Calculator Methodology & Trust Standards

Independent UK business energy calculator providing free commercial electricity and gas cost estimates for UK companies.

Last reviewed:

GDPR compliant

Calculations run in your browser — no business data stored or transmitted.

Ofgem-aligned data

Default tariffs based on published UK non-domestic supply market indicators.

UK-wide coverage

Regional adjustments for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Free & independent

No sign-up, no account, and no obligation to switch suppliers.

25+ business sectors

Industry-specific consumption benchmarks from Carbon Trust and DESNZ data.

Regularly reviewed

Tariff defaults and sector benchmarks reviewed and updated quarterly.

Tariff data and benchmarks last reviewed

How This Commercial Electricity Calculator Works

Our UK commercial electricity calculator estimates annual business energy costs using sector-specific consumption benchmarks (kWh per square metre), your premises size, operating hours, staff count, and regional tariff adjustments. Default unit rates and standing charges reflect current average non-domestic tariffs published by Ofgem.

Results are shown as a low-to-high range (±12%) to account for differences in equipment efficiency, building age, and usage patterns. For a precise figure, enter your actual unit rate and standing charge from a recent bill.

Data Sources

Privacy & GDPR

All calculations run locally in your browser. We do not store, process, or share any business data you enter. No account or sign-up is required. If you choose to compare supplier quotes via our partner link, you will be subject to that provider's privacy policy. See our cookie policy for details on analytics cookies.

Estimates are for guidance only and do not constitute financial or energy supply advice. Actual costs depend on your supplier, contract terms, and meter readings.

Calculation Formula

Annual kWh = premises size (sqm) × sector kWh/sqm × hours factor × staff factor × peak multiplier

Annual cost = (kWh × unit rate p/kWh ÷ 100) + (standing charge p/day × 365 ÷ 100)

Cost range = base cost ± 12% uncertainty margin

Hours factor adjusts for operating hours relative to a 45-hour baseline (range 0.6–1.8). Staff factor adds 1.5% per employee (range 0.85–1.6). Regional multipliers apply to standing charges in Scotland and unit rates in Northern Ireland.

UK Commercial Electricity Market at a Glance

Key figures from official UK sources to help you benchmark your business energy costs.

26p/kWh
Average non-domestic electricity unit rate
Source: Ofgem non-domestic supply indicators ↗
£1,500–£5,000
Typical annual electricity spend for small UK businesses
Source: DESNZ UK energy statistics ↗
20–30%
Potential savings from switching and efficiency improvements
Source: Carbon Trust business energy guides ↗
5.5 million
Non-domestic electricity meters in Great Britain
Source: Ofgem State of the Energy Market ↗

Our Editorial & Data Standards

We follow transparent editorial standards so you can trust the estimates and guidance on this site. Read our full methodology.

Independent estimates

Calculator results are generated from published benchmarks and tariff data — not influenced by supplier partnerships or commission arrangements.

Transparent methodology

We publish our data sources, calculation assumptions, and last-updated dates so you can verify how estimates are produced.

Quarterly review cycle

Default tariff rates and sector consumption benchmarks are reviewed against the latest Ofgem and DESNZ publications at least every quarter.

Not financial advice

All figures are estimates for guidance. Actual costs depend on your supplier contract, meter readings, and business-specific factors. Always verify with your energy bill.

How to Use the Calculator — 5 Steps

  1. 1

    Select your business sector

    Choose from 25+ UK business types including restaurants, offices, retail, and manufacturing. Each sector uses industry-specific kWh per square metre benchmarks.

  2. 2

    Enter your premises details

    Provide your premises size in square metres or feet, staff count, and weekly operating hours. These factors adjust consumption estimates for your specific setup.

  3. 3

    Choose energy type and region

    Select electricity-only or gas and electricity, then pick your UK region. Tariff rates are adjusted for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland where applicable.

  4. 4

    Review your cost estimate

    The calculator shows a low-to-high annual cost range based on current average UK commercial tariffs, plus a breakdown of electricity and gas consumption in kWh.

  5. 5

    Compare supplier quotes

    Use your estimated consumption to compare business energy quotes from UK suppliers and identify whether you could save by switching or renegotiating your contract.

Regulatory Context

  • Ofgem regulates the non-domestic energy supply market in Great Britain. Our default tariffs align with their published supply market indicators, not the domestic price cap.
  • Climate Change Levy (CCL) applies to most UK business energy consumption. Our base estimates exclude CCL and VAT — add approximately 20% VAT and applicable CCL for a full bill comparison.
  • Energy Ombudsman provides dispute resolution if you have issues with your business energy supplier. See energyombudsman.org.

Primary Data Sources

Editorial Principles

Independent estimates

Calculator results are generated from published benchmarks and tariff data — not influenced by supplier partnerships or commission arrangements.

Transparent methodology

We publish our data sources, calculation assumptions, and last-updated dates so you can verify how estimates are produced.

Quarterly review cycle

Default tariff rates and sector consumption benchmarks are reviewed against the latest Ofgem and DESNZ publications at least every quarter.

Not financial advice

All figures are estimates for guidance. Actual costs depend on your supplier contract, meter readings, and business-specific factors. Always verify with your energy bill.

Use the Commercial Electricity Calculator