Top 5 Best Business Energy Companies for Landlords in the UK

By Olivia Johnson - Trusted UK Business Expert

Last Updated 4th of October 2024

6 minute read

Picture yourself as a landlord in the UK, managing several rental properties. One of the most important things you need to do is make sure each property has electricity and gas, and that it doesn’t cost too much. But with so many energy companies to choose from, it can be confusing to know which one is best for you. That’s why we made a list of the top 5 best business energy companies in the UK for landlords.

The best energy company for landlords is one that offers good prices, flexible contracts, and great customer service. This is important because managing multiple properties means you need an energy provider that makes things easy and keeps costs low. Companies like British Gas, EDF Energy, and E.ON are often recommended because they offer special services that are helpful for landlords. 

Choosing the right energy company can make managing your properties much easier and can save you money too. Let’s take a closer look and what makes these companies stand out and how they can help you as a landlord. 

What Makes a Good Business Energy Company for Landlords? 

As a landlord, your needs might be different from other businesses. You need an energy provider that understands that you manage multiple properties and that sometimes tenants move in and out. The best energy company for landlords will offer more than just good prices; they will also have flexible contracts, good customer service, and tools that make it easy to manage energy for all your properties. 

Here’s an in-depth look at some of the top 5 business energy providers in the UK that are known for helping landlords, and what makes them great choices. 

1. British Gas : British Gas is one of the most famous energy companies in the UK, and they have special services just for landlords. They offer competitive prices and flexible contracts that can be adjusted to fit your needs. If you manage more than one property, British Gas allows you to manage them all under a single account. This means you don’t have to juggle multiple bills and can handle everything in one place. They also have a useful online management system where you can track energy usage, view bills, and manage payments easily. This is especially helpful for landlords who want to keep everything organised. British Gas also has a dedicated team to help landlords with any problems, so you know you’re in good hands. 
2. EDF Energy  : EDF Energy is another strong choice for landlords, especially if you are interested in green energy. They offer competitive pricing and are known for their commitment to using renewable energy. If you want to offer your tenants 100% renewable electricity, EDF Energy is a great option. This can also be a selling point for attracting tenants who care about the environment. EDF Energy also offers flexible contracts and allows you to manage multiple properties under one account. Their online customer portal is easy to use, making it simple to keep an eye on energy consumption, pay bills, and manage accounts. Plus, their fixed-rate plans can protect you from sudden changes in energy prices, which is helpful for budgeting. 
3. E.ON : E.ON is another top energy provider in the UK, known for its excellent customer service and innovative solutions. They offer a variety of tariffs that are designed to meet the needs of landlords, including both fixed and variable-rate plans. Like EDF Energy, E.ON also offers green energy options, which means you can help reduce your carbon footprint. One of the best features of E.ON is their smart meter technology. Smart meters allow you to see how much energy is being used in real-time, which can help you identify ways to save money and ensure that you’re billed accurately. E.ON also has landlord-specific services, such as easy account management for multiple properties and a dedicated support team to help with any issues. 
4. Octopus Energy : Octopus Energy has quickly become popular because they focus on being fair and transparent with their customers. For landlords, Octopus Energy offers simple tariffs with no exit fees, so if your needs change, you can switch plans easily. All of their energy comes from renewable sources, which is great if you want to be environmentally friendly. Their online platform is very easy to use, and it allows you to manage multiple properties without any hassle. Octopus Energy is also known for having excellent customer service, with a team that is always ready to help. 
5. SSE (Now Part of OVO Energy) : SSE, now part of OVO Energy, is another strong option for landlords. They offer a variety of business energy plans that can be tailored to meet the needs of landlords with multiple properties. Their online tools make it easy to track energy usage and manage billing across all your properties. SSE also offers fixed-rate tariffs, which can help you keep your energy costs stable. Their customer service is well-regarded, with a team that is specifically trained to support landlords. Additionally, SSE offers green energy options, so you can choose tariffs that help the environment. 

Here’s a comparison table of the Top 5 Best Business Energy Companies for Landlords in the UK:

This table outlines key features and benefits for landlords from the top 5 business energy companies in the UK, with a focus on green energy, contract flexibility, and account management.

What Should Landlords Consider When Choosing an Energy Provider? 

When you’re choosing the best energy provider for your properties, there are a few important things to keep in mind: 

• Flexible Contracts: Look for an energy provider that offers flexible contracts. This is important because tenants might move in and out, and you want to be able to adjust your energy plans easily. 
• Managing Multiple Properties: Some energy companies allow you to manage all your properties under one account. This makes it much easier to keep track of everything and avoid the hassle of dealing with multiple bills. 
• Good Customer Service: It’s important to choose a company with good customer service, so if anything goes wrong, you can get help quickly. 
• Competitive Pricing: Make sure the company offers good rates that help you keep your costs down. 
• Green Energy Options: If you’re interested in sustainability, look for a company that offers renewable energy tariffs. 

FAQ 

What Makes a Good Energy Provider for Landlords? 

A good energy provider offers competitive pricing, flexible contracts, the ability to manage multiple properties under one account, and excellent customer service. They should also provide easy-to-use online tools and possibly offer green energy options. 

Can Landlords Switch Energy Providers for Their Properties? 

Yes, landlords can switch energy providers for their properties. It’s important to check the terms of existing contracts and consider whether the new provider offers better rates, services, or flexibility. 

What Are the Benefits of a Fixed-Rate Energy Tariff for Landlords? 

A fixed-rate energy tariff provides price stability by locking in rates for the duration of the contract. This protects landlords from market fluctuations and makes it easier to budget for energy costs. 

Are There Energy Providers That Offer Green Tariffs for Landlords? 

Yes, many energy providers offer green tariffs that supply renewable energy. Companies like EDF Energy, E.ON, and Octopus Energy are known for their commitment to sustainability and offer 100% renewable energy options. 

How Can Landlords Manage Energy Accounts for Multiple Properties? 

Many energy providers offer the option to manage multiple properties under a single account. This simplifies billing and account management, making it easier for landlords to track usage, view bills, and make payments across all their properties. 

What Should Landlords Do If a Tenant Wants to Choose Their Own Energy Provider? 

If a tenant wants to choose their own energy provider, landlords should check the terms of the tenancy agreement. In some cases, tenants have the right to switch providers, but landlords should ensure that the change doesn’t affect the overall management of the property’s utilities. 

Is It Possible to Transfer Energy Accounts Between Tenants? 

Yes, landlords can transfer energy accounts between tenants when a new tenancy begins. It’s important to take final meter readings when one tenant leaves and provide them to the energy provider to ensure accurate billing. 

Can Landlords Get Discounts for Managing Multiple Properties with the Same Energy Provider? 

Some energy providers may offer discounts or incentives for landlords who manage multiple properties under one account. It’s worth discussing this with potential providers to see if you can benefit from any multi-property deals. 

How Can Landlords Ensure They Are Getting the Best Energy Rates? 

Landlords can ensure they are getting the best rates by regularly comparing tariffs from different energy providers, considering fixed-rate plans for stability, and negotiating with providers for better deals, especially if they manage multiple properties. 

What Is the Process for Switching Energy Providers for a Rental Property? 

Switching energy providers typically involves selecting a new provider, signing a new contract, and providing final meter readings to the current provider. The new provider will handle the switch, and landlords should notify tenants of any changes. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the best business energy company as a landlord in the UK is about more than just finding the cheapest rates. It’s about finding a provider that offers the right mix of pricing, service, and flexibility to support your property management needs. By considering top providers like British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, and others, you can ensure that your properties are in good hands. These companies offer services and tools that make managing multiple properties easier, helping you to save time and money while keeping your tenants happy.