How The Iran Situation Is Affecting Energy Prices

/

Dear Customer,

We wanted to share a quick update on developments in global energy markets following the escalating conflict across the Middle East.

Oil prices have now moved above $100 per barrel, with markets particularly concerned about potential disruption to the Strait of Hormuz — a key global shipping route responsible for transporting around 20% of the world’s oil and large volumes of liquefied natural gas.

For UK energy customers, global fuel costs directly influence wholesale gas and electricity prices. While it’s too early to predict the full impact, geopolitical instability often leads to rapid price movement and increased volatility in energy markets.

We’re already seeing signs of this.

Several suppliers on our platform are now withdrawing and replacing tariffs within the same day. However, some competitive deals are still available, including:

• Business gas from under 4p per kWh

• Business electricity from under 23p per kWh

• A limited number of zero standing charge tariffs

Although instant prices are available, we recommend submitting a bespoke request form to access a wider range of supplier offers and secure the most competitive options.

For home energy customers, there are still some good fixed-price contracts available, but the range is starting to narrow. If you’re currently on a variable tariff, this may be a good time to consider fixing a deal to avoid potential price increases.

If you’d like a quote, help reviewing your contract, or advice on renewal timing, our team is here to help.

New Business Start Up Advice

/

When you’re starting a new business, there’s a lot to do.

One thing that’s all too easy to overlook in the early days is your energy use. But make no mistake about it, getting your energy use under control from the start isn’t just good for the planet, it’s great for your bottom line too.

Being energy efficient doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, there are plenty of simple, low-cost (or even free) actions you can take.

We’ve put together 10 tips to help you keep on top of your energy bills and hold on to your new, hard-earned income.

1. Get on the right energy tariff

One of the first things you should do is make sure you choose the best energy tariff. It might not be the most glamorous task, but it’s one that can have a big impact on your business’s costs.

Think about when your business uses energy. Are you a strictly 9-to-5 operation? Do you have storage heaters or other equipment that charge up overnight?  This matters because some tariffs offer cheaper rates at night and choosing the right one could save you money. You can check the different tariff prices for your business here.

Check out some top tips to test your tariff. Spending a little time comparing options now could cut your running costs from day one.

 

2. Put together an environmental policy

A good environmental policy is becoming increasingly necessary for doing business. It’s likely to be something you will be asked for. Don’t worry though, writing one doesn’t need to be a difficult job and once done it will help you communicate your environmental credentials to potential customers.

Here’s some guidance and a few examples to show you how to do it.

 

3. Monitor your energy use

Once your business has been up and running for a little while, you’ll start to get a feel for what your energy bills should look like each month. That’s when tracking becomes useful.

If your usage suddenly spikes, you’ll be able to ask the right questions. Was the heating left on overnight? Has a timer broken? Is there a fault causing equipment to waste energy?

Whatever the reason, measuring and monitoring your energy use gives you the heads-up you need to stamp out these profit monsters quickly and stay in control of your bills.

Try this free energy usage tracker will help you do that.

 

4. Get your heating system serviced

In the early days of your business, the last thing you want is a large and unexpected bill – the kind you might get if your heating system where to suddenly breakdown. So it can pay to get your heating system checked and serviced by a registered technician.

Sure, everything might be working fine now, but what about next month? Or in the middle of winter when you really need it?

A little maintenance now could save you a lot of hassle and money down the line.

 

5. Save at home

Going to be working from home a lot? Perhaps in the early days, you’re planning on setting up your business from home full time. Even then, you can still make sustainability part of your journey from day one.

You’ll find some quick IT energy-saving tips here. Plus you can find the best home energy tariff here too

And don’t forget to get in touch with Home Energy Scotland to make your home more energy efficient too.

 

6. Get your team on board

If you are planning to grow your business with new recruits, a larger team is going to impact on your energy bills and wider resource use.

Whether it’s remembering to switch off lights, using equipment efficiently, or spotting areas where energy might be wasted, a team that’s engaged will help reduce your energy use and keep costs down.

When your staff understands what you’re aiming for and why, they’re much more likely to support your energy-saving efforts. This Staff Engagement Toolkit is packed with useful resources to help you do just that.

 

7. Train to be a Green Champion

Boost your knowledge and learn the skills that will help you run a greener business with Business Gateway’s free online Green Champions training course.

It’s CPD-certified and packed with practical advice to help you save energy – and save water and reduce waste too.

Over 1,600 professionals across Scotland have already taken part, why not join them?

 

8. Choose sustainable travel options

Choosing low-emission and sustainable travel options can help your business reduce fuel bills and avoid charges in Low Emission Zones (LEZs).

And there’s several loans and grants available from the Scottish Government that may help you in this area. You’ll find a handy round up here (at the time of writing, this includes a loan to purchase electric vans, funding to help businesses near LEZs retrofit non-compliant vehicles, and more).

 

9. Learn from other businesses

Plenty of businesses have already made energy-saving upgrades, so why not learn from their experience? Reach out to others who’ve made similar improvements and find out what worked, what didn’t and what to watch out for.

Learning from others can help you avoid common pitfalls and make your own journey smoother. The Green Network for Businesses is a great place to look – it connects you with like-minded organisations across Scotland who are happy to share their insights.

 

10. Get tailored advice from an energy expert

Remember, Business Energy Scotland energy advisors are there to help you make your business’s premises as energy efficient as possible. From lighting to heating to taking advantage of renewables, they’ll show you the steps to take to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.

What’s more, once you’ve been trading for 12 months, you can use your summary report to apply for funding for eligible measures from the Scottish Government’s SME Loan Scheme.

It’s never too early to get the ball rolling and request support for your business.

How to compare and choose the best business electricity deal

/

What is the best business electricity deal?

The best business electricity deal depends on how much electricity your business uses, when you use it, and how long you want to fix your prices for. A deal with the lowest unit rate isn’t always the cheapest overall — standing charges, contract length, and usage patterns all affect the total cost. Comparing multiple suppliers at once is the easiest way to find the most cost-effective option.

How can I compare business electricity prices?

You can compare business electricity prices by reviewing quotes from multiple suppliers based on your annual usage, meter type, and contract preferences. Using a business energy comparison service allows you to see available deals side-by-side and often provides access to exclusive tariffs not available directly from suppliers.

Can small businesses switch electricity suppliers?

Yes, small businesses can switch electricity suppliers in the same way as larger organisations. Sole traders, limited companies, and SMEs are all eligible to compare and switch business electricity deals, often saving money by avoiding expensive out-of-contract rates.

Will my electricity supply be interrupted if I switch?

No. Switching business electricity suppliers does not interrupt your power supply. Your electricity continues to be delivered through the same national grid — only the company billing you changes.

When is the best time to switch business electricity?

The best time to switch is usually within the final 1–6 months of your current contract, depending on supplier rules. Switching during this renewal window helps you avoid automatic roll-overs onto higher default tariffs.

What happens if my business electricity contract ends?

If your contract ends without a new deal in place, you’ll typically be moved onto a variable out-of-contract rate, which is usually more expensive. Setting reminders or using a comparison service can help ensure you switch before this happens.

Are fixed-rate business electricity contracts better?

Fixed-rate contracts offer price certainty and protection from market fluctuations, making them a popular choice for budgeting. However, flexible or variable tariffs may suit businesses that are comfortable with changing prices. The best option depends on your risk tolerance and energy usage.

Can I get a green business electricity deal?

Yes. Many suppliers offer 100% renewable business electricity tariffs sourced from wind, solar, or hydro power. In many cases, green business energy deals cost the same as standard tariffs, making them an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Do I need a smart meter to switch business electricity?

No, you don’t need a smart meter to switch suppliers. However, having one can make billing more accurate and help you better understand your energy usage over time.

How much can my business save by switching electricity suppliers?

Savings vary depending on usage and current rates, but many businesses save hundreds or even thousands of pounds per year by switching at the right time and securing a competitive fixed-rate deal.

Is it free to compare business electricity deals?

Yes. Comparing business electricity deals through a comparison service like PowerSwitch is free, with no obligation to switch.

How To Compare The Best Home Energy Deals

/

Quick answer:
To compare the best energy deals, you need to look at your annual energy usage, compare unit rates and standing charges, understand tariff types, and use a trusted comparison service that shows the full cost — not just headline prices.

With energy prices still unpredictable, switching energy suppliers remains one of the simplest ways to reduce household bills. Yet many households stay on expensive default tariffs simply because comparing energy deals feels confusing or time-consuming.

This guide explains exactly how to compare energy deals step by step — and how to make sure switching genuinely saves you money.

Why Is It Important to Compare Energy Deals?

Energy suppliers regularly introduce new tariffs, discounts, and incentives. At the same time, many households remain on standard variable tariffs, which are often among the most expensive options available.

By comparing energy deals, you can:

  • Reduce your annual energy bills

  • Avoid overpaying when fixed deals end

  • Access greener or smarter tariffs

  • Stay in control as prices change

For most households, checking energy deals at least once a year can lead to meaningful savings.

What Information Do You Need to Compare Energy Deals?

To get accurate comparisons, you’ll need:

  • Your postcode

  • Your current supplier and tariff type

  • Your estimated annual gas and electricity usage (kWh)

If you don’t know your exact usage, most comparison tools can estimate it based on your household size and property type. This is usually accurate enough for reliable results.

Important: Annual usage matters more than unit price alone. A tariff that looks cheap can still cost more overall if standing charges are high.

How Do You Compare Energy Deals Properly?

1. Look at Unit Rates

The unit rate is the price you pay per kWh of gas or electricity. Lower unit rates usually benefit higher-usage households the most.

2. Check Standing Charges

Standing charges are daily fees you pay regardless of usage. Some tariffs offset low unit rates with higher standing charges, increasing the total annual cost.

3. Compare Total Annual Cost

Monthly estimates can be misleading. Always compare the full annual cost based on your usage — this gives a more accurate picture of value.

Should You Choose a Fixed or Variable Energy Tariff?

Fixed-Rate Tariffs

  • Prices are locked in for 12–24 months

  • Easier to budget

  • Protect against price rises

Variable Tariffs

  • Prices change with the market

  • Usually no exit fees

  • Can increase during volatile periods

For most households, a competitive fixed tariff offers greater peace of mind — especially when energy prices are uncertain.

Are Exit Fees and Contract Length Important?

Yes. When comparing energy deals, always check:

  • How long the tariff lasts

  • Whether there are exit fees for leaving early

Exit fees can reduce savings if you need to switch again before the contract ends.

Does Supplier Reputation Matter?

Price is important, but service quality also affects your experience. When comparing suppliers, consider:

  • Customer reviews

  • Billing accuracy

  • Smart meter support

  • Payment options such as direct debit or prepayment

The cheapest deal isn’t always the best if customer service problems cost you time and stress later.

Are Green Energy Tariffs More Expensive?

Not anymore.

Many renewable electricity tariffs now cost the same as standard options. Some suppliers also offer:

  • 100% renewable electricity

  • Carbon-offset gas

  • Smart tariffs with cheaper off-peak rates

  • EV-friendly plans

Switching to a greener tariff often doesn’t mean paying more.

What Is the Best Way to Compare Energy Deals?

The easiest and safest way is to use a trusted energy comparison website that:

  • Compares the whole market

  • Shows full costs, including standing charges

  • Filters deals based on your priorities

  • Handles the switch with no disruption to supply

Switching energy supplier is free, safe, and usually takes less than five minutes.

Common Energy Comparison Mistakes to Avoid

  • Only comparing monthly estimates

  • Ignoring standing charges

  • Forgetting when fixed deals end

  • Avoiding switching out of habit

Energy loyalty rarely leads to lower bills — regular comparison does.

How Often Should You Compare Energy Deals?

You should compare energy deals:

  • Once a year

  • When your fixed tariff is ending

  • After major price changes

  • If your household usage changes

Even if you don’t switch, comparing keeps you informed and prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my energy supply be interrupted if I switch?
No. Your gas and electricity supply remains on throughout the switch.

Does switching energy supplier affect my credit score?
No. Switching does not impact your credit rating.

How long does switching take?
Typically between 5 and 21 days.

Can renters switch energy suppliers?
Yes, as long as you pay the energy bills.

Final Answer: How Do You Find the Best Energy Deal?

The best energy deal is the one with:

  • The lowest total annual cost

  • A tariff length that suits your needs

  • Transparent pricing

  • A reliable supplier

Comparing energy deals regularly remains one of the simplest ways to reduce household bills and stay in control of your energy costs.