Put every supplier on the same consumption and contract basis. Use the same assumptions for every offer and verify the latest terms directly.
Collect the right baseline
Gather twelve months of consumption, recent invoices and the contract end date. Separate sites and meters rather than averaging very different premises together. Record whether quoted costs include or exclude VAT and keep that treatment consistent.
Request an itemised quote
Ask for unit rates, standing charges, meter-related fees, payment requirements and any pass-through charges. Clarify which charges are fixed and which can change. A fixed energy rate does not necessarily fix every item on a business bill.
Compare the same period
Evaluate each proposal over the same dates and consumption profile. Note how prices differ for different time bands or demand components where applicable. Use an explicit model for seasonal or operational changes.
Read the renewal terms
Check notice periods, renewal provisions and early-exit conditions. Ask what happens if you move premises, close a site or change consumption significantly. Put renewal reminders in the calendar well before any notice deadline.
Keep the decision traceable
Record who supplied the quote, when it expires and the assumptions behind the estimated total. Keep a version of the comparison approved internally. Treat broker fees or commissions transparently so you know the full cost of the arrangement.
Sources & review notes
This guide explains our comparison approach and calculation methods. Numerical examples are illustrative and do not represent supplier offers.
Reviewed 9 October 2026. Prices, grant conditions and provider terms can change. Check the relevant provider or official body before acting.
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