As a business owner, it's important to find the right electricity tariff for your business to ensure that you are paying a fair price for your energy. There are a variety of business electricity tariffs available, and choosing the right one can be a complex process. In this article, we will discuss the different types of business electricity tariffs and provide tips on how to choose the best one for your business.
Fixed-Rate Tariffs
A fixed-rate tariff is a business electricity tariff that charges a set rate for electricity, regardless of the time of day or year. With a fixed-rate tariff, you know exactly how much you will be paying for your energy, which can help you budget and plan for the future.
However, fixed-rate tariffs may not be the best option for businesses that use a lot of energy during peak hours, as these tariffs may charge higher rates for energy during these times. Additionally, fixed-rate tariffs may not offer as much flexibility as other tariffs, as you are locked into a set rate for a predetermined period of time.
Variable-Rate Tariffs
A variable-rate tariff is a business electricity tariff that charges different rates for electricity depending on the time of day or year. With a variable-rate tariff, you may pay less for energy during off-peak hours and more during peak hours.
Variable-rate tariffs can be a good option for businesses that use a lot of energy during off-peak hours, as they can take advantage of lower rates during these times. However, these tariffs may not be as predictable as fixed-rate tariffs, as the rates can change frequently.
Time-of-Use Tariffs
A time-of-use tariff is a business electricity tariff that charges different rates for electricity depending on the time of day it is used. With a time-of-use tariff, you may pay less for energy during off-peak hours and more during peak hours.
Time-of-use tariffs can be a good option for businesses that use a lot of energy during off-peak hours, as they can take advantage of lower rates during these times. However, these tariffs may not be as predictable as fixed-rate tariffs, as the rates can change frequently.
Seasonal Tariffs
A seasonal tariff is a business electricity tariff that charges different rates for electricity depending on the season. With a seasonal tariff, you may pay more for energy during the summer and less during the winter.
Seasonal tariffs can be a good option for businesses that use a lot of energy during the summer, as they can take advantage of lower rates during the winter. However, these tariffs may not be as predictable as fixed-rate tariffs, as the rates can change based on the season.
Demand Tariffs
A demand tariff is a business electricity tariff that charges different rates for electricity based on the amount of energy you use at any given time. With a demand tariff, you may pay more for energy when you are using a lot of energy and less when you are using less.
Demand tariffs can be a good option for businesses that use a lot of energy during peak hours, as they can take advantage of lower rates during off-peak hours. However, these tariffs may not be as predictable as fixed-rate tariffs, as the rates can change based on your energy usage.
Tips for Choosing the Best Tariff
When choosing the best business electricity tariff for your business, there are a few factors to consider:
- Your energy usage patterns: Consider how much energy your business uses and when you use it. If you use a lot of energy during peak hours, a demand tariff may be a good option. If you use less energy during peak hours and more during off-peak hours, an off-peak tariff could save you money.
- Your current electricity supplier: Make sure to compare prices between different suppliers when choosing a new business electricity tariff as well as any other additional services you might need such as metering or billing.
- The type of business you run: If your business consumes a lot of energy and uses it in a way that isn’t easily measured, such as for heating or cooling, you may be eligible for an exemption from the energy efficiency obligations. This means you won’t have to make any changes to reduce your electricity usage.
- The size of your business: The more electricity you use, the higher your bill will be. If you run a small business that uses less than 3 megawatt hours of electricity per year, you may be eligible for an exemption from the energy efficiency obligations.
Conclusion
If you think you qualify for an exemption, it’s best to check with your energy supplier. They will be able to tell you whether or not the exemption applies to your business. Moreover, you can seek help from professionals from reliable platforms like Business Energy Comparison to ensure getting the best energy rates in your area.