Energy suppliers for businesses

ollieT

Can anyone explain the differences between domestic price plans and business price plans for utilities bills?

The small company I work for is making the move from a serviced office to leasing a new build office. The developer has asked us who our gas and electric supplier will be, but I'm not really sure where to start with gathering quotes. What information will a company require to quote (I don't have a postcode yet and obviously there is no existing meter)? Also are there any pitfalls to avoid/things I should think about before calling any companies to discuss a quote?

If anyone can give me any tips, they will be very gratefully received!

chalkie99

There is a "sticky" thead near the top of this section that you may not have noticed so, perhaps, start by having a read through that:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2103023

One thing we have found is that the online quote sites are a blooming nuisance and that rather than give you a quote online, they actually want to get your 'phone number after which they bombard you with calls. We also found that it was actually cheaper to go direct to the energy company as they quoted much cheaper direct than through the comparison sites as they don't have to pay the commission to those sites.

paulwf

chalkie99 wrote: »

There is a "sticky" thead near the top of this section that you may not have noticed so, perhaps, start by having a read through that:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2103023

One thing we have found is that the online quote sites are a blooming nuisance and that rather than give you a quote online, they actually want to get your 'phone number after which they bombard you with calls. We also found that it was actually cheaper to go direct to the energy company as they quoted much cheaper direct than through the comparison sites as they don't have to pay the commission to those sites.

Just for balance I found that the price comparison companies got me a better deal than asking the companies directly. There is of course no harm in using both approaches and playing one off against the other.

I agree about being bombarded with calls, if you have a spare mobile it might be worth picking up a free SIM and using that while you deal with all the various utilities.

As to what the companies will require to get a quote...it is probably best to give them a call and they should be able to tell you. I would suggest not getting locked into a contract longer than 1 year to start with, then if you have problems you can soon walk.

Quat

I've always gone through a broker and managed to get a great deal. A couple of phone calls and e-mails and they take care of everything else.