Business energy bills are not built to be easy to read. Between meter numbers, unit rates, standing charges and a couple of taxes you may not recognise, it is easy to pay without ever really checking. This guide walks through the key things on your gas and electricity bill, so you know exactly what you are paying for — and what you need in order to compare.
Your meter number: MPAN and MPRN
Every supply has a unique reference. For electricity it is your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number, sometimes called a supply number); for gas it is your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number). You do not need to memorise them, but they matter: they identify your supply, and you will need them to get an accurate quote or switch supplier.
The two charges that make up your price
- Unit rate (pence per kWh) — what you pay for each unit of energy you use.
- Standing charge (pence per day) — a fixed daily charge to keep your supply connected, whatever your usage.
Your bill multiplies your usage (in kWh) by the unit rate and adds the standing charge across the billing period. Knowing both numbers, plus your annual kWh, is all you need to compare the market. We explain this further in our guide on how much business energy costs.
The extra charges: VAT and CCL
Two things often surprise business owners:
- VAT — business energy is usually charged at the standard 20%, though a reduced 5% rate applies to very low usage and to charities and non-business use.
- Climate Change Levy (CCL) — an environmental tax on business energy use, shown as a separate line. Some organisations qualify for relief.
Estimated vs actual readings
Check whether your bill is based on an actual meter reading or an estimate — often marked "E" for estimated or "A" for actual. Estimates can be wrong in either direction, so submitting a real reading keeps your bill accurate.
Find your contract end date
Somewhere on the bill or your original agreement is your contract end date. It is one of the most useful numbers you have: acting before it lets you lock a new rate and avoid rolling onto expensive out-of-contract rates, as we explain in our renewal timing guide.
How Win Energy helps
Send us a recent bill and we will read it for you — pulling out your unit rate, standing charge, usage and renewal date — then compare business electricity and business gas across the market. If your current deal is already competitive, we will say so.
Not sure what your energy bill is really telling you? Send us a copy and we will explain it, free and with no obligation. Call 0845 862 1947 or get in touch.
Once you know where to look, a business energy bill is far less daunting: your meter number, your unit rate and standing charge, your usage, the taxes, and your contract end date. Get comfortable with those, and you will always know whether you are paying a fair price.