EDF vs E.ON: comparing commercial tariffs and features to help you choose for your business

EDF and E.ON are two of the largest energy groups serving UK businesses. Both provide electricity, gas, smart meters, renewable-energy options, commercial solar and electric vehicle charging, but their products are structured differently.

EDF offers small-business fixed contracts lasting between one and four years. Its options include conventional electricity, Fixed Renewable for businesses wanting UK renewable certificate backing, and a wider choice of renewable or nuclear-backed zero-carbon electricity for large organisations.

E.ON Next offers one-, two- and three-year fixed business contracts. Selected fixed tariffs include 100% renewable-backed electricity, while eligible SME customers receive access to E.ON Optimum, a digital platform for analysing consumption and comparing performance with similar properties.

Large businesses are served differently by the two groups. EDF provides its own fixed, partly fixed and flexible large-business contracts. Companies within the E.ON group are normally directed to npower Business Solutions, which offers fixed contracts lasting up to five years, flexible purchasing, generator services and Power Purchase Agreements.

EDF may be the stronger choice for a company wanting a four-year SME contract, nuclear-backed zero-carbon electricity, sophisticated energy procurement or a higher published business export payment.

E.ON may be more suitable where the company wants a conventional renewable-backed fixed contract, free energy benchmarking, an integrated solar installation or commercial chargers ranging from small wall units to ultrafast fleet equipment.

Neither supplier is universally cheaper. Business rates depend on the premises, meter, postcode, consumption profile, credit assessment, contract dates and selected product.

EDF vs E.ON at a glance

Feature	EDF Business	E.ON Next Business
Business electricity	Yes	Yes
Business gas	Yes	Yes
SME supply	Yes	Yes
Large-business service	EDF Large Business	npower Business Solutions within E.ON group
Standard national contract rates published	No	No
SME fixed terms	One, two, three or four years	One, two or three years
Renewable SME tariff	EDF Fixed Renewable	Renewable-backed selected fixed tariffs
Nuclear-backed zero-carbon option	Yes	Not a standard E.ON Next SME product
Variable SME tariff	Freedom for Business	Variable business plan after contract expiry
Large-business fixed contracts	Yes	Yes, through npower Business Solutions
Maximum large-business fixed term	Product-dependent	Up to five years through nBS
Flexible procurement	Yes	Yes, through nBS
Supplier-wide renewable share	18.2%	31.3%
Supplier-wide nuclear share	54.8%	2.7%
Supplier-wide gas and coal	25.2%	61.7%
Reported carbon intensity	135g CO₂/kWh	331g CO₂/kWh
Free SME analytics	EDF Energy Hub	E.ON Optimum
Smart business meters	Yes	Yes
Published business export rate	Up to 15p/kWh	8.5p/kWh
Maximum capacity on headline export rate	50kW	5MW
Commercial solar	Yes	Yes
Commercial batteries	Yes	Yes
Commercial EV charging	Yes	Yes
Maximum advertised EV charger output	Project-dependent	Up to 400kW
Best suited to	Longer fixes, source choice and major procurement	Renewable-backed SME tariffs and installed technology

EDF currently offers small-business fixed terms of up to four years, while E.ON Next promotes fixed tariffs lasting one, two or three years. Selected E.ON contracts include renewable-backed electricity, and EDF’s Fixed Renewable product offers renewable certificate backing over terms of one to four years.

Understanding the EDF business structure

EDF divides its commercial customers broadly between small-business and large-business services.

Its small-business route generally covers companies using up to:

• 100,000kWh of electricity annually; or
• approximately 300,000kWh of gas annually.

Larger or more technically complex users are directed towards EDF Large Business, which supports half-hourly meters, multi-site portfolios, fixed procurement, flexible purchasing, renewable electricity, nuclear-backed power and energy infrastructure.

EDF’s SME product range includes:

• Fixed for Business Online;
• Fixed Renewable;
• Fixed Advanced for compatible half-hourly or AMR meters;
• Freedom for Business variable pricing;
• business gas;
• smart meters;
• Energy Hub;
• solar export tariffs; and
• commercial solar and charging services.

The tariff-specific prices and eligibility conditions are provided in the customer’s contract pack rather than through one nationwide price table.

Understanding the E.ON business structure

E.ON Next primarily serves small and medium-sized businesses.

Its large-business route is npower Business Solutions, another part of the E.ON group. The published nBS eligibility profile includes organisations with substantial energy consumption, at least ten employees and annual turnover of at least £2 million.

E.ON Next provides SMEs with:

• one-, two- and three-year fixed tariffs;
• electricity, gas and dual-fuel contracts;
• selected tariffs with renewable-backed electricity;
• dedicated Energy Specialists;
• online account management;
• free smart meters where eligible;
• E.ON Optimum;
• solar panels and batteries;
• commercial EV charging; and
• new meter connections.

Large and corporate users can access fixed and flexible contracts, generator services, PPAs and wider net-zero technology through npower Business Solutions and other E.ON group operations.

Which businesses can apply?

Both suppliers can support ordinary SMEs such as:

• shops;
• offices;
• restaurants;
• cafés;
• hotels;
• workshops;
• charities;
• care providers;
• surgeries;
• schools;
• landlords; and
• small manufacturers.

Larger customers can include:

• factories;
• logistics companies;
• universities;
• hospitals;
• national retailers;
• data centres;
• property portfolios;
• transport operators; and
• major public-sector organisations.

Example suitability by company size

Example business	Annual electricity use	Likely route
Independent shop	12,000kWh	EDF SME or E.ON Next
Office	50,000kWh	EDF SME or E.ON Next
Restaurant	120,000kWh	EDF tailored route or E.ON group assessment
Hotel	400,000kWh	EDF Large Business or npower Business Solutions
Manufacturer	2GWh	Large-business contract from either group
National retailer	10GWh	Fixed or flexible procurement
Renewable generator	Project-dependent	EDF PPA or nBS generator service
Business installing several rapid chargers	High site demand	Compare EDF and E.ON infrastructure proposals

Supplier eligibility also depends on:

• meter type;
• half-hourly consumption;
• available electricity capacity;
• number of premises;
• creditworthiness;
• previous payment history; and
• whether the supplier’s systems support the meter configuration.

Which supplier is cheaper?

There is no universal EDF-versus-E.ON business price.

The quotation can vary according to:

• electricity MPAN or gas MPRN;
• distribution region;
• annual consumption;
• meter profile;
• half-hourly usage;
• available electricity capacity;
• residual charging band;
• number of locations;
• contract start date;
• contract term;
• payment method;
• credit risk;
• broker commission; and
• environmental-product selection.

The complete annual cost should be calculated as:

• Annual consumption × unit rate
• daily standing charge × 365
• capacity charges
• metering and data charges
• network and policy costs
• VAT and Climate Change Levy where applicable
  − export income and other credits

Neither supplier publishes one national set of new-customer business prices. E.ON describes its prices as bespoke, while EDF places the agreed rates and tariff features in each customer’s contract documents.

How unit-rate differences affect annual costs

Annual consumption	Value of 0.5p/kWh	Value of 1p/kWh	Value of 3p/kWh	Value of 5p/kWh
10,000kWh	£50	£100	£300	£500
25,000kWh	£125	£250	£750	£1,250
50,000kWh	£250	£500	£1,500	£2,500
100,000kWh	£500	£1,000	£3,000	£5,000
250,000kWh	£1,250	£2,500	£7,500	£12,500
1GWh	£5,000	£10,000	£30,000	£50,000
10GWh	£50,000	£100,000	£300,000	£500,000

A difference of only 1p/kWh changes annual expenditure by £10,000 for a company consuming 1GWh.

How standing charges affect costs

Daily standing-charge difference	Annual difference per meter	Difference across ten meters
25p	£91.25	£912.50
50p	£182.50	£1,825
£1	£365	£3,650
£2	£730	£7,300
£5	£1,825	£18,250

Standing charges can be especially important for:

• low-consumption properties;
• seasonal businesses;
• vacant premises;
• landlords;
• multi-site companies; and
• organisations retaining inactive meters.

EDF fixed business tariffs

EDF offers small-business fixed contracts lasting between one and four years.

Its Fixed for Business Online tariff includes:

• fixed contract duration;
• fixed agreed prices, subject to the contract terms;
• Direct Debit discounts;
• online account management;
• a smart-meter requirement where applicable;
• exit fees; and
• transfer to Freedom for Business when the fixed term ends unless another agreement is made.

EDF says its available small-business prices are reviewed regularly, so the exact quote can change from week to week.

Advantages of EDF’s longer fixed terms

A four-year contract can provide:

• longer protection from wholesale-price increases;
• more predictable budgeting;
• fewer procurement exercises;
• stable unit and standing charges;
• easier financial forecasting; and
• less exposure to short-term geopolitical price shocks.

The disadvantage is that the business remains committed if market prices fall.

A company should also check the contract provisions allowing EDF to change charges where taxes, levies, network obligations or other supply-related costs change.

EDF Fixed Renewable

EDF’s Fixed Renewable product is available to small businesses over terms of one to four years.

The electricity is matched with UK Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin, enabling the business to report zero market-based emissions for its purchased electricity.

It may suit companies that want:

• renewable-only certificate backing;
• no nuclear allocation to the chosen product;
• predictable prices;
• evidence for environmental reporting;
• stronger tender credentials; or
• a straightforward sustainability claim.

E.ON Next fixed business tariffs

E.ON Next offers bespoke fixed business contracts lasting one, two or three years.

Selected contracts provide 100% renewable-backed electricity using:

• E.ON renewable-generation assets;
• agreements with UK renewable generators; and
• renewable electricity certificates.

A smart meter is required where the business is eligible for one. Customers also receive dedicated Energy Specialists and online account access.

E.ON Next allows eligible customers to renew online when they are close to their contract end date. Customers can also contact the supplier to discuss renewal up to one year in advance, with prices generally capable of being agreed within the applicable renewal window.

EDF fixed tariffs versus E.ON fixed tariffs

Requirement	EDF	E.ON Next
One-year fixed contract	Yes	Yes
Two-year fixed contract	Yes	Yes
Three-year fixed contract	Yes	Yes
Four-year SME contract	Yes	No standard E.ON Next option advertised
Renewable-backed electricity	Fixed Renewable	Selected fixed tariffs
Nuclear-backed option	Yes for qualifying EDF products	No standard SME equivalent promoted
Smart meter requirement	Applies to relevant products	Required where eligible
Dedicated support	Business energy specialists	Energy Specialists
Online account	Yes	Yes
Free analytics	Energy Hub	E.ON Optimum
Best for longest price certainty	EDF	—

EDF has the advantage where the company specifically wants a four-year SME contract or a choice between renewable and nuclear-backed electricity.

E.ON may be preferable where a one-, two- or three-year renewable-backed tariff is sufficient and the business values its wider technology package.

What happens at contract expiry?

EDF normally sends renewal information before the fixed term ends. Where the customer does not select another fixed agreement or switch supplier, it can move onto Freedom for Business or another applicable variable arrangement.

E.ON Next states that customers who do not renew can move onto a variable business plan. If they choose to leave but remain supplied while the switch is completed, higher out-of-contract prices may apply.

Default and variable tariffs are normally less competitive than negotiated fixed deals.

A business should begin comparing options several months before expiry.

Can a business leave early?

EDF’s fixed tariffs can carry early termination fees. If a customer ends an EDF agreement before the scheduled date, extended-supply pricing may also apply while the premises remain with EDF.

E.ON Next describes its fixed business customers as contractually bound until the end date except in circumstances such as moving premises. The exact consequences of leaving early should be confirmed from the contract confirmation letter and current terms.

Neither supplier should be selected without checking:

• early termination liability;
• moving-premises provisions;
• debt-related restrictions;
• meter-change conditions; and
• what happens if consumption changes materially.

Large-business energy contracts

EDF and E.ON use different branding for larger users.

EDF supplies large companies directly through EDF Large Business.

E.ON group customers are generally handled by npower Business Solutions.

EDF large-business fixed contracts

EDF’s current fixed-product range includes:

Fixed + Peace of Mind

This product fixes:

• wholesale electricity costs;
• non-energy costs;
• EDF service costs; and
• eligible delivery and generation charges.

It supports non-half-hourly and half-hourly meters and is intended for businesses consuming more than 100MWh annually. Zero-carbon electricity options are available.

Fixed + Standard

This fixes wholesale electricity and EDF’s service charge.

Non-energy costs are forecast and can vary, meaning the opening price may be lower but the business retains exposure to changes in network and policy charges.

Fixed + Energy Trading

This allows the company to purchase electricity in blocks through EDF’s trading desk while EDF manages untraded volume.

It is aimed at electricity users consuming approximately 2,000MWh to 20,000MWh annually.

Standard Fixed Gas

EDF’s large-business gas contract fixes wholesale gas prices, while forecast non-energy charges may vary. It is promoted for businesses consuming more than 300MWh annually.

E.ON group large-business contracts

Npower Business Solutions offers fixed contracts lasting up to five years.

Its range includes products such as:

• Fixed Certainty;
• Fixed Commodity;
• MultiPurchase;
• flexible contracts;
• hybrid structures;
• renewable options; and
• mid-term electricity price reviews.

The customer can choose different approaches to paying non-commodity charges and can spread wholesale purchasing decisions over time.

Flexible procurement

EDF flexible contracts

EDF allows large businesses to choose:

• a purchasing horizon of one to three years;
• three to five years;
• or more than five years;
• block or full-volume purchases;
• fixed or variable third-party costs;
• different levels of trading support; and
• tailored reporting and monitoring.

This is suitable for organisations with internal procurement expertise or a defined energy-risk strategy.

E.ON group flexible contracts

Npower Business Solutions offers flexible contracts that spread purchasing decisions across the year.

The purpose is to reduce reliance on one fixing date while allowing the customer to respond to falling wholesale markets.

The wider product range also includes generator management, PPAs, metering, analytics and net-zero technology.

EDF versus E.ON for large users

Requirement	Likely stronger fit
Fully fixed electricity and non-energy costs	EDF Fixed + Peace of Mind
Wholesale fixed with variable industry costs	Either group
Fixed term beyond four years	E.ON group through nBS
Block purchasing with EDF trading desk	EDF Fixed + Energy Trading
Flexible purchasing beyond five years	EDF
Mid-term price review	E.ON group
Renewable-generator management	E.ON group through nBS
Nuclear-backed zero-carbon electricity	EDF
Conventional renewable supply	Either
Multi-site fixed and flexible contracts	Either
Dual-fuel large-business arrangement	Either

Comparing supplier-wide fuel mixes

The suppliers’ disclosed 2024/25 fuel mixes differ considerably.

Source or impact	EDF	E.ON Next
Coal	4.2%	10.2%
Natural gas	21%	51.5%
Nuclear	54.8%	2.7%
Renewables	18.2%	31.3%
Other	1.8%	4.3%
Carbon emissions	135g/kWh	331g/kWh
Radioactive waste	0.0038g/kWh	0.0002g/kWh

EDF’s supplier-wide electricity had the lower reported carbon intensity because more than half of its mix came from nuclear power.

E.ON Next had the higher renewable percentage but also a substantially larger gas and coal share.

Which supplier has greener electricity?

The answer depends on how the company defines greener.

Environmental priority	Likely stronger fit
Lower supplier-wide carbon intensity	EDF
Higher supplier-wide renewable percentage	E.ON Next
Less natural gas	EDF
Less coal	EDF
Less nuclear power	E.ON Next
Renewable-only selected SME tariff	Either
Nuclear-backed zero-carbon product	EDF
Wider choice of source types	EDF
Lower radioactive-waste figure	E.ON Next
Renewable-backed conventional SME contract	Either

Neither supplier’s overall company-wide fuel mix is renewable-only.

A business that requires 100% renewable electricity must select an eligible product and retain the associated certificate evidence.

EDF Zero Carbon for Business

EDF’s Zero Carbon for Business product is backed by nuclear generation.

EDF matches the customer’s estimated electricity use with electricity generated from nuclear power and supported by the necessary generator declarations.

This allows zero market-based carbon reporting, but the product is not renewable and has a higher radioactive-waste impact than a renewable-only tariff.

EDF renewable electricity

EDF also offers renewable electricity backed by certified wind, solar and other renewable generation.

Small businesses can select Fixed Renewable, while larger customers can combine renewable sourcing with fixed or flexible contracts.

This gives EDF a clear choice between:

• renewable electricity;
• nuclear-backed zero carbon; and
• other mixed-source supply.

E.ON renewable electricity

E.ON Next supplies renewable-backed electricity on selected fixed tariffs.

The backing can come from E.ON assets, contracts with UK generators and renewable certificates.

The claim applies to qualifying products rather than E.ON Next’s entire supplier-wide mix.

Comparing business gas

Both suppliers provide conventional business gas.

Neither E.ON Next nor EDF prominently advertises a standard SME product under which 100% of gas consumption is matched with UK renewable-gas certificates.

A company seeking lower-carbon gas should ask:

• whether biomethane certificates are available;
• what proportion is renewable;
• whether offsets are used;
• what standards apply;
• whether a premium is charged; and
• what reporting evidence is provided.

Gas burned at the premises still creates direct Scope 1 emissions, even where environmental certificates or offsets are purchased.

Smart meters

Both suppliers provide smart meters to eligible businesses.

EDF smart meters

EDF’s small-business smart meters provide:

• automatic meter readings;
• more accurate bills;
• hourly, daily, weekly and monthly consumption information;
• access to Energy Hub; and
• information that can help identify energy waste.

EDF’s current small-business terms can require customers without a smart meter to agree to installation. In some circumstances, a customer that refuses a compatible installation may be moved to a more expensive tariff.

E.ON smart meters

E.ON Next offers free commercial smart-meter installation where eligible, including upgrades for suitable three-phase meters.

The supplier says it has installed more than 160,000 smart meters in business premises.

Customers can use compatible meters to obtain automatic readings and access up to 12 months of half-hourly information through Optimum.

EDF Energy Hub versus E.ON Optimum

EDF Energy Hub

Energy Hub allows eligible smart-meter customers to:

• view hourly consumption;
• review daily, weekly and monthly use;
• identify high-consumption periods;
• monitor patterns;
• improve budgeting; and
• download meter information.

E.ON Optimum

Optimum allows eligible SME customers to:

• view energy use by meter;
• compare different time periods;
• compare performance with similar properties;
• review up to three years of year-on-year information;
• receive sustainability guidance; and
• access half-hourly data from compatible smart or AMR meters.

Which has the better monitoring service?

Requirement	Likely stronger fit
Straightforward hourly usage tracking	EDF Energy Hub
Comparing with similar buildings	E.ON Optimum
Three-year year-on-year comparison	E.ON Optimum
Sustainability recommendations	E.ON Optimum
MyAccount integration	EDF
Half-hourly smart or AMR data	Both
Large-business procurement monitoring	EDF
Large-estate net-zero analysis	E.ON group

E.ON Optimum has the stronger benchmarking proposition.

EDF Energy Hub provides a simple consumption view closely integrated with the small-business account.

Solar panels and batteries

Both groups provide commercial solar installations.

EDF solar

EDF supports SMEs through Contact Solar and larger organisations through EDF Business Solutions and specialist partners.

Services can include:

• site assessment;
• system design;
• rooftop solar;
• ground-mounted solar;
• battery storage;
• grid applications;
• monitoring;
• maintenance;
• capital purchase; and
• funded Power Purchase Agreements.

EDF says on-site solar can reduce dependence on grid electricity, while third-party estimates quoted in its SME guidance suggest that suitable systems can cut electricity bills substantially. Actual performance depends on system cost, generation and self-consumption.

E.ON solar

E.ON Next offers a fully managed business solar and battery service.

It covers:

• initial surveys;
• system design;
• Distribution Network Operator coordination;
• installation;
• solar panels;
• battery storage;
• export arrangements; and
• integration with E.ON energy and charging products.

E.ON describes the service as available across most of the UK through its certified installation network.

Which is better for commercial solar?

Requirement	Likely stronger fit
Turnkey SME installation	E.ON
Nationwide managed service	E.ON
Existing EDF customer wanting export and installation	EDF
Large funded solar PPA	EDF or E.ON group
Ground-mounted commercial solar	Compare both
Solar linked with EV chargers	Both
Solar linked with battery optimisation	Both
Major public-sector solar project	EDF may have an advantage
One E.ON technology package	E.ON
Highest published export payment	EDF

Solar export payments

EDF currently offers several small-business export products.

EDF Export 12M Small Business

Eligible EDF electricity customers can receive:

15p per exported kWh

The tariff:

• is fixed for one year;
• has no exit fee;
• applies to qualifying generation of up to 50kW;
• requires a compatible half-hourly export meter; and
• requires the business to buy its imported electricity from EDF.

EDF also offers Export Variable Value at 5.6p/kWh for eligible existing electricity customers, with broader capacity eligibility of up to 5MW.

E.ON Next Export Business

E.ON Next Export Business pays:

8.5p per exported kWh

The tariff:

• is fixed for 12 months;
• has no exit fee;
• is open to eligible new and existing SME or commercial customers;
• supports renewable installations up to 5MW; and
• requires a smart export meter and consent to half-hourly data collection.

It does not require the business to purchase imported electricity from E.ON Next.

Export-income comparison

Annual export	EDF at 15p/kWh	E.ON at 8.5p/kWh	Difference
5,000kWh	£750	£425	£325
10,000kWh	£1,500	£850	£650
25,000kWh	£3,750	£2,125	£1,625
50,000kWh	£7,500	£4,250	£3,250
100,000kWh	£15,000	£8,500	£6,500

EDF offers the higher headline payment, but its 15p tariff is limited to eligible systems of no more than 50kW and requires EDF import supply.

E.ON pays less per kWh but supports eligible systems up to 5MW and does not require E.ON to supply the imported electricity.

Which export tariff is better?

Requirement	Likely stronger fit
Highest published fixed rate	EDF
System no larger than 50kW	EDF
Existing EDF import customer	EDF
System above 50kW	E.ON or EDF variable export
Capacity up to 5MW	E.ON
Export without changing import supplier	E.ON
No exit fee	Both
Simple 12-month fixed payment	Both

Electric vehicle charging

Both suppliers offer business EV charging, but E.ON publishes a particularly broad hardware range.

EDF EV services

EDF and its partners provide:

• workplace charging;
• fleet-depot equipment;
• public-sector charging;
• site surveys;
• installation;
• charger management;
• solar and battery integration;
• electricity supply; and
• scalable infrastructure.

Pod, part of the EDF group, provides business charge-point installation and management services.

E.ON EV services

E.ON Next advertises:

Charger category	Maximum output	Typical use
Residential-style commercial	7.4kW	Small premises
Fast commercial	22kW	Offices and overnight fleets
Rapid commercial	50kW	Car parks and dealerships
Ultrafast commercial	400kW	Taxi fleets and public charging

Its quotations can include the charger, standard installation and a maintenance package.

Which is better for EV charging?

EV requirement	Likely stronger fit
One small workplace charger	E.ON
22kW overnight fleet charging	E.ON
50kW public or dealership charging	E.ON
400kW ultrafast charging	E.ON
EDF energy and Pod management package	EDF
Large public-sector programme	EDF
Solar, battery and EV package	Both
Major fleet-depot design	Compare both
Charger plus standard maintenance package	E.ON

E.ON has the clearer published equipment range.

EDF may have an advantage for larger bespoke programmes requiring energy supply, charging management, flexibility and public-sector expertise.

Power Purchase Agreements and generation

EDF provides large businesses with:

• Corporate PPAs;
• renewable-generator sourcing;
• shaping and balancing;
• sleeving;
• settlement;
• renewable certificates; and
• integration into fixed or flexible supply contracts.

E.ON group generator services are provided largely through npower Business Solutions, which offers fixed and flexible PPAs and the Energy Generators digital portfolio platform.

The best supplier depends on:

• generator technology;
• PPA term;
• price indexation;
• production risk;
• balancing obligations;
• credit requirements;
• sleeving fees; and
• whether new renewable capacity is being supported.

Multi-site businesses

Both suppliers can support businesses with numerous premises.

EDF can combine:

• fixed or flexible procurement;
• half-hourly and non-half-hourly meters;
• renewable or nuclear-backed electricity;
• Energy View;
• smart-meter data;
• solar;
• EV charging; and
• dedicated account management.

The E.ON group can combine:

• E.ON Next SME supplies;
• npower Business Solutions large-business contracts;
• Optimum;
• advanced metering;
• solar;
• batteries;
• connections;
• EV charging; and
• generator services.

EDF may be simpler where the entire portfolio can remain under one commercial division.

E.ON may offer a broader technology package, although larger customers can interact with several E.ON group brands.

Contract and pricing risks

Business energy contracts are not protected by the domestic energy price cap.

Most commercial contracts also do not provide the same automatic cooling-off rights as household contracts.

Before agreeing an EDF or E.ON tariff, check:

• unit rates;
• standing charges;
• start and end dates;
• fixed and variable elements;
• network-cost treatment;
• metering charges;
• electricity-capacity costs;
• early termination liability;
• payment requirements;
• renewable certificates;
• nuclear content;
• broker commission;
• export eligibility;
• renewal procedure; and
• deemed or out-of-contract prices.

EDF advantages and disadvantages

E.ON advantages and disadvantages

Which supplier is better for different businesses?

Business or requirement	Likely better fit	Reason
SME wanting a one-year contract	Compare both	Both offer one-year fixes
SME wanting a four-year contract	EDF	Longer standard term
Business wanting a three-year renewable fix	Either	Both provide eligible options
Company wanting nuclear-backed zero carbon	EDF	Dedicated source option
Company wanting higher supplier-wide renewable share	E.ON	31.3% compared with 18.2%
Company wanting lower supplier-wide emissions	EDF	135g/kWh compared with 331g/kWh
Business wanting less nuclear in the total mix	E.ON	2.7% compared with 54.8%
SME wanting building benchmarking	E.ON Optimum	Comparison with similar premises
SME wanting simple usage tracking	EDF Energy Hub	Hourly to monthly information
Large business seeking a fully fixed contract	EDF	Fixed + Peace of Mind
Large business seeking a five-year contract	E.ON group	nBS contracts reach five years
Company wanting staged energy purchasing	Either	Both support flexible procurement
Small solar exporter below 50kW	EDF	15p/kWh
Solar exporter above 50kW	E.ON may suit	8.5p/kWh up to 5MW
Generator not changing import supplier	E.ON	Import supply not required
SME wanting turnkey solar	E.ON	Fully managed service
Business needing ultrafast EV charging	E.ON	Equipment up to 400kW
Major public-sector EV programme	EDF	Extensive business and public-sector service
Renewable generator requiring a PPA	Compare both	Strong services from both groups
Complex multi-site business	Compare both	Different procurement and technology strengths

Final verdict: EDF vs E.ON

EDF and E.ON are both credible business energy suppliers, but they have different advantages.

EDF is likely to be the better choice where the company wants:

• a fixed SME tariff lasting up to four years;
• renewable-only electricity;
• nuclear-backed zero-carbon electricity;
• a choice between several energy sources;
• extensive large-business fixed and flexible procurement;
• a fully fixed large-business contract;
• block purchasing;
• a higher export payment for a qualifying small installation;
• a major Corporate PPA; or
• an integrated energy supply and flexibility strategy.

E.ON is likely to be stronger where the business wants:

• a conventional one-, two- or three-year contract;
• selected renewable-backed fixed electricity;
• dedicated Energy Specialists;
• free consumption benchmarking;
• a fully managed commercial-solar installation;
• export payments without changing import supplier;
• a commercial generation system larger than 50kW;
• chargers ranging from 7.4kW to 400kW; or
• a broad package of solar, batteries, charging and connections.

The environmental comparison depends on the chosen measure.

EDF’s supplier-wide mix had:

• 18.2% renewable electricity;
• 54.8% nuclear power;
• 21% natural gas;
• 4.2% coal; and
• reported emissions of 135g/kWh.

E.ON Next’s supplier-wide mix had:

• 31.3% renewable electricity;
• 2.7% nuclear;
• 51.5% natural gas;
• 10.2% coal; and
• reported emissions of 331g/kWh.

EDF therefore had the lower-carbon overall mix, largely because of its nuclear generation.

E.ON had the higher renewable percentage and much lower nuclear share, but relied more heavily on gas and coal.

A fair financial comparison should require both suppliers to quote for:

1. the same meter and postcode;
2. identical annual consumption;
3. the same contract start date;
4. an equivalent contract term;
5. all standing charges;
6. capacity and metering costs;
7. fixed and pass-through elements;
8. equivalent renewable credentials;
9. broker commission;
10. export income;
11. early termination liability;
12. renewal and default pricing; and
13. the complete projected annual cost.

For most companies, the decision can be summarised as follows:

• choose EDF for longer SME fixes, source choice, advanced procurement and the higher small-system export rate;
• choose E.ON for energy benchmarking, turnkey technology and broader commercial charger hardware;
• compare EDF Fixed Renewable with an eligible E.ON renewable-backed tariff where renewable electricity is required;
• compare EDF Large Business with npower Business Solutions where consumption exceeds SME thresholds; and
• select the supplier offering the lowest realistic total annual cost after standing charges, technology costs and export revenue have been included.

FAQ