the site’s consumption has changed since the last contract, note this to the supplier at the quote stage.

The Two Core Prices on Every Quote

The headline unit rate and the standing charge do most of the work in the bill, so they deserve close attention.

Unit Rate or Rates

Some quotes use a single penny-per-kWh price. Others split into day, night and sometimes evening or weekend. Confirm that the rate type matches the site’s pattern. A low single rate can look attractive, but a site with heavy night use might save more with a sharper night rate. Make sure the rate shows pence per kWh, not pounds per MWh, and keep units consistent when running a UK business electricity comparison.

Standing Charge

The standing charge is a daily fee. It covers the fixed elements of delivering power. A “no standing charge” offer can shift cost into the unit rate. Run the math on the site’s expected kWh to find the true annual impact and compare it to an offer with a standing charge. Only then is a business electricity quotes comparison fair and like-for-like.

Choose the Right Contract Type

The contract structure can be as important as the raw price. Know what is fixed and what can change during the term.

Fully Fixed

A fully fixed contract locks in more components. The unit rate, standing charge and many non-energy costs are set for the term. This brings budget certainty. It can sit slightly higher on day one, but it limits exposure to changes outside the wholesale market. For stable operations that value clarity, a fully fixed deal can be the safer choice.

Pass-Through or Semi-Fixed

Pass-through structures keep the energy rate fixed but allow some non-energy elements to vary. Network charges and certain policy costs are common pass-through items. This can suit sites that want a lower starting price and have the appetite to ride changes in those line items. If choosing this route, the quote should name each pass-through and explain how and when it may change. This keeps a compare electricity deals for business review honest and practical.

Non-Commodity Costs and Other Line Items

Bills include more than the energy itself. The non-energy share has grown over time, so clarity here matters.

Network Charges and Policy Levies

Charges for using local and national networks, and policy costs that support the system, appear on quotes in different ways. On a fully fixed deal, they are usually baked into the rates. On a pass-through deal, they may sit as separate lines that can move during the term. Make sure the quote states which approach it uses. That keeps any business electricity comparison aligned across suppliers and avoids surprises mid-contract.

Climate Change Levy

Most businesses pay the Climate Change Levy on each kWh. Some sectors and charities can claim relief. The quote should state whether the rates shown include CCL or add it on top. Keep this consistent across all offers when comparing.

If the Site Is Half-Hourly: Capacity and Metering Extras

Half-hourly sites carry specific costs that deserve a check before signing.

Maximum Import Capacity

Network operators set a capacity level in kVA for each site. If the site uses more than that level, excess fees can apply. If the capacity is far above actual need, the business may overpay. A quick review can cut waste or prevent penalties. Ask the supplier or metering partner to confirm the current capacity and advise on any change requests.

Meter Operator and Data Services

Half-hourly sites require a Meter Operator and data roles that collect and send readings. These services can be bundled into the supply contract or purchased separately. The quote should state the route chosen and the exact cost. If bundled, confirm the term aligns with the supply contract. This protects the renewal process and avoids overlap charges.

Contract Mechanics That Protect the Business

The contract document sets the rules for the full term. Read the mechanics as carefully as the price.

Term Length, Start Date and Supply Window

Check the contract length, the planned start date and any window for the supply to go live. Align these with lease dates, known site changes and other utilities. If multiple sites exist, seek co-terminous end dates. This makes the next business electricity comparison simpler and often stronger.

Exit Fees and Early Termination

Fixed contracts can include fees for leaving early. The schedule should show how the fee is calculated. This helps the business weigh the risk of change against the value of today’s price.

Broker and Consultant Transparency

Third-party intermediaries play a role for many businesses. Transparency keeps trust strong.

Fees and Disclosure

The agreement should make the broker's fee clear. It can be a fixed charge or included in the unit rate. Either route is acceptable when disclosed. The key is knowing the full cost, so a business electricity quotes comparison is fair.

Letters of Authority

A Letter of Authority allows a broker to speak to suppliers on behalf of the business. It should state scope and duration and should not allow actions that bind the business without sign-off. Keep the LOA on file and ensure a short, clear expiry.

Green Claims and Certificates

Many offers promote renewable content. Ask how the supplier backs the claim.

Understanding Certificates and Fuel Mix

Suppliers disclose their fuel mix each year and may use certificates to evidence renewable supply. A certificate shows origin, but it does not always mean the physical electrons came from that source to the site. Read the statement, ask for a summary of the backing, and keep records for ESG reporting. When performing a UK business electricity comparison, line up green claims side by side with the same evidence rules.

Credit Checks, Deposits and Payment Methods

Suppliers assess credit risk before finalising a quote. Strong credit can improve terms and even unlock better rates. Weaker credit can lead to deposits, prepayment or a higher standing charge. Prepare recent accounts, proof of address and director details in advance. Choose a payment method early; direct debit with actual reads helps keep bills smooth. If smart or AMR metering is available, enable it to reduce estimates and avoid back-billing issues.

How to Compare Two Quotes Fairly

A fair comparison uses the same input across all offers. Confirm the same MPAN, meter type and annual kWh. If one quote is single-rate and another is multi-rate, rebuild the annual cost on the same day/night split. Include or exclude CCL and VAT in the same way on every offer. If one offer is fully fixed and another is pass-through, estimate the likely movement in those pass-through lines over the term and add it to the total cost for a realistic view. If a half-hourly site has separate MOP/DC/DA contracts, add those costs to both totals so the compare electricity deals for business review remains level. Only then does the cheapest total cost stand out with confidence.

Conclusion

The best quote is not always the one with the lowest headline unit rate. The right choice is the offer that fits the site profile, locks in the right costs, manages risk in a clear way and gives a smooth billing experience for the full term.