
Running a retail shop means managing rising costs while keeping the lights on, the doors open and customers comfortable. Electricity and gas are central to day-to-day operations, from lighting and heating to tills, refrigeration and security systems. If you haven’t reviewed your retail shop energy rates recently, you could be paying more than necessary.
At Business Utility Hub, we help retail businesses across the UK compare energy deals from trusted suppliers. We monitor the market daily, compare retail shop energy rates and manage the full switching process for you, quickly and with minimal disruption.
Call us now on 0800 781 2700





Retail shops rely heavily on a consistent electricity supply. Lighting, point-of-sale systems, alarms, signage and heating all contribute to ongoing energy consumption. Even small changes in electricity prices or standing charges can have a noticeable impact on monthly energy bills.
You may benefit from comparing retail shop energy rates if:
Retail energy contracts often roll over without notice. When that happens, businesses can move onto higher rates without realising. Comparing business electricity tariffs helps bring costs back under control and gives you clearer visibility over what you pay. To get the best deal from a wide range of our trusted business electricity suppliers, get in touch with Business Utility Hub today.
Retail shops have distinct energy needs compared to other business types. Electricity demand is often highest during opening hours, with peaks linked to lighting, heating, cooling and customer footfall.
Common drivers of retail energy consumption include:
Because energy usage patterns are predictable, many retail shops benefit from fixed electricity tariffs that stabilise unit rates per kWh and help with budgeting.
Not all business energy tariffs suit retail operations. The right deal depends on your electricity usage, shop size and appetite for price stability.
A variable rate tariff means your electricity prices and standing charge can rise or fall in line with the energy market. These tariffs often apply by default and usually come without an exit fee, but they expose retail shops to sudden price increases.
If you move into a retail unit without agreeing a new energy contract, your electricity supplier will place you on deemed rates. These are typically the most expensive business electricity rates and are common in newly leased properties.
When a business electricity contract ends and no renewal is agreed, out-of-contract rates apply. These rates are higher than fixed deals and can increase business electricity bills quickly.
Fixed tariffs lock in your unit price and standing charge for a set period. Many retail businesses choose fixed deals to protect against market volatility and maintain predictable energy costs.
We explain each option clearly and help you compare business electricity prices based on how your shop actually uses energy.
Some retail shops also rely on gas, particularly for space heating or hot water. Comparing gas and electricity together can simplify billing and improve oversight across your sites.
Where appropriate, we can source combined energy deals or align contract end dates so renewals are easier to manage in the future.




Many retail shops fall into the micro business category. If your shop qualifies, additional protections apply around contract terms, notice periods and exit fees.
We check eligibility, explain your rights and make sure any new energy contract reflects your business size and usage.
To compare retail shop energy rates quickly, it helps to have:
If you don’t have everything to hand, our team can help locate the information and move things forward.







Electricity usage varies depending on size, opening hours and equipment. Shops with extended hours, refrigeration or digital signage typically use more electricity than smaller premises.
There is no single cheapest supplier for all shops. Prices change regularly and depend on usage, contract length and market conditions. Comparing quotes is the only way to find the best deal at the time.
Support schemes change over time. We stay up to date with market developments and explain what options may apply to your business.
If you’re responsible for managing a retail shop’s energy supply, now is a good time to review your rates. One short call can highlight savings and help reduce ongoing costs.
Call 0800 781 2700 to speak to our team today, or email savings@businessutilityhub.co.uk for a free, no-obligation review.