VAT on business electricity and gas explained
What VAT rate applies to business electricity and gas, when you can pay 5% instead of 20%, the temporary 0% electricity rate from October 2026 and how to claim.
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Knowing who supplies your business energy is the first step to cutting your bills. You need it to read your contract, check your end date and compare deals. If you have just moved premises, it also stops you paying expensive deemed rates for longer than necessary.
Here is how to find your business electricity and gas supplier in a few minutes.
Quick answer
- Check your bill, email or bank statement for the supplier’s name.
- Electricity: find your network operator on the Energy Networks Association website, then use its postcode search.
- Gas: search your postcode on Find My Supplier, or call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524.
1. Check your paperwork first
The quickest way is usually the paperwork you already have. Look for:
- A recent bill or statement, paper or PDF.
- Welcome emails or contract documents.
- Direct debit payments on your business bank statement.
- Letters left by the previous occupier if you have just moved in.
Your bill also shows your contract end date, the most useful detail when you come to compare.
2. Find your business electricity supplier
Electricity in Great Britain is delivered by regional distribution network operators. They do not sell energy, but they hold records of which supplier is registered to each meter.
- Go to the Energy Networks Association network operator finder.
- Enter the postcode of your business premises.
- Use your network operator’s supplier search, or contact them, to find the supplier for your meter.
It helps to have your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number). It is on your electricity bill, often in a box starting with S. The bottom line is the 13 digit core number that identifies your supply.
3. Find your business gas supplier
For gas, use the Find My Supplier service and search by postcode. You can also call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524, Monday to Friday. Calls are charged, so check the cost with your phone provider.
Ask for your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) while you are there. You will need it to get gas quotes.
MPAN and MPRN explained
| Electricity | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Meter number | MPAN | MPRN |
| Where to find it | Your bill, in a box often starting with S | Your bill, usually 6 to 10 digits |
| How to look it up | Your local network operator | Find My Supplier or the Meter Number Helpline |
Just moved into new business premises?
When you take over a property, you are automatically supplied by whoever supplied the previous occupier, usually on deemed rates. These are among the most expensive rates a supplier charges.
- Take meter readings with photos on the day you get the keys.
- Find the supplier using the steps above.
- Tell the supplier you are the new occupier and give your readings.
- Compare deals straight away rather than staying on deemed rates.
Our guide to out of contract business energy rates explains deemed rates in more detail.
What about business water?
Water works differently. In England and Scotland your bill comes from a water retailer, while your regional water company runs the pipes. Your retailer’s name is on your water bill. See our guides to business water rates and business water in Scotland.
Now you know your supplier, compare your deal
Once you know your supplier and contract end date, you can check whether you are paying too much. Compare business electricity and business gas prices, read our guide to business energy renewals, or tell us your end date on our free quote form and a trusted UK broker will do the comparing for you.
