30-Second Overview
Out-of-contract electricity and gas rates are over 50% higher than negotiated rates. Businesses that fail to compare suppliers before their contracts expire will payi substantially more for their energy. Regularly comparing business electricity and gas prices helps you:
- Avoid expensive out-of-contract rates when existing contracts expire.
- Secure lower prices by switching suppliers or negotiating better terms with your current supplier.
- Choose the right contract based on your energy consumption, budget and appetite for wholesale price risk.
Comparing the full market helps businesses make informed purchasing decisions rather than simply accepting their existing supplier's renewal offer.
⚡ Are you paying too much for business electricity or gas? Whether your contract is approaching renewal or your bills are too high, Utilityfair compares live prices from all Irish suppliers to identify potential savings. Choose an option below to get started. 👇
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What Are Out-of-Contract Business Energy Rates?
Out-of-contract rates are the default electricity and gas tariffs suppliers charge when a business is no longer covered by a negotiated contract. These rates are usually over 50% higher than contracted rates. Businesses default to out-of-contract rates when:
- Their electricity or gas contract expires without a new agreement in place.
- A supplier switch is delayed, leaving a gap between contracts.
Variable-rate or wholesale tracker contracts are different. Wholesale trackers are contracted tariffs where electricity or gas prices change in line with wholesale energy markets. They allow businesses to benefit from falling wholesale prices but carry greater price risk when markets are volatile.
The best way to avoid expensive out-of-contract rates is to review your electricity and gas contracts before they expire. Compare offers from all suppliers rather than automatically accepting your existing supplier's renewal rates.
What Is a Good Business Electricity or Gas Rate?
The cheapest electricity or gas supplier for one business is not necessarily the cheapest for another. This is because the prices that suppliers offer depend on several factors:
- Energy consumption: Your annual electricity or gas usage, with larger consumers generally benefiting from volume discounts.
- Meter type: Your electricity meter category or gas tariff classification, which determines the pricing structures available.
- Usage profile: When and how your business consumes energy, including daytime, night-time and seasonal demand.
- Contract structure: Whether you choose a fixed-price, wholesale tracker or flexible contract, each with different pricing and exposure to energy markets.
When comparing suppliers, it's important to consider the total estimated annual cost, including unit rates, standing charges and other applicable charges, rather than simply comparing advertised unit rates.
For current supplier pricing, see our detailed guides:
What Types of Business Energy Contracts Are Available?
Businesses can choose from several electricity and gas contract structures. The most suitable option depends on energy consumption, budget requirements and appetite for price risk.
Fixed-Price Contracts
• Fix electricity or gas unit rates for 12–36 months.
• Provide greater budget certainty and protection against wholesale price increases.
• Network and regulatory charges can still change during the contract.
Wholesale Price Trackers
• Unit rates move in line with wholesale electricity or gas markets.
• Allow businesses to benefit when wholesale prices fall.
• Carry greater exposure to market volatility than fixed-price contracts.
Unbundled Pass-Through Contracts
• Separate wholesale energy costs from network, capacity and regulatory charges.
• Provide greater transparency over individual cost components.
• Primarily suited to medium and large energy users.
Flexible Energy Contracts
• Allow businesses to purchase and fix portions of their energy requirements throughout the contract, rather than fixing 100% on day one.
• Provide opportunities to manage wholesale price exposure through hedging.
• Require active monitoring and a defined energy purchasing strategy.
Blend-and-Extend Contracts
• Combine an existing contracted rate with new pricing over an extended contract period.
• Can reduce current unit rates in exchange for a longer commitment.
• Require careful assessment of the total contract cost before agreeing to an extension.
How to Quickly Compare Business Electricity and Gas Deals
Comparing electricity and gas prices across multiple suppliers can be time-consuming, particularly when contracts have different pricing structures and charges. You can contact suppliers individually and compare their offers yourself, or use an independent energy broker to get a full market comparison quickly and at no cost.
Utilityfair is Ireland's largest and most reviewed commercial energy broker, trusted by over 20,000 business customers nationwide. We compare prices across all Irish suppliers to secure the best available electricity and gas deals for your business. Our energy advisors provide:
- Full market comparison: Side-by-side comparisons of electricity and gas offers from all suppliers.
- Expert advice: Recommendations based on your meter type, energy consumption and preferred contract structure.
- Ongoing contract management: We monitor renewal dates and contact you before your contracts expire, helping you avoid expensive out-of-contract rates.
👉 Get Started Today!
Complete our enquiry form or call 01 547 0999 to speak with a Utilityfair energy expert and start saving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Electricity and gas prices vary significantly between suppliers. Regular comparisons help businesses secure lower rates, avoid expensive out-of-contract tariffs and choose the most suitable contract for their energy requirements. Even businesses already on discounted rates can benefit from comparing the wider market.
The most reliable way is to compare your current contract against prices available from other suppliers. Check your unit rates, standing charges and total estimated annual cost. If your contract has expired or you haven't compared suppliers recently, you could be paying more than necessary.
If you haven't arranged a new contract, your supplier will move you onto expensive out-of-contract rates. These rates are often over 50% higher than negotiated contract rates. Reviewing your options before expiry helps avoid unnecessary increases in energy costs.
No. Your existing supplier may offer a better rate when your contract comes up for renewal. However, you should compare that offer against other suppliers before accepting it. In some cases, remaining with your current supplier is the cheapest option.
Yes. Utilityfair provides free, independent comparisons of business electricity and gas prices across all Irish suppliers. There is no charge to your business for receiving a comparison or arranging a new energy contract through us.
Yes. You can review both electricity and gas contracts together, even if they have different suppliers or renewal dates. Comparing both fuels provides a clearer picture of your total energy costs and potential savings.
A recent electricity or gas bill is usually all that's needed to get started. It contains important information such as your meter number, current tariff and consumption details. For larger businesses, additional consumption data may be required to obtain accurate supplier quotations.
Yes. Large energy users and businesses operating across multiple locations can achieve substantial savings through competitive supplier tenders, contract alignment and more sophisticated purchasing strategies. Comparing suppliers also helps assess fixed-price, wholesale tracker and flexible purchasing options.
Businesses should compare suppliers whenever their electricity or gas contracts approach renewal. Starting the review one to three months before expiry provides time to assess available offers and arrange a new contract. Businesses on wholesale trackers should also review their purchasing strategy as market conditions change.
Utilityfair compares prices across all Irish electricity and gas suppliers and provides a side-by-side comparison based on your consumption, meter type and contract requirements. Our energy advisors explain the available options, arrange your chosen contract and monitor renewal dates to help you avoid expensive out-of-contract rates.
