Guide to finding the best commercial gas prices

1.    About Commercial Gas Prices
Commercial gas prices for small businesses consist of a fixed unit rate, ranging from around 2p to 6p per 'kilowatt hour' (kWh) and usually a standing charge (from 5p to £1 per day). Commercial gas prices are also subject to two types of tax, firstly the Climate Change Levy (CCL) - which has been revised several times since it was introduced in 2001 but for commercial gas currently stands at 0.164p/kWh - and secondly via VAT.

2.    Which Supplier
If, for example, you are new to a property and don't know who your current supplier is, Make It Cheaper can usually find out for you while you are on the phone (0800 970 0077) and give you a business gas and electricity price comparison at the same time. Alternatively you can try Exoserve (0870 608 1524) which is jointly owned by the five major gas distribution networks (National Grid Transco, Northern Gas Networks, Scotland Gas Networks, Southern Gas Networks and Wales & West Utilities).

3.    Your MPR
You will also need to know your 10 digit meter point reference number (MPR) which is printed on a bill or, again, is available by calling Make it Cheaper. This can unlock information about your consumption, your supply area and what the cheapest business gas prices are available to you at the time of your call.

4.    Contract End Date
Before you can switch to the cheapest commercial gas prices, you will need to serve notice on any outstanding contract you have in place. Unless you are out-of-contract (eg new to property) you'll need to do this in writing well ahead of your contract end date.  Either call your supplier and ask when this date falls or use the free Make It Cheaper contract checking service which will establish your current contract business gas and business electricity positions on your behalf.

5.    Renewal Window
Once you have your contract end date, you will be able to work out when your renewal window opens so that you give the right amount of notice. Be warned though, this can be as much as 120 days before your contract is due to expire. Our Window Checker - or one of our phone-based advisors can help - plus provide you with a template notice letter to send to your supplier. 

6.    Get Quotes
There are 11,000 different business gas and electricity tariffs out there - with the difference between the cheapest and most expensive commercial gas prices being threefold - so it makes sense to get some help. Armed with the right information, Make It Cheaper can quote over the phone (always confirmed by email) with the best business gas prices from across the whole business energy market.

7.    Your AQ
One important variable to determine the best business gas prices for you is your Annual Quantity, or AQ. This is an estimate of future consumption of commercial gas at your property, based on historical consumption and is calculated by the distribution network, National Grid Transco. Again, we can get this figure for you while you are on the phone to us.

8.    Length of Contract
As well as AQ, other variables that determine which commercial gas prices each business is eligible for include: geographic area, payment method, company credit score and the length of contract you choose from one, two or three years.

9.    Verbal  Contract
If you would like to accept any of our business gas or electricity quotes, this can be done with your Make It Cheaper advisor in a five minute verbal contract over the phone, with all the paperwork then taken care of on your behalf to see the switch is carried out smoothly. Job done!

10.    Staying Savvy
Well, not quite. Staying on the best rates relies on being in position to switch again at the end of a contract - ie having served notice. We will get back in touch during your renewal window to advise on dates and the best available business gas prices going forward. None of this costs you a penny, not even the phone call and our advisors are at your service Monday to Fridays 8.30am to 6pm.