Business electricity prices, explained line by line.
Whether you run one shop on a standard meter or a site on half-hourly settlement, we get quotes based on how you actually use power — and explain the unit rate, standing charge and terms before you decide.
Your MPAN, decoded
The number that tells a supplier everything about your meter.
The Meter Point Administration Number appears on every business electricity bill. Get it right on a quote request and you get accurate prices first time.
- 1
Profile class. 03–04 are typical small business meters, 05–08 are maximum-demand meters, 00 means half-hourly.
- 2
Meter time-switch code. Shows how many registers your meter has and when they switch (e.g. day/night).
- 3
Line loss factor. Used to calculate network charges for your supply.
- 4
Core (13 digits). Identifies your supply point and network area. This is the part suppliers need most.
ILLUSTRATIVE NUMBERS
Which electricity meter do you have?
Different meters, different contracts.
| Meter | How it’s billed | Typical site | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single rate | One unit rate, any time of day. | Shops, offices, small units. | Unit rate and standing charge together. |
| Economy 7 / day-night | Cheaper night units, higher day units. | Sites with storage heating or overnight processes. | Is enough of your use actually at night? |
| Maximum demand | Charges reflect your peak demand as well as usage. | Larger premises and light industry. | Capacity agreed versus capacity used. |
| Half-hourly | Usage recorded every 30 minutes; time-of-use pricing. | High-usage and multi-site businesses. | Capacity, peak-time charges and data accuracy. |
Business electricity FAQs
Good questions.
Where do I find my MPAN?
On your electricity bill, usually in a box marked “S” or labelled “Supply number”. It has a top line and a bottom line — the 13-digit bottom line is the core number that identifies your supply point.
What is a half-hourly meter?
A meter that records how much electricity you use in every 30-minute period. Half-hourly sites are typically larger users, and their contracts reflect when power is used as well as how much.
Why is my standing charge so high?
Standing charges cover fixed costs such as network and metering, and they vary between suppliers and regions. A deal with a low unit rate can carry a high standing charge, which is why we compare total annual cost.
Do I pay VAT at 20% or 5% on business electricity?
Most businesses pay 20%. If you use less than 33 kWh of electricity a day on average, or qualify as a charity for non-business use, the reduced 5% rate may apply. Your supplier applies VAT, not us.
Can I get a renewable electricity contract?
Yes, where suppliers offer them. Ask how the tariff is backed — for example by certified renewable generation — so you can report it accurately.