Finding the right gas deal for a business is not always as simple as choosing the lowest price you can find. Different companies have different energy needs, and a tariff that works well for one business may be a poor fit for another.
The amount of gas you use, the size of your premises and the way your business operates can all affect which option makes sense. It is also important to look at the small print, rather than judging a deal on the headline rate alone.
Have a Clear Picture of Your Gas Use
Before looking at new deals, take some time to understand your current gas consumption. Your recent bills should give you a useful starting point, particularly if they are based on actual meter readings.
Think about when most of your gas is being used, too. A café or restaurant may rely heavily on gas for cooking, while an office might use most of its supply for heating. A warehouse could have a completely different pattern again.
Getting a realistic idea of your annual usage will make comparing tariffs much easier. It can also flag up anything unusual, such as a sudden increase in consumption that needs to be investigated.
Decide How Much Certainty You Want
One of the main decisions is whether you want a fixed or more flexible contract.
A fixed-rate deal gives you a set unit price for an agreed period. For businesses that need predictable costs, this can make budgeting easier and provide some protection from price changes during the contract.
Flexible contracts can give businesses more freedom, but there may be greater uncertainty over what they will pay in the future. Whether that is suitable depends on your company’s circumstances and how comfortable you are with changing energy costs.
Consider your plans as well. If you expect to stay in the same premises and want stability, a longer fixed arrangement may be worth considering. If your circumstances are likely to change, flexibility could be more useful.
Do Not Judge a Deal by the Unit Rate Alone
The unit price is important, but it is only part of the total cost.
Check the standing charge and any other fees included in the agreement. You should also find out what happens when the contract ends, as well as whether there are costs involved if you need to leave the agreement early.
Two tariffs can appear similar at first glance but work out quite differently once all the charges are taken into account. Looking at the overall cost gives you a much better basis for comparison.
Look at the Supplier as Well
Cost should not be the only consideration when choosing a business gas supplier.
Good customer service can make a real difference when there is a problem with a bill, meter or supply. Check how easy the supplier is to contact and whether existing customers have generally had a positive experience.
Clear bills and straightforward communication may not seem important when everything is running smoothly, but they can save a lot of time when something needs sorting out.
Consider What Your Business Might Look Like Next Year
Your energy requirements could change sooner than you expect. You might move to larger premises, extend your opening hours or install new equipment that uses gas.
On the other hand, improving insulation or replacing older heating equipment could reduce your consumption.
It is worth thinking about these possibilities before committing to a contract, particularly if you are considering a longer-term deal. You do not want to choose an arrangement based entirely on today’s circumstances if your business is likely to change significantly.
Compare the Full Deal
Once you know how much gas you use and what you need from a contract, compare business gas suppliers and their offers carefully. Look at the pricing, contract length, charges and terms together rather than focusing on a single figure.
The best business gas option is not necessarily the cheapest tariff on paper. It is the one that fits your company’s usage, budget and plans without leaving you tied to terms that do not work for the way your business operates.
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