Managing energy in schools has become increasingly difficult. Rising prices, ageing buildings and growing reliance on technology mean energy bills place real pressure on already limited budgets. If your school has not reviewed its energy contract recently, there is a strong chance it is paying more than it needs to.
Business Utility Hub works alongside education providers of all sizes, from small single-building primary schools to large secondary schools and multi-academy trusts operating across extensive estates, to review electricity and gas arrangements and identify pricing that reflects how each site operates.
Our team tracks the market every day, checks available rates from established suppliers and manages the switch from start to finish, reducing the time spent on energy administration.





Energy is one of the largest non-staff costs for schools. Heating runs throughout the day, classrooms rely on lighting and ICT equipment and many sites operate beyond normal school hours. Small changes in unit rates can have a noticeable impact on the average school electricity bill per month.
Many schools contact us because they are:
Energy prices change regularly, and suppliers adjust rates in response. Without a timely review, a school energy bill can quietly increase month after month. Comparing school energy rates helps identify potential savings and creates clearer cost control for the year ahead.
School energy consumption differs from most other business types. Buildings are often large, insulation standards can vary widely and usage patterns change between term time and holidays.
Energy use in schools typically includes:
A common question we hear is how much energy does my school use per day?. The answer depends on several factors, including building size, age, number of pupils and how facilities are used outside teaching hours. Primary schools generally consume less electricity and gas than secondary schools, but both can see costs increase when tariffs no longer reflect current usage.
Understanding how energy is used across a school site allows contracts to be aligned with real consumption, rather than relying on default rates that often lead to unnecessary energy spend.
Not all energy contracts suit schools. Understanding the differences helps avoid unnecessary cost exposure. We explain each option clearly and recommend contracts based on how your school actually uses energy.
SVTs move in line with the market. While flexible, they expose schools to sudden price increases and can lead to unpredictable energy bills.
applied when a school occupies a site without agreeing a contract. Deemed rates are usually among the highest school energy rates and are common after changes in management or ownership.
if a contract ends without renewal, suppliers apply out-of-contract pricing. These rates can significantly increase a school energy bill.
fixed contracts lock in unit rates for an agreed period. Many schools prefer these for budgeting, particularly where funding cycles require stable energy spend.




To generate accurate and comparable school energy quotes, it helps to have the following information available:
If you do not have all this information to hand, our team can help locate it and guide you through what’s needed to get started.
Schools choose Business Utility Hub for clear, reliable support focused solely on managing electricity and gas costs across the education sector.
As experienced energy brokers, we focus exclusively on business and school energy. This allows us to keep advice practical, accurate and easy to act on, without unnecessary complexity.
If your school energy contract is due for renewal, or you are unsure what rates you are currently paying, now is a good time to review. A short call can highlight potential savings, reduce exposure to higher out-of-contract rates and give you more control over future energy costs.
Call 0800 781 2700 to speak to our team, or email savings@businessutilityhub.co.uk for a no-obligation review. We’ll handle the comparison and switching, so you can stay focused on supporting students and teachers.
UK school daily energy use varies widely depending on size, facilities and operating hours. Larger schools with sports halls and extended services typically consume more electricity and gas than smaller primary schools.
There is no single figure. Costs depend on usage, unit rates and contract terms. Reviewing school energy rates regularly helps avoid overpaying.
Yes, schools are treated as businesses for energy purposes and can switch suppliers to access better energy deals.