Using an Energy Broker vs Going Direct: Which Gets You a Better Deal?

30-Second Overview

Businesses can get good electricity and gas deals by contacting suppliers directly, but not necessarily a better deal. Energy brokers also often have access to lower rates because of the volume of business they arrange and their established relationships with suppliers.

Contacting every supplier is time-consuming. To compare suppliers accurately, you need to build your own cost model, understand different supplier pricing structures and account for standing charges, regulatory charges and upcoming changes. Comparing unit rates alone won't tell you which deal is cheapest.

Utilityfair has already done this work and we can send you a full, like-for-like supplier comparison in minutes. Our cost models are built, and we keep every supplier's pricing up to date in real time. We calculate the estimated annual cost, account for differences in supplier pricing structures and rank the options from cheapest to most expensive. We also compare the cost against your current contract, so you can see whether your energy costs will go up or down.

⚡ Is it better to go directly to suppliers or use an independent energy broker? Put Utilityfair to the test. We compare live electricity and gas prices from every Irish supplier, calculate the full annual cost of each offer and show you which provides the best value. Choose an option below to see how we compare. 👇

How to Compare Business Electricity and Gas Prices Directly with Suppliers

To compare electricity and gas prices yourself, you need to contact each supplier individually, provide your contact details and meter information, and request a quote. Each supplier will provide its own unit rates and applicable charges, usually over the phone or by email. Each supplier's sales team can explain its own products and pricing, but it won't provide an independent comparison of competing suppliers. That's up to you. To compare suppliers accurately, you'll need to:

• Collect quotes from every supplier, including unit rates, standing charges and any additional supplier-specific charges.
• Build a cost model that accounts for differences in pricing structures, including summer, winter and night rates, ISEM charges and capacity charges where applicable.
• Account for regulatory charges and upcoming changes, including network charges and the PSO Levy.
• Calculate the estimated annual cost of each offer using the same consumption figures and compare the results against your current annual cost.

You'll also need to assess the differences between fixed-price contracts and wholesale trackers, contract lengths and any additional conditions. Comparing unit rates alone won't tell you which deal is cheapest. You must calculate the full annual cost of each offer to compare them accurately.

How Does Using a Commercial Energy Broker Compare to Going Direct?

The alternative to contacting suppliers individually and building your own cost model is to use a commercial energy broker. Established brokers have the systems, supplier relationships and pricing models in place to compare the market quickly.

Suppliers provide their rates directly to brokers, allowing them to keep pricing up to date and calculate the full cost of different contract options. This means you can receive a like-for-like comparison in minutes rather than spending hours collecting quotes and doing the calculations yourself.

However, not all brokers offer the same level of service, market coverage or transparency. Before choosing one, there are five things worth checking:

• Full-market comparison: Does the broker compare every electricity and gas supplier, or only a limited panel? A restricted panel means you won't see every available option.
• Transparent pricing: Will you receive a full comparison showing each supplier's rates, charges, estimated annual cost and potential savings? You should be able to see how the figures are calculated rather than simply being told which deal is cheapest.
• Independent advice: Can the broker explain the differences between fixed-price contracts, wholesale trackers and other purchasing options, taking account of current market conditions and your business's requirements?
• Contract management: Will the broker handle the paperwork, switching and renewals, monitor your contract end dates and provide support throughout the contract?
• Customer reviews and case studies: Check independent review platforms such as Trustpilot. Look at the broker's rating, number of reviews and what customers say about the service. Also, look for case studies showing actual savings achieved for other businesses.

A broker should save you time, provide a clear financial comparison and explain your options. You should then be free to choose the supplier and contract that suits your business.

When Should Businesses Review Their Electricity and Gas Contracts?

Businesses need to consider when to secure their next contract, not only which supplier offers the best price. Wholesale electricity and gas prices change regularly, and the timing of a renewal can have a significant impact on the price you pay.

We recommend starting your review one to three months before your current contract expires. Larger businesses and those with more complex energy requirements should start earlier.

Starting early gives you time to compare suppliers, monitor wholesale market movements and assess the different contract options. We also send customers our monthly Energy Prices & Markets Report, providing updates on wholesale electricity and gas prices to help you make more informed renewal decisions.

Most suppliers allow businesses to agree to a new contract in advance, with the new rates taking effect when the existing contract ends. This means you can secure a price when market conditions are favourable rather than waiting until your contract is about to expire.

If you don't have a new agreement in place when your current contract expires, your supplier will automatically move you onto out-of-contract rates. These are usually twice as expensive as contracted rates, making it essential to arrange your next contract before your current one expires.

A good energy broker should monitor your contract end dates, remind you when it's time to review the market and advise on the timing and structure of your next contract.

Get Better Business Electricity and Gas Deals in Minutes with Utilityfair

Utilityfair compares every business electricity and gas supplier in Ireland, showing you all available prices, plans and contract options side by side in a standardised format. You can clearly see how each offer compares, understand the differences and make an informed decision about which supplier and contract to choose.

• You will be able to review all available rates from every supplier in minutes, from the cheapest to the most expensive.
• We monitor your contract expiry dates, helping you avoid expensive out-of-contract rates.
• You will receive ongoing support throughout the contract term.
• You will have access to regular market insights and energy updates.

👉 Get Started Today!
Click the link below to fill out our enquiry form to receive a free energy review and savings report. We'll show you the available supplier offers and how much your business could save. You can also call 01 547 0999 to speak directly with our team.