Gas and Electricity Procurement: A Guide to Fixed Energy Contracts For many British businesses, energy procurement is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, areas of cost control. With markets remaining volatile, fixed energy contracts continue to be one of the most popular strategies for managing gas and electricity costs. But what exactly is fixed procurement, and is it right for your business? What is fixed energy procurement? Fixed energy procurement refers to securing your gas and electricity supply at a set unit rate, and often standing charge, for a defined period -- typically between 1 and 4 years. This means your business pays the same price per kWh regardless of fluctuations in wholesale energy markets. For businesses seeking stability and predictability, fixed contracts provide a clear and structured approach to energy procurement. The benefits of fixed contracts The primary advantage of a fixed contract is price certainty. In an unpredictable market, locking in rates protects your business from sudden price spikes. This allows for more accurate budgeting and removes the risk of being exposed to short-term volatility. Fixed contracts are also simple to manage. With a set rate agreed upfront, there’s no need to track wholesale markets or make frequent purchasing decisions. This makes them particularly attractive for businesses without dedicated energy management resources. If you can time your renewal well, fixed contracts can also give a competitive advantage. If you lock a price in and the market goes up, this means many competitors will end up paying higher unit rates for their energy. However, this can involve some luck with timing and is somewhat restricted by contract end dates. The potential drawbacks While fixed contracts offer stability, they also come with trade-offs. The most notable is the inability to benefit from falling market prices. If wholesale costs drop after you’ve locked in, your business remains committed to the agreed rate. There may also be less flexibility. Fixed contracts typically involve longer commitments, and exiting early can result in significant termination fees. Finally, timing is critical. Locking in at the wrong point in the market cycle can mean missing out on more competitive rates later. This is why having a clear procurement strategy is essential. How the procurement process works The process of securing a fixed energy contract starts with gathering accurate consumption data . This includes your MPAN (electricity), MPRN (gas), annual usage, and current contract details. From there, suppliers are approached to provide quotes based on your business profile and preferred contract length. These quotes must be carefully compared on a like-for-like basis, taking into account unit rates, standing charges, and any additional costs. Once the most suitable option is identified, contracts are agreed and secured -- often within a limited timeframe, as supplier prices can change daily in line with the market. How an energy broker can help Navigating the energy procurement process alone can be time-consuming and complex. That’s where an experienced energy broker adds real value .  At SeeMore Energy, we manage the entire procurement process on your behalf. From data collection and market engagement to supplier comparison and contract placement. We work with a wide range of UK suppliers, allowing us to identify not just the cheapest option, but the most appropriate contract for your business . We also provide insight into market timing, helping you decide when to fix your rates, and which contract structure best aligns with your risk appetite. If you’re approaching renewal or want to explore your options, get in touch today for a free, no-obligation market review. We’ll help you secure the right fixed energy contract -- saving you time, reducing risk, and ensuring that you stay in control of your energy costs.

How do I make an energy price comparison? For UK businesses dealing with a volatile energy market, energy procurement has become increasingly important. With wholesale markets fluctuating and non-commodity costs continuing to rise, making an accurate energy price comparison is essential to securing a competitive contract. However, comparing prices properly involves far more than just looking at a unit rate. Understanding the procurement process The first step in any energy price comparison is going to market. This involves gathering offers from a broad selection of suppliers based on your business’s consumption profile and contract preferences. Suppliers will assess your usage, risk profile, and contract length before providing pricing. However, not all quotes are directly comparable. Some may include different contract structures (fixed vs flexible), varying standing charges, or additional pass-through costs. A like-for-like comparison is critical to avoid selecting a contract that appears cheaper on the surface but proves more expensive over time. What data do you need? To generate accurate quotes, suppliers (and brokers) require a clear picture of your energy usage. Typically, this includes: Your MPAN (for electricity) or MPRN (for gas) Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) or Annual Quantity (AQ) Half-hourly data (for larger sites) Current contract details, including end date and rates Site address and business details The more accurate and complete your data, the more precise and competitive your quotes will be. Missing or estimated data can lead to pricing buffers being added by suppliers, increasing your costs unnecessarily. Why expertise matters While it’s possible to approach suppliers directly, many businesses choose to work with an energy broker . This is because procurement isn’t just about finding the lowest price, it’s about finding the right contract. An experienced broker understands the nuances of supplier offerings, including which suppliers are most reliable, how they handle billing and customer service, and which are best suited to specific business types or consumption patterns. They can also advise on contract structures, helping you align your energy strategy with your risk appetite and budget. At SeeMore Energy, we work closely with a wide panel of UK suppliers, allowing us to provide tailored recommendations -- not just the cheapest option, but the most suitable one. Using our online quote tool For businesses looking to get a quick view of the market, our online quote tool is a powerful starting point. By inputting a few key details about your business and energy usage, you can instantly access multiple supplier prices in one place. This allows you to benchmark your current rates against live market offers and identify potential savings opportunities within minutes. It’s a fast, transparent way to understand where you stand, without the need for lengthy back-and-forth with individual suppliers. Take the next step with a free market review While online comparisons are a great first step, the real value comes from expert analysis. Energy pricing is influenced by timing, contract structure, and supplier selection -- factors that require market insight to fully optimise. That’s where we come in. At SeeMore Energy, we offer a free, no-obligation market review to help you understand your options, identify savings, and secure the right contract for your business. Get in touch today and let us take the complexity out of your energy procurement, allowing you to focus on running your business while we handle the rest.