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Business gas prices 2026: compare 30+ suppliers in one tender

Indicative business gas unit rates and standing charges by business size, as at August 2026, benchmarked against DESNZ and live NBP wholesale. Send us a recent bill and we tender every supplier on our panel the same day, with the wholesale price, non-commodity costs, supplier margin and our margin shown separately on every quote.

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Indicative business gas rates by business size

Last updated: August 2026. Refreshed monthly by our trading desk. Wholesale-led averages across the Purely Energy panel, a guide only until we tender your own meter.

These figures are awaiting their September 2026 refresh. Get a binding quote with our instant tender or request a callback.

Indicative business gas rates, as at August 2026. Wholesale-led averages across the Purely Energy panel. For a binding rate, use our instant tender or request a callback.
Type of BusinessIndicative Unit Rate (p/kWh)Indicative Standing Charge (p/Day)
Micro Business4.1p25.8p
Small Business3.8p55.5p
Medium Business3.3p70.1p
Large Business3.1p150.3p
Get a live rate for your business

Illustrative only. Wholesale gas moves daily, so the figures above will drift between monthly refreshes. NBP has risen materially since these bands were last benchmarked, so treat the unit rates above as a floor rather than a quotable price, and run a tender for a current figure. Your own rate also varies by meter type, location, credit rating and consumption profile.

Benchmark: DESNZ Quarterly Energy Prices (table 3.4.1, published 30 June 2026) puts the Q1 2026 non-domestic gas average at 4.79p/kWh excluding CCL, a market-wide figure that includes deemed and out-of-contract supply. Live wholesale: the NBP gas price and forward curve, updated every trading day.

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Send a recent bill and we return like-for-like quotes the same day, with every margin shown separately. No fee until you sign.

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These averages reflect the wholesale market at the time of the last refresh and are meant as a guide only: use them to compare business gas quotes you have already received against the wider market. Wholesale gas at the National Balancing Point (NBP) moves every trading day, so by the time you read this the live price will already have shifted. Energy prices are driven by the wholesale gas market, currency moves and the policy levies set by Ofgem and DESNZ, and every business consumes differently, so treat the bands above as a baseline. For precise savings and the best contract options, speak to a member of our team on 0161 521 3400 or use Purely Insights to monitor your consumption in real time.

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What might a business gas bill look like at current rates?

Last updated: August 2026. Refreshed monthly alongside the rate table above.

The cost of your business gas bills will depend on your contract type, the rates you are paying, and how much gas your business uses. Based on the indicative rates above, here is a rough estimate of what businesses of different sizes might expect to pay annually. Because the underlying unit rates drift with the wholesale market, treat these as a planning aid, not a forecast.

Indicative annual bill estimates, as at August 2026. Derived from the rate table above and refreshed at the same cadence.
Business SizeAnnual Usage (kWh)Indicative Annual Cost
Micro Business5,000 to 15,000 kWh£504 (based on 10,000 kWh)
Small Business15,000 to 30,000 kWh£1,058 (based on 22,500 kWh)
Medium Business30,000 to 65,000 kWh£1,823 (based on 47,500 kWh)
Large Business65,000+ kWh£2,564 (based on 65,000 kWh)

These figures reflect the average rates and standing charges on the Purely Energy panel for different business sizes. Your unit rate and overall bill may vary depending on your meter type, business location and credit rating. Businesses in rural areas or supplied through an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT) typically see higher standing charges. Businesses consuming more than 65,000 kWh of gas per year usually qualify for bespoke I&C pricing and should speak to our large business team directly.

Business gas contract types compared

Every business gas quote we return names one of these structures. Most clients end up on a fixed contract; the others exist for a reason, and the right one depends on your consumption, your appetite for price risk and how much attention you want to give it.

  • Fixed

    How it works
    Unit rate and standing charge are locked for the term, usually 1 to 5 years.
    Suits
    Most SMEs and mid-market sites that want a budget they can hold.
    Watch for
    Termination charges if you leave early; diarise the renewal window so you are not rolled over.

  • Flexible (flex)

    How it works
    Volume is bought in tranches on the wholesale market through the contract, against a risk policy.
    Suits
    Large consumers (typically 65,000+ kWh a year, or multi-site portfolios) with a trading desk behind them.
    Watch for
    Needs active management; the price you pay is only known once the volume is bought.

  • Pass-through

    How it works
    The commodity element is fixed or flexed while network and policy charges are passed through at cost as they change.
    Suits
    Larger sites that want to see every charge separately.
    Watch for
    Bills move when regulated charges change, most often each April.

  • Variable or tracker

    How it works
    The unit rate moves with the market, usually monthly, with no fixed term.
    Suits
    Businesses that expect prices to fall or want no lock-in.
    Watch for
    No budget certainty; check the notice period and how the rate is indexed.

  • Deemed or out-of-contract

    How it works
    The supplier's default rates when no contract is in place: on moving into premises, or after a contract ends without a renewal.
    Suits
    Nobody, by design. It is a holding position.
    Watch for
    Typically 2 to 3 times a fixed rate. You can leave at any time, so sign or switch as soon as possible.

  • Green gas

    How it works
    Supply matched with certified biomethane (RGGO certificates) or an offset-backed tariff.
    Suits
    Sites with a net-zero commitment or reporting on the emissions from the gas they burn.
    Watch for
    Ask for the certification basis in writing; the two routes are not equivalent.

Who supplies my business gas?

It is easy to lose track of your business gas supplier, especially if you are on a long-term fixed contract. The simplest way to find out who supplies your gas is to check your most recent bill or email correspondence. Your supplier's details will be listed on the first page, alongside your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), your contract end date and your unit rate.

If you do not have a bill to hand, you have two other options. Call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524 and quote your postcode and first line of address, and they will tell you your MPRN and current gas supplier. Alternatively, use the Find My Supplier website run by the gas transporters, enter your postcode, and the tool will look up your supply point.

Your MPRN is a unique 6 to 11 digit number identifying your gas meter. It is required for any change of supply or meter exchange. The MPRN sits under the "Details of charges" section on most bills. If you have ever switched with Purely Energy, we hold your MPRN on file, so feel free to call our Warrington office on 0161 521 3400 and we will confirm your current supplier for you.

Our business gas supplier panel

At Purely Energy, we tender every business gas quote across our whole-of-market panel of 30+ UK suppliers. The names below each link to that supplier's out-of-contract rates and switching notes.

We are not owned by a supplier and we disclose our commission in writing before you sign. For businesses consuming more than 65,000 kWh per year, pricing is handled through our I&C desk and may involve bespoke contract structures, including flex and basket arrangements. If you are consolidating utilities under one consultancy, we can also tender your business water and wastewater through the Open Water market alongside your gas.

How to switch business gas supplier

Switching business gas supplier should take no more than a few working days once paperwork is in place. Here is our step-by-step process.

  1. 1. Pull your latest bill

    We need your company name, annual gas consumption in kWh, contract end date, MPRN and current supplier. All of these are on your most recent bill. If you cannot find it, call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524.

  2. 2. Request a whole-of-market comparison

    Compare business gas quotes from across our panel: run an instant comparison or call 0161 521 3400. We tender the same day and return every offer like for like, with wholesale price, non-commodity costs, supplier margin and our margin shown separately.

  3. 3. Pick a contract and sign

    Choose the rate and term that suits your budget cycle and risk appetite. Most clients select a 1 to 5 year fixed contract via Purely Fixed. Larger consumers may prefer a flex arrangement through Purely Flex. Contracts are signed digitally and returned to the supplier within 24 hours.

  4. 4. Confirm your switch date

    Your new supplier will register your supply at the Central Switching Service. Most business switches complete in 5 working days under the Ofgem Faster Switching Programme, though some legacy meters and blocked transfers can take 4 to 6 weeks.

  5. 5. Final meter read and handover

    On the day of supply start, submit a meter read so both suppliers can close out the old account and open the new one cleanly. This prevents estimated bills and avoids the most common source of billing disputes.

  6. 6. Ongoing contract support

    Once switched, Purely Energy validates every bill you receive, handles supplier queries on your behalf, and flags your next renewal window at least 12 months ahead of the contract end date. Unlike most brokers, we stay with the account for the full contract term.

Ready for step one? Send your latest bill and we will do the rest.

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What affects your business gas rate

Your business gas unit rate is the sum of several components. Understanding what drives each one helps you time your contract renewal and avoid the most expensive windows of the year. The rate table above reflects the wholesale market as at August 2026; you can watch the live NBP price and the full forward curve to 2032 on our live wholesale market data page, updated every trading day.

Wholesale commodity cost

The bulk of your unit rate reflects the wholesale price of gas on the UK National Balancing Point (NBP) market, published daily by ICE Futures Europe. Wholesale gas is priced in pence per therm and converted to p/kWh before suppliers apply their margin. The wholesale cost typically accounts for 40 to 60% of your total bill.

Non-commodity costs

These are the regulated charges that fund the gas transportation network, meter operations, and policy levies. They include National Transmission System (NTS) exit charges, Local Distribution Zone (LDZ) charges, the gas meter reading charge, and any Independent Gas Transporter surcharge. Non-commodity costs are typically 20 to 30% of a business gas bill and are set by the gas transporters and Ofgem. Our non-commodity costs explainer walks through each charge in detail.

Standing charges

A daily fixed fee, charged in pence per day regardless of usage, covering the fixed cost of connecting your premises to the gas network. Standing charges are higher on IGT networks and on large Daily Metered (DM) sites where gas is read each day. Standing charges have risen steadily since 2021 as network operators have recovered the cost of the supplier failures during the 2021 to 2022 energy crisis.

Credit rating and payment profile

Suppliers price for credit risk. A business with a strong balance sheet, clean payment history and a long trading record will secure a lower unit rate than a business with CCJs, late payments or a short filing history. Companies House accounts and Experian commercial credit scores are the main references used. Deposit requirements and monthly direct debit terms are also driven by credit rating.

Consumption profile and contract length

The pattern of your gas use matters as much as the volume. A hotel with a flat load profile secures better rates than a school with peaky winter demand. Longer contracts (3 to 5 years) usually price lower per kWh than a 12 month deal because suppliers price in less near-term wholesale risk. The Climate Change Levy (CCL) is also charged on business gas at a rate published by HMRC each April.

Why use Purely Energy as your business gas broker

We are a B-Corp certified, ISO 9001 accredited business energy consultancy based in Warrington. We manage over 2,000 sites and £100M+ of annual energy spend for 500+ UK businesses. Here is what sets us apart from a typical third-party intermediary.

Whole-of-market panel

Every quote is tendered across our full panel, including Drax, EDF, British Gas, SSE, Total, Crown Gas & Power, Pozitive Energy, Corona Energy, SEFE and Yu Energy. We are not owned by a supplier and we do not tie ourselves to any single wholesaler.

Transparent commissions

Every quote shows the wholesale price, non-commodity costs, supplier margin and our margin separately, disclosed in writing before you sign. No hidden loadings, no inflated standing charges to pad broker income.

B-Corp and ISO 9001 certified

We are independently verified for social and environmental performance (B-Corp) and for the quality of our procurement and account management processes (ISO 9001).

Full contract support, not just procurement

Once you switch, our client services team validates every bill, handles supplier queries, and flags your next renewal at least 12 months ahead. Most brokers book the contract and disappear. We stay.

Frequently asked questions

The questions UK businesses ask us most about gas procurement, pricing and switching, answered by our Warrington procurement team.

What is the average business gas rate?
As at August 2026, indicative business gas unit rates sit in the region of 3 to 4p/kWh for large businesses up to 4 to 5p/kWh for micro businesses, with daily standing charges between roughly 25p and 150p. Wholesale gas trades daily on the NBP, so any single point figure goes stale within weeks. The figures here are wholesale-led averages across the Purely Energy panel, refreshed monthly, and are offered as a guide only. Your own rate depends on your meter type, postcode, annual consumption, credit rating and contract length. For a binding quote, run an instant tender from the quick-quote box on our homepage or request a callback from our procurement team, and we will tender your consumption across every supplier on our panel.
How do I compare business gas suppliers?
Pull your most recent bill, note your annual kWh consumption, contract end date and MPRN (the 6 to 11 digit Meter Point Reference Number). Give those details to a broker like Purely Energy and we will run a whole-of-market comparison across our panel, which includes Drax, EDF, British Gas, SSE, Total, Crown, Pozitive, Corona, SEFE and Yu Energy. We present every quote with the wholesale price, non-commodity costs, supplier margin and our margin shown separately, so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
Do I pay VAT on business gas?
Most businesses pay the standard 20% VAT rate on gas. You can qualify for the reduced 5% rate if you are a registered charity or not-for-profit, or if your premises uses less than 4,397 kWh of gas per month (roughly 52,764 kWh per year). If you think you qualify, ask your supplier for a VAT declaration form. HMRC publishes the full eligibility rules in VAT Notice 701/19. The Climate Change Levy (CCL) is also charged on business gas at a rate set by HMRC each April.
What are deemed or out-of-contract rates?
If your fixed contract ends and you do nothing, your supplier moves you onto deemed or out-of-contract rates. These rates are typically 2 to 3 times the rate you were paying under your fixed deal. Ofgem requires suppliers to publish deemed rates on their websites and on your bill. The only way to avoid them is to either sign a new contract or switch supplier before your end date. Purely Energy flags every client renewal at least 12 months ahead of the end date.
Can I switch business gas supplier mid-contract?
Generally no. Business gas contracts are legally binding for the full term you sign for, and exiting early usually triggers termination charges that wipe out any saving. The window to switch is after you receive your renewal notice, typically 6 to 12 months before your contract end date. Micro businesses have protections under the Ofgem Microbusiness Strategic Review, including simpler contract terms and a cooling-off period on telephone sales.
How long is a typical business gas contract?
Business gas fixed-price contracts typically run for 1 to 5 years. Shorter terms (1 to 2 years) let you retender more often if wholesale prices fall; longer terms (3 to 5 years) lock in certainty and usually secure a lower unit rate because suppliers price in less near-term risk. Our trading desk typically recommends 2 to 3 year fixes for mid-market clients. You can read more about term selection in our guide on fixed-price energy tariffs.
Does my meter type affect my gas rate?
Yes. Premises with an Independent Gas Transporter (IGT) meter usually pay a higher standing charge, because IGT costs are not always included in comparison quotes until contract stage. Sites supplied through the main National Gas Transmission network typically see lower standing charges. Daily metered (DM) sites above 73,200 kWh annually are also charged differently and require a daily read. Always check which network your MPRN sits on before comparing quotes.
Do smart meters change my business gas rate?
A smart meter does not change your unit rate or standing charge directly, but it does remove estimated bills by sending half-hourly or daily reads to your supplier. SMETS2 smart meters work across all suppliers, while older SMETS1 meters can lose smart functionality when you switch, reverting to manual reads until the national DCC upgrade completes. The government target is for the bulk of the SMETS1 migration to be finished by end of 2026.
What happens if I pay a gas bill late?
Most business gas suppliers charge late payment interest from the day after the bill due date, and can issue a disconnection warning after 28 days. Interest rates vary by supplier but typically sit at 8% above Bank of England base rate for statutory late commercial payments. Repeat late payment also damages your credit rating with energy suppliers, which will push up the rate you are quoted at renewal. If you are struggling, contact your supplier early; most will agree a payment plan.
Can I cancel a business gas contract?
Once signed, a business gas contract is legally binding for the full term. Micro businesses have a 14 day cooling-off period on contracts sold over the phone, introduced under the Ofgem Microbusiness Strategic Review. Outside that window, cancellation before the end date almost always triggers termination charges. The right to cancel applies only at the contract end date, during the switching window your supplier is required to confirm in your renewal notice.
Who is the cheapest business gas supplier?
There is no single cheapest business gas supplier. Every supplier prices each site on its own consumption profile, meter type, gas network, credit rating and contract length, and the supplier that is sharpest for a small retailer this month is often not the sharpest for a manufacturer next month. That is why we tender every quote across the whole panel rather than pointing you at one name: the cheapest supplier for your business is the one that wins your tender on the day, with every margin shown.
Do I need a Letter of Authority to get business gas quotes?
A Letter of Authority (LOA) lets Purely Energy ask your current supplier for the information a tender needs: your annual consumption, contract end date, MPRN and current rates. It does not allow anyone to switch you or sign a contract on your behalf; you sign every contract yourself. If you would rather not sign an LOA, send us a recent bill instead, which carries the same details.
Can I put several sites or meters on one business gas contract?
Yes. A multi-site or basket contract brings several meters under one agreement, aligns the contract end dates and consolidates billing, which is usually the point at which a portfolio starts to attract better pricing. We tender portfolios as a whole and can also structure flex or pass-through arrangements for larger groups of sites through our I&C desk.
I am moving into new premises. What happens to the gas supply?
From the day you take responsibility for the premises you are supplied by the incumbent supplier on deemed rates, which are typically well above a contracted rate. Take an opening meter read, tell the supplier you have moved in, and arrange a contract as soon as you can: because there is no contract in place you are free to switch without termination charges. Send us the MPRN and a first bill and we will tender it.
What happens to my supply on the day I switch business gas supplier?
Nothing physical changes. The same pipes, meter and gas transporter serve your premises before and after the switch; only the company billing you changes. Supply is not interrupted and nobody needs to visit, unless you have separately asked for a meter exchange.
Does my credit rating affect the business gas rates I am offered?
Yes. Suppliers run a credit check before they price a contract. A strong balance sheet and clean payment history attract lower unit rates and more offers; a weak score, CCJs or a short filing history can mean a higher unit rate, a security deposit or a requirement to pay by monthly direct debit, and some suppliers may decline to quote. If your credit position has changed recently, tell us before we tender so we can approach the suppliers most likely to price competitively.
What is a rollover contract and can I avoid it?
Some suppliers automatically renew you onto a new fixed term if you do not give notice before the renewal window closes, usually at a rate well above what a tender would achieve. Your renewal notice must state your contract end date and the notice period. Diarise it, tell your supplier in writing that you do not want to renew, and tender early. Purely Energy serves the termination notice for clients and flags every renewal at least 12 months ahead, so the window never closes unnoticed.

Explore more

Tools, guides and case studies that go with this page

Whether you are doing a desk-tender comparison, mapping your non-commodity costs, or just checking what the wholesale market is doing this week, here is the rest of the toolkit our team builds on every day.

Tendering the other fuel too?

Compare business electricity rates

Most of our clients tender both fuels at the same time. The electricity page mirrors this one.

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Tools and data

Run the numbers yourself

Energy Hub guides

Read the briefings our team uses

Real outcomes and services

How we deliver

Recent case studies

Beyond procurement

All case studies

Market pulse

Wholesale gas pulse

What is moving NBP day-ahead and the forward curve right now, and what it means for your next gas tender.

Live wholesale pricesView NBP gas detail
NESO

94% of GB gas supply came from UK and Norwegian fields in July

NESO puts July supply at 94% from UK and Norwegian fields, 4% LNG imports and 2% storage withdrawals. Low LNG reliance keeps NBP exposure to global cargo competition limited for now.

Read at NESO
DESNZ

Gas-fired generation down 17% year on year, DESNZ reports for March to May

Gas supplied 29.4% of Major Power Producer generation in March to May 2026, with gas generation down 17% on a year earlier. Indigenous energy production fell 5.0%, tightening domestic supply.

Read at DESNZ
Ofgem

RIIO-3 gas distribution price control now in force (April 2026 to March 2031)

Ofgem's final determinations approved £28.1 billion of upfront network funding. The new GDN charges flow into the standing charges and small unit-rate uplifts on every NBP-priced business contract for the next five years.

Read at Ofgem

Ready to tender your business gas?

Send us your most recent bill and we will compare business gas prices across the whole market the same day. No obligation, no fee until you sign. Learn more about our fixed, flex, green and insights products, or read our guide on half-hourly metering and the impact of VAT and the Climate Change Levy on business energy bills. You can also check which energy cost reduction schemes your company qualifies for by typing its name.

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