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Compare Charity Gas & Electricity Suppliers

To keep your charity running efficiently, it is important that energy outgoings are analysed to see where savings can be made, but where do you start?

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Why charities pay less for energy

Many charities pay more than necessary for their business gas and electricity, even though they often qualify for lower business energy rates and specific VAT rules that reduce overall costs. Reviewing your current charity energy supplier and tariff can highlight where savings could be made and help you secure better value from charity electricity suppliers and gas providers.

VAT relief on charity energy

Charities are treated differently from other organisations when it comes to VAT. Although most charities pay VAT on standard rated goods and services, many qualify for reduced VAT rates on their energy bills. This can significantly lower the cost of gas and electricity for charities and not for profit organisations.

Charities may be able to pay the reduced VAT rate of 5 percent or even zero VAT on certain goods and services. Energy can qualify for this relief when it is used for eligible charitable activities.

You can usually claim the 5 percent rate on power and fuel if your charity uses them for any of the following:

Residential accommodation, including care homes for older people or children
Charitable non business activities, such as providing free support services for disabled people
Small scale energy use, for example up to 1,000 kWh of electricity per month or a 2,300 litre order of gas oil

If less than three fifths of your total energy use qualifies for VAT relief, you will pay the reduced 5 percent rate on the qualifying portion and the standard 20 percent rate on the rest.

Qualifying energy includes electricity, gas, oils and solid fuels such as coal. Vehicle fuel is not eligible for charity VAT relief.

Climate change levy (CCL) exemption

The Climate Change Levy is a government tax applied to business gas and electricity use to encourage organisations to reduce their carbon emissions. Many charities do not need to pay the CCL because they qualify for relief in the same way as other non-profit organisations.

Your charity may be exempt from the CCL if your energy is used wholly or mainly for charitable, non business activities. This includes work that provides free support or services to the community. If your charity meets the criteria, your energy supplier can remove the levy from your gas and electricity bills once you submit the correct declaration.

CCL exemption can noticeably reduce overall business energy rates for charities, so it is worthwhile checking whether your organisation qualifies.

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How to switch business energy suppliers for a charity

Switching charity gas and electricity suppliers is simple. You’ll receive a tailored quote in minutes, and we manage the full switching process on your behalf.

Step 1

Enter your postcode and your charity’s current energy usage.

Step 2

Compare tailored charity energy quotes from trusted business energy suppliers.

Step 3

Choose the most suitable charity energy tariff, and we handle the entire switch for you.

You’ll see business electricity and business gas rates per unit and standing charges side by side for easy comparison.

When should charities switch energy supplier?

Charities should review their energy contract well before the end date to avoid falling onto out of contract rates, which are usually far more expensive. Comparing charity gas and electricity prices early ensures you secure a new tariff in time and avoid unnecessary higher costs. Switching ahead of renewal gives your organisation the best chance of locking in competitive charity energy rates.

How long does a charity energy switch take?

Switching charity energy supplier is straightforward and usually completed within a few weeks, depending on your current contract and supplier. Once you choose a new charity gas or electricity tariff, Utility Bidder manages the entire process for you, so the switch happens smoothly with no disruption to your charity’s operations.

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Charity energy tariffs compared

Finding the best energy tariffs helps charities secure competitive gas and electricity prices that match their usage and support long term savings.

Fixed energy tariffs give charities a set unit rate for gas and electricity for the length of the agreement, which helps with budgeting and financial planning. They offer price stability and are often the simplest option for organisations that want predictable monthly costs.

Flexible energy contracts allow charities to buy energy in blocks or at different times, which can be beneficial when market prices fall. These tariffs offer more control but require closer monitoring, so they are usually better suited to larger charities with higher usage or more complex needs.

Green energy tariffs supply electricity from green sources and help charities reduce their environmental impact. Many suppliers offer competitive green tariffs, allowing charities to support sustainability goals without paying significantly more for their energy.

Multi-site energy contracts allow charities with several locations to place all their meters under one agreement. This simplifies administration, provides clearer cost visibility and often results in lower charity energy rates due to consolidated usage.

How much energy do charities use?

Charities use very different amounts of gas and electricity depending on their type of building and services. Usage can range from low‑consumption community spaces to high‑demand care facilities. Understanding typical charity energy use helps you compare charity gas and electricity prices accurately and choose the right tariff for your organisation.

Charity shops often use a similar amount of energy to small retail units, with electricity needed for lighting, heating, small appliances and increasingly for donated electrical items that need testing. Offices for charities and not for profit organisations tend to mirror standard business energy consumption, with steady demand throughout the day for lighting, computers and heating or cooling.

Larger community buildings and hubs may have higher energy usage due to extended opening hours, kitchen facilities or multi‑room heating. Care homes and residential facilities usually sit at the upper end of charity energy consumption because they operate around the clock and require reliable heating, hot water and safety systems. Places of worship vary widely, but older buildings with poor insulation often need more gas or electricity to stay comfortable for visitors.

Because energy use differs so much between charity types, comparing charity electricity suppliers and gas providers is the simplest way to find tariffs that match your organisation’s real needs.

Do charities need a smart meter?

Charities do not have to install a smart meter, but it is often beneficial. A smart meter provides accurate bills, automatic readings and real time insight into how much gas and electricity your charity uses. This helps you monitor energy more effectively, reduce waste and choose charity energy tariffs that match your usage. Most charity premises are eligible, and installation is usually quick and free through your supplier.

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How to reduce energy costs for charities

Reducing energy costs helps charities lower their costs and direct more funding towards essential services.

Energy audits

Conducting an energy audit helps your charity identify where gas and electricity are being wasted and highlights simple changes that improve efficiency. It provides a clear picture of your usage, so you can target areas that deliver the biggest savings.

Smart meters

Smart meters give charities accurate bills and real time insight into energy use, making it easier to spot waste and improve energy efficiency. They also remove the need for manual readings and support better long term energy management.

Choosing the right tariff

Selecting the right charity energy tariff ensures you only pay for the gas and electricity you actually need. Comparing suppliers helps you find a contract that matches your usage patterns and keeps costs as low as possible.

Energy efficiency

Simple energy efficiency measures can help charities cut costs without major investment. Switching to LED lighting, improving insulation, adjusting heating schedules and turning off unused equipment all reduce unnecessary gas and electricity use and help lower overall energy bills.

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Charity Energy FAQ’s

Yes. Charities can often access cheaper electricity by comparing charity energy tariffs, securing lower business rates and claiming VAT reductions when eligible.

Charities usually pay VAT on gas and electricity, but many qualify for the reduced 5% rate if the energy is used mainly for charitable, non business activities.

Switching usually takes a few weeks, but the process is simple and there is no interruption to your gas or electricity supply.

Yes. Most suppliers offer renewable electricity tariffs, allowing charities to reduce their environmental impact while keeping costs competitive.

Charities can claim VAT refunds if they have been charged the standard rate incorrectly. Refunds can usually be backdated once the charity submits the right VAT declaration to the supplier.

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Having previously spoken with a rival broker whose consultants I felt were pressuring me into signing a contract immediately, Kirsty Schofield was a breath of air. She found a cheaper and shorter contract to suit my needs and was very friendly and efficient. She made renewing my energy contract a pleasant experience instead of a dreaded chore.”

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