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

E.ON and Octopus Energy are two major UK energy groups offering gas, electricity and low-carbon technology to businesses. However, their commercial propositions have noticeably different strengths.

E.ON Next’s business service concentrates on individually quoted fixed contracts lasting one, two or three years. Selected fixed electricity tariffs are backed by 100% renewable electricity, while eligible SME customers receive free access to the E.ON Optimum energy-monitoring platform. The wider E.ON group also installs commercial solar panels, batteries and EV chargers.

Octopus Energy for Business offers conventional supply alongside a broader selection of innovative business tariffs. Shape Shifters Trio and Agile reward companies that can alter when they consume electricity, Summer Saver targets seasonal businesses and a No Standing Charge Tariff is available to qualifying meter bands. Octopus also provides dynamic export payments, detailed renewable matching and funded on-site wind generation.

E.ON may suit a business seeking a conventional fixed tariff, renewable-backed electricity, dedicated account support and a turnkey solar or EV project.

Octopus is likely to be more attractive where the company has flexible machinery, electric vehicles, batteries, solar panels or several premises that could benefit from active energy management.

Neither supplier is universally cheaper. Business energy prices are calculated using the property, meter, postcode, consumption, credit profile and proposed contract.

E.ON vs Octopus at a glance

Feature	E.ON	Octopus Energy for Business
Small-business electricity	Yes, through E.ON Next	Yes
Small-business gas	Yes, through E.ON Next	Yes
Large-business supply	Through npower Business Solutions and wider E.ON services	Yes, including bespoke commercial products
Fixed SME contract terms	One, two or three years	Individually quoted; specialist products commonly last 12 months
Standard national prices published	No	No
Renewable-backed electricity	100% renewable on selected fixed tariffs	Zero-carbon business electricity
Supplier-wide renewable share	31.3%	86.4%
Supplier-wide nuclear share	2.7%	13.6%
Supplier-wide gas and coal	61.7% combined	0%
Supplier-wide carbon intensity	331g CO₂/kWh	0g CO₂/kWh
Time-of-use SME tariff	No prominent business equivalent	Shape Shifters Trio and Agile
Seasonal business tariff	No prominent equivalent	Summer Saver
No-standing-charge option	No prominent business equivalent	Available for qualifying bands 2–4
Free SME energy analytics	E.ON Optimum	Online dashboard and smart-tariff tools
Granular renewable matching	No direct SME equivalent	Electric Match
Funded on-site wind	Not a prominent SME supply product	Wind Works
Business solar export rate	8.5p/kWh	12p/kWh through Panel Power
Dynamic export tariff	No prominent business equivalent	Shape Shifters: Export
Commercial solar	Yes	Bespoke and funded renewable projects
Commercial EV chargers	7.4kW to 400kW options	Smart tariffs, charging and wider Octopus EV services
Direct-sales model	Direct and broker-supported routes	Standard business service sells directly
Best suited to	Conventional fixed supply and installed energy technology	Flexible consumption, batteries, exports and smart energy

Understanding the E.ON business structure

The E.ON brand covers several related commercial energy operations.

E.ON Next

E.ON Next supplies electricity and gas to small and medium-sized organisations.

Its standard online business service is best suited where the company:

• uses no more than 100,000kWh of electricity annually;
• uses no more than 293,000kWh of gas annually; or
• has annual turnover below €2 million and fewer than ten full-time employees.

E.ON Next can also handle enquiries from:

• landlords;
• property developers;
• managing agents;
• businesses with several premises; and
• companies requiring bespoke account arrangements.

Npower Business Solutions

Larger and corporate energy users are generally directed towards npower Business Solutions, which is part of the E.ON group.

This service covers:

• large fixed contracts;
• flexible wholesale purchasing;
• half-hourly supplies;
• major multi-site portfolios;
• renewable electricity;
• Power Purchase Agreements; and
• complex procurement strategies.

E.ON Energy Solutions

Commercial infrastructure can be delivered through E.ON’s wider energy-solutions operations.

Services include:

• solar panels;
• solar farms;
• batteries;
• EV charging;
• heat pumps;
• heat networks;
• building energy systems;
• grid connections; and
• other decarbonisation projects.

A large organisation may consequently deal with different E.ON group companies for supply, procurement and installed technology.

Understanding Octopus Energy for Business

Octopus presents its SME and commercial supply products through one main business-energy proposition.

Its services include:

• fixed and flexible electricity;
• business gas;
• multi-site portfolios;
• Shape Shifters;
• Summer Saver;
• no-standing-charge tariffs;
• solar export payments;
• dynamic export;
• Electric Match;
• Wind Works; and
• bespoke large-commercial contracts.

Octopus states that it sells its standard business tariffs directly rather than paying brokers or comparison services to acquire customers.

This does not prevent a business from engaging an independent energy consultant, but the company should also obtain Octopus’s direct quotation.

Which businesses can apply?

Both suppliers can serve SMEs, while larger companies have access to specialist services.

Example business	Annual electricity consumption	Likely options
Independent shop	12,000kWh	E.ON Next fixed tariff or Octopus fixed quote
Medium-sized office	60,000kWh	Fixed SME contract from either supplier
Restaurant	120,000kWh	E.ON bespoke route or Octopus business quotation
Seasonal visitor attraction	150,000kWh	Octopus Summer Saver may be relevant
Workshop with flexible machinery	250,000kWh	Octopus Shape Shifters
EV fleet depot	500,000kWh	Octopus time-of-use supply or E.ON charging infrastructure
Hotel group	1GWh	Multi-site arrangement from either group
Manufacturer	5GWh	Npower Business Solutions or Octopus commercial service
Major corporate user	15GWh	Flexible contract or renewable matching
Business with several solar sites	Varies	Octopus Electric Match may be relevant

Eligibility also depends on:

• meter type;
• credit history;
• payment record;
• company status;
• premises use;
• available capacity; and
• the supplier’s commercial assessment.

Which supplier is cheaper?

Neither company publishes one national contract rate applying to every business.

A quotation normally depends on:

• the electricity MPAN or gas MPRN;
• postcode and distribution region;
• annual consumption;
• meter profile;
• half-hourly demand pattern;
• agreed electricity capacity;
• number of sites;
• payment method;
• credit rating;
• contract start date;
• contract length;
• renewable-product selection; and
• wholesale prices when the quote is issued.

The projected annual cost should be calculated as:

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

A tariff with a lower unit rate can still be more expensive if it has a higher standing charge.

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 business consuming 1GWh saves £10,000 annually for every 1p/kWh reduction in its average electricity rate.

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 are especially important for:

• low-consumption properties;
• seasonal premises;
• vacant buildings;
• commercial landlords;
• businesses with several small meters; and
• organisations retaining inactive supplies.

E.ON Next business tariffs

E.ON Next offers individually calculated fixed business contracts lasting:

• one year;
• two years; or
• three years.

The supplier can agree prices up to 180 days before the company’s current contract ends.

Selected fixed tariffs provide 100% renewable-backed electricity.

The business proposition includes:

• a fixed unit price;
• a fixed contract period;
• electricity, gas or dual-fuel supply;
• an online account;
• Direct Debit;
• dedicated Energy Specialists;
• free smart meters where eligible; and
• E.ON Optimum for compatible meters.

The precise standing charge, unit rate and exit fee depend on the customer’s quotation.

Advantages of E.ON fixed tariffs

A conventional fixed tariff can provide:

• protection from wholesale price increases;
• predictable unit rates;
• easier budgeting;
• less need to monitor energy markets;
• one-, two- or three-year planning; and
• renewable-backed electricity on selected products.

This may suit a company that cannot alter when it uses electricity.

Examples include:

• shops operating during fixed opening hours;
• offices;
• surgeries;
• schools;
• care providers;
• restaurants;
• hotels; and
• workshops with inflexible production schedules.

Disadvantages of fixing with E.ON

A fixed contract can prevent the customer benefiting from falling market prices before the term ends.

Early termination charges may also apply if the business:

• closes;
• moves premises;
• changes supplier early;
• materially changes its meter arrangements; or
• otherwise terminates the contract before its scheduled end date.

A company should check whether the quoted tariff fixes every cost or permits changes relating to:

• taxes;
• regulation;
• meter charges;
• electricity capacity;
• third-party industry costs; or
• inaccurate consumption forecasts.

E.ON contract renewal

E.ON allows businesses to discuss renewal well before their existing contract expires.

Prices may be agreed up to 180 days in advance, while eligible accounts may be able to renew online closer to the end date.

E.ON says it does not automatically place customers into another fixed-term contract without consent.

Where no new fixed agreement is arranged, the business can move onto a variable tariff.

Variable and out-of-contract prices are normally less competitive than negotiated fixed rates.

Octopus standard business tariffs

Octopus provides fixed and flexible quotations based on the individual property and meter.

Its standard business proposition emphasises:

• transparent pricing;
• direct sales;
• zero-carbon electricity;
• online account management;
• multiple-site portfolios;
• smart meters;
• export payments; and
• innovative tariff structures.

The company does not publish one universal fixed-business price table.

A prospective customer must enter its postcode and supply information to see the current available tariffs.

Octopus Shape Shifters

Shape Shifters is a 12-month smart business electricity contract.

Eligibility normally requires:

• a compatible working smart meter;
• payment by Direct Debit;
• an up-to-date account; and
• compatible supply arrangements.

The tariff is available in two versions.

Shape Shifters Trio

Trio divides each day into three pricing periods:

• night;
• day; and
• the 4pm to 7pm peak.

Octopus says the business receives 21 hours at rates below the daily peak rate.

Prices within each time band are fixed, which makes Trio easier to plan around than a fully dynamic tariff.

It can suit:

• EV fleets;
• laundries;
• refrigeration businesses;
• workshops;
• commercial kitchens;
• companies with batteries;
• charging hubs; and
• manufacturers able to reschedule equipment.

Shape Shifters Agile

Agile changes its electricity rate every half hour according to wholesale-market conditions.

The following day’s prices are published in advance.

The tariff has a maximum rate of £1 per kWh.

Agile may deliver low prices when wholesale electricity is abundant, but it can become expensive during high-demand or low-generation periods.

It is best suited to businesses with:

• automated energy controls;
• battery storage;
• flexible machinery;
• overnight EV charging;
• controllable heating or cooling;
• on-site renewable generation; or
• staff capable of monitoring daily price information.

Potential value of shifting electricity use

Suppose a company uses 100,000kWh annually and can move 20% of its consumption away from expensive periods.

The flexible consumption would be 20,000kWh.

Difference between expensive and cheaper periods	Illustrative annual saving
3p/kWh	£600
5p/kWh	£1,000
10p/kWh	£2,000
15p/kWh	£3,000
20p/kWh	£4,000

These are mathematical illustrations rather than guaranteed Octopus savings.

A business should analyse at least 12 months of half-hourly data before selecting a time-of-use tariff.

E.ON fixed tariff versus Shape Shifters

Requirement	E.ON fixed tariff	Octopus Shape Shifters
Simple predictable unit rate	Strong	Trio has predictable bands; Agile does not
Protection from wholesale volatility	Strong	Limited under Agile
Ability to benefit from low half-hourly prices	No	Agile
Reward for moving demand	Limited	Yes
Need for a smart meter	Required where eligible for renewable offer	Required
Need to monitor prices	No	Agile customers should monitor prices
Suitable for inflexible operation	Yes	Less likely
Suitable for batteries and EVs	Conventional supply only	Strong
Contract length	One to three years	12 months
Maximum possible Agile rate	Not applicable	£1/kWh

E.ON is likely to provide greater simplicity.

Octopus provides greater opportunity where the business can actively manage demand.

Octopus Summer Saver

Summer Saver is intended for companies using most of their annual electricity between April and September.

It applies:

• a lower summer unit rate from April to September; and
• a higher winter unit rate from October to March.

Octopus says companies using more than 70% of their annual electricity during the summer period could save up to 10%.

Potential users include:

• campsites;
• holiday parks;
• outdoor attractions;
• seasonal cafés;
• seaside venues;
• wedding businesses;
• visitor centres; and
• summer events companies.

A business should not select Summer Saver based only on its industry.

It should use meter data to confirm that at least 70% of consumption genuinely occurs during the cheaper period.

E.ON does not prominently advertise an equivalent seasonal SME tariff.

Octopus No Standing Charge Tariff

Octopus offers a 12-month business electricity tariff with no daily standing charge for eligible businesses in residual bands 2, 3 or 4.

The costs normally recovered through the standing charge are incorporated into the unit rate.

This may benefit a company that:

• uses relatively little electricity within its band;
• operates seasonally;
• has several lightly used meters;
• closes for long periods; or
• expects consumption to fall.

The tariff is less likely to suit a high-consumption business because its unit rate can be higher.

Break-even example

Suppose a conventional tariff has:

• a £2 daily standing charge; and
• a unit rate 2p/kWh below the zero-standing-charge tariff.

The annual standing charge is:

£2 × 365 = £730

The consumption break-even point is:

£730 ÷ £0.02 = 36,500kWh

Below 36,500kWh, the no-standing-charge option may be cheaper.

Above 36,500kWh, the lower unit rate on the conventional tariff may save more than the standing charge costs.

E.ON does not prominently offer an equivalent no-standing-charge business tariff.

Comparing renewable electricity

Both suppliers provide low-carbon business electricity, but the supplier-wide environmental characteristics differ substantially.

E.ON Next fuel mix

E.ON Next’s fuel mix for 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 was:

Source	E.ON Next
Coal	10.2%
Natural gas	51.5%
Nuclear	2.7%
Renewables	31.3%
Other fuels	4.3%
Reported carbon emissions	331g/kWh
Radioactive waste	0.0002g/kWh

The general E.ON Next fuel mix therefore contains a significant proportion of fossil-fuel generation.

This should not be confused with the selected fixed business tariffs that are separately backed by renewable electricity.

E.ON renewable business tariffs

Selected E.ON Next fixed business tariffs provide 100% renewable-backed electricity.

The backing can use:

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

Electricity arriving at the business still comes from the shared national grid.

The 100% claim means that an equivalent quantity of renewable generation and certificates is allocated to the customer.

A compatible smart meter is required where the business is eligible for installation.

Octopus fuel mix

Octopus’s fuel mix for the same reporting period was:

Source	Octopus
Renewables	86.4%
Nuclear	13.6%
Natural gas	0%
Coal	0%
Other fuels	0%
Reported carbon emissions	0g/kWh
High-level radioactive waste	0.0010g/kWh

Octopus’s entire supplier mix was reported as zero carbon, but it was not renewable-only because it included nuclear electricity.

Which supplier has greener electricity?

Environmental priority	Likely stronger fit
Higher supplier-wide renewable share	Octopus
No gas or coal in supplier-wide mix	Octopus
Lower supplier-wide carbon intensity	Octopus
Renewable-only selected SME tariff	E.ON
Avoiding nuclear-backed electricity	Selected E.ON renewable tariff
Smart demand shifting towards low-carbon periods	Octopus
Granular generator matching	Octopus Electric Match
Simple annual renewable certificate evidence	E.ON selected tariff
Wider direct renewable investment	Octopus
On-site renewable infrastructure	Compare both

Octopus has the stronger supplier-wide environmental figures.

E.ON offers a clearer renewable-only claim where the business selects an eligible fixed renewable tariff.

Octopus Electric Match

Electric Match is designed for large organisations wanting more detailed renewable traceability.

It connects the customer with selected renewable generators and matches electricity consumption with generation within half-hourly periods.

The customer receives certification identifying:

• the renewable generator;
• the location;
• when electricity was produced;
• the company’s corresponding consumption; and
• the proportion successfully time-matched.

Octopus says Electric Match can provide:

• 100% guaranteed green electricity;
• potential matching of up to 80% of consumption;
• a choice from approximately 70 renewable generators; and
• downloadable granular reporting.

The standard eligibility profile includes businesses that:

• consume at least 10GWh annually;
• have half-hourly meters;
• want detailed carbon reporting; and
• are willing to discuss the benefits of the product publicly.

E.ON’s standard SME renewable product provides annual certificate backing rather than an equivalent publicly advertised half-hourly matching service.

Octopus Wind Works

Wind Works allows Octopus to fund, install, operate and maintain renewable equipment at a business site.

Available combinations can include:

• wind;
• wind and solar; or
• wind, solar and electrified heating.

The customer purchases the electricity under a Power Purchase Agreement.

Octopus advertises:

• no upfront capital cost;
• contracts lasting between seven and 20 years;
• potential electricity-price reductions of up to 50%;
• price certainty during the agreement;
• operation and maintenance included; and
• the ability to export or allocate surplus electricity.

The strongest candidates generally:

• spend more than £20,000 per month on energy;
• have average demand above 200kW;
• have suitable land;
• can obtain planning permission; and
• are prepared to enter a long-term PPA.

The claimed savings are not guaranteed. They depend on site conditions, generation, grid charges and the price in the PPA.

Comparing business gas

Both E.ON Next and Octopus provide business gas quotations.

Neither supplier prominently advertises a standard SME gas product with a defined 100% renewable-gas certificate structure.

Unless the written quotation says otherwise, the business should treat the contract as conventional network gas.

A company with environmental gas requirements should ask:

• whether biomethane certificates are available;
• what proportion of use is matched;
• whether carbon offsets are included;
• what verification standards apply;
• whether an additional premium is charged; and
• what reporting evidence will be issued.

The physical combustion of gas at the business creates Scope 1 emissions regardless of the supplier.

Businesses seeking substantial reductions may need to consider heat pumps, electric equipment, waste-heat recovery or other heating changes.

E.ON Optimum

E.ON Optimum is a free digital energy-management platform for eligible SME customers with compatible smart or automated meters.

It can provide:

• electricity and gas consumption information;
• usage analysis by meter;
• comparisons across different periods;
• year-on-year comparisons covering up to three years;
• benchmarking against similar premises;
• sustainability recommendations;
• multi-meter visibility; and
• downloadable information.

Optimum can help a business investigate:

• overnight baseload;
• unnecessary weekend use;
• heating schedules;
• refrigeration;
• equipment left operating;
• seasonal changes; and
• unusual consumption increases.

Octopus online energy tools

Octopus business customers can manage:

• bills;
• payments;
• meter information;
• tariff details;
• multiple sites;
• export credits; and
• contract administration online.

Shape Shifters Agile customers also receive access to the following day’s half-hourly prices.

Electric Match customers receive a more advanced dashboard showing:

• forecast renewable generation;
• half-hourly matching;
• consumption;
• billing information;
• emissions data; and
• downloadable reports.

Which has the better data platform?

Requirement	Likely stronger fit
Basic SME energy monitoring	E.ON Optimum
Benchmarking against similar businesses	E.ON Optimum
Sustainability recommendations	E.ON Optimum
Viewing next-day half-hourly prices	Octopus
Active tariff optimisation	Octopus
Detailed generator matching	Octopus Electric Match
Multi-site conventional reporting	Both
Three years of year-on-year comparison	E.ON
Battery and export optimisation	Octopus

E.ON’s platform is stronger for conventional energy-efficiency analysis.

Octopus’s tools are more closely integrated with smart tariffs, renewable generation and price-responsive operation.

Solar panels and battery storage

Both energy groups provide commercial solar and battery services.

E.ON SME solar

E.ON Next offers business solar and battery packages covering:

• site consultation;
• bespoke system design;
• survey;
• installation;
• grid applications;
• monitoring;
• battery storage; and
• export payments.

This provides a relatively straightforward route for an SME wanting equipment and an export tariff from the same group.

E.ON large commercial solar

The wider E.ON group also offers:

• rooftop solar;
• ground-mounted solar;
• solar farms;
• commercial batteries;
• Power Purchase Agreements;
• no-upfront-capital funding;
• maintenance; and
• integration with commercial EV charging.

Under a PPA, E.ON or a funding partner can own the installation while the business buys electricity generated on site.

Octopus solar and renewable infrastructure

Octopus’s business proposition emphasises:

• solar export tariffs;
• dynamic export;
• batteries;
• Electric Match;
• Wind Works; and
• bespoke commercial renewable contracts.

Octopus may be particularly attractive where the business already has solar or batteries and wants to optimise the value of the installation.

E.ON may provide the simpler end-to-end installation route for an ordinary SME.

Comparing solar export tariffs

E.ON Next Export Business

E.ON pays eligible small and medium-sized businesses:

8.5p per exported kWh

The tariff:

• is fixed for 12 months;
• has no exit fee;
• requires a smart export meter;
• requires consent to half-hourly data collection;
• is available for qualifying generation up to 5MW; and
• is open to eligible businesses even where another company supplies imported electricity.

Octopus Panel Power

Octopus Panel Power pays:

12p per exported kWh

Eligibility normally requires:

• solar panels;
• generation capacity below 150kWp;
• a compatible smart or export meter;
• no Feed-in Tariff export payments; and
• an Octopus Energy for Business import tariff.

Export-income comparison

Annual electricity export	E.ON at 8.5p/kWh	Octopus at 12p/kWh	Difference
5,000kWh	£425	£600	£175
10,000kWh	£850	£1,200	£350
25,000kWh	£2,125	£3,000	£875
50,000kWh	£4,250	£6,000	£1,750
100,000kWh	£8,500	£12,000	£3,500

Octopus offers the higher published flat payment.

E.ON has broader stated generation-capacity eligibility and does not require the company to buy its imported electricity from E.ON.

Octopus Shape Shifters: Export

Shape Shifters: Export changes its payment rate throughout the day according to wholesale-market prices.

It is designed for businesses with:

• battery storage;
• solar panels;
• controllable exports; or
• the ability to store low-cost electricity and sell it later.

Rates are commonly more valuable around the evening peak.

A business with solar but no battery may prefer the certainty of Panel Power.

A business with a large battery may earn more through dynamic export by delaying sales until market prices rise.

E.ON does not currently advertise a directly comparable mainstream dynamic business-export tariff.

Which is better for solar exports?

Requirement	Likely better fit
Highest published flat rate	Octopus
Installation below 150kWp	Octopus Panel Power
Installation up to 5MW	E.ON
Export without changing import supplier	E.ON
Dynamic battery export	Octopus
Simple 12-month fixed export rate	Either
Solar plus turnkey installation	E.ON
Solar and battery market optimisation	Octopus

Commercial EV charging

Both groups have strong EV propositions, but they approach the market differently.

E.ON business EV charging

E.ON Next and E.ON Energy Solutions offer:

• residential-style commercial chargers;
• workplace charging;
• fleet charging;
• public charging;
• access control;
• load management;
• planning;
• installation;
• maintenance; and
• integration with solar and batteries.

Its published charger categories include:

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

E.ON can therefore provide the physical infrastructure for anything from one charger to a large rapid-charging site.

Octopus EV proposition

Octopus’s main business-supply advantage is lower-cost charging through Shape Shifters.

A fleet can schedule charging:

• overnight;
• outside 4pm to 7pm;
• during low Agile-price periods; or
• when renewable generation is abundant.

The wider Octopus group also offers:

• electric vehicle leasing;
• salary-sacrifice schemes;
• charger installation;
• charging management; and
• Electroverse public-network access.

Which is better for EVs?

EV requirement	Likely stronger fit
Physical workplace charger installation	E.ON
Rapid or ultrafast chargers	E.ON
Public charging site	E.ON
Overnight tariff optimisation	Octopus
Half-hourly dynamic charging	Octopus
Battery and EV integration	Octopus
Fleet leasing	Octopus group
Solar plus EV charging installation	E.ON
Simple office chargers	E.ON
Businesses already on Shape Shifters	Octopus

A business may use E.ON to install chargers while selecting Octopus for electricity supply, subject to contract compatibility.

Multi-site businesses

E.ON can provide bespoke contracts for:

• landlords;
• managing agents;
• property developers;
• several business premises; and
• larger corporate portfolios.

Large portfolios may be directed to npower Business Solutions.

Octopus allows sites to be combined within a joint portfolio covering:

• switching;
• renewals;
• billing;
• online account access;
• customer support; and
• contract administration.

Electric Match can also allocate renewable output and consumption across multiple properties.

Octopus may have an advantage where the company wants one portfolio combined with smart tariffs or granular renewable matching.

E.ON may have an advantage where the organisation requires wider infrastructure, connections, metering or advanced large-business procurement.

Customer service

E.ON Next

E.ON Next provides business customers with:

• dedicated Energy Specialists;
• telephone support;
• email;
• WhatsApp;
• online account management;
• tariff renewal;
• meter assistance; and
• energy-efficiency support.

This may appeal to a company wanting a recognisable named support model rather than relying principally on self-service.

Octopus

Octopus provides:

• telephone and email support;
• online account management;
• direct quotations;
• smart-tariff dashboards;
• export services;
• multi-site management; and
• specialist commercial teams.

Octopus may be more attractive to businesses comfortable managing tariffs and consumption through digital tools.

Contract expiry and switching

E.ON can agree new prices up to 180 days before the existing tariff ends.

Octopus customers should review their tariffs before expiry, particularly where they use a specialist 12-month product.

If no new agreement is arranged, either supplier may apply:

• variable rates;
• deemed rates;
• out-of-contract rates; or
• other default pricing permitted by the contract.

These rates can be materially more expensive than a negotiated agreement.

Contract risks to check

Business energy contracts do not receive the same protections as household tariffs.

There is generally no automatic cooling-off period after accepting a business energy agreement.

Before selecting E.ON or Octopus, examine:

• unit rates;
• standing charges;
• contract term;
• start and end dates;
• exit fees;
• fixed and variable elements;
• time-of-use periods;
• Agile’s maximum rate;
• Direct Debit requirements;
• meter compatibility;
• capacity charges;
• broker commission;
• renewable certificates;
• export tariff eligibility;
• treatment of moving premises;
• renewal procedures; and
• post-contract prices.

A business should not accept a time-of-use tariff without examining actual consumption data.

E.ON advantages and disadvantages

Octopus advantages and disadvantages

Which supplier is better for different businesses?

Business type or requirement	Likely better fit	Reason
Small business wanting a simple fixed rate	E.ON	Conventional one- to three-year options
Business wanting to fix six months early	E.ON	Prices can be agreed 180 days ahead
Business with flexible operating hours	Octopus	Shape Shifters
EV fleet charging overnight	Octopus	Time-of-use tariffs
Business needing EV charger installation	E.ON	Wide hardware and installation range
Company with batteries	Octopus	Agile import and dynamic export
Seasonal summer company	Octopus	Summer Saver
Low-use band 2–4 meter	Octopus may suit	No Standing Charge Tariff
Company wanting renewable-only supply	Selected E.ON tariff	100% renewable backing
Company prioritising supplier-wide fuel mix	Octopus	86.4% renewable and no fossil generation
Business excluding nuclear power	Selected E.ON renewable tariff	Octopus mix includes nuclear
SME wanting energy benchmarking	E.ON	Optimum
Company wanting half-hourly generator matching	Octopus	Electric Match
Solar exporter below 150kWp	Octopus	Panel Power pays 12p/kWh
Solar exporter not changing import supplier	E.ON	8.5p tariff is open to eligible non-supply customers
Generator above 150kWp	E.ON may suit	Eligibility extends to 5MW
Company wanting dynamic battery exports	Octopus	Shape Shifters: Export
SME wanting turnkey solar	E.ON	Installation, storage and export route
Industrial site suitable for wind	Octopus	Wind Works
Large corporate portfolio	Compare both	Npower Business Solutions and Octopus commercial services
Business wanting charger outputs up to 400kW	E.ON	Published ultrafast charging range

Final verdict: E.ON vs Octopus

E.ON and Octopus both provide credible business energy services, but they are best suited to different operating models.

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

• a conventional fixed contract;
• a one-, two- or three-year term;
• the ability to agree prices 180 days in advance;
• renewable-only electricity on an eligible fixed plan;
• dedicated Energy Specialists;
• free SME energy benchmarking;
• a turnkey solar and battery installation;
• an export tariff that does not require E.ON import supply;
• workplace, fleet or public EV chargers; or
• wider commercial infrastructure from a large energy group.

Octopus is likely to be the stronger option where the business wants:

• time-of-use electricity;
• half-hourly wholesale pricing;
• seasonal rates;
• a no-standing-charge structure;
• battery optimisation;
• dynamic exports;
• a higher flat solar export payment;
• multi-site smart management;
• granular renewable matching; or
• fully funded on-site wind generation.

The environmental result depends on the comparison being made.

Octopus has the much greener supplier-wide mix, with 86.4% renewable electricity, 13.6% nuclear and no gas or coal.

E.ON’s general supplier mix is more carbon intensive, but selected fixed business tariffs provide 100% renewable-backed electricity and therefore avoid nuclear backing at product level.

The price comparison cannot be resolved using public headline rates. Both suppliers calculate business prices individually.

A fair comparison should require both companies to quote for:

1. the same meter and postcode;
2. identical annual consumption;
3. the same contract start date;
4. an equivalent contract duration;
5. the same payment method;
6. all standing charges;
7. meter and capacity costs;
8. equivalent renewable credentials;
9. time-of-use savings based on actual data;
10. export income;
11. early termination costs;
12. renewal and default prices; and
13. the complete projected annual cost.

For most companies, the conclusion is:

• choose E.ON for straightforward fixed tariffs, renewable-only backing and installed energy technology;
• choose Octopus for smart pricing, flexibility, batteries, solar exports and granular renewable services;
• compare E.ON’s selected renewable fixed tariff with Octopus’s standard zero-carbon tariff where environmental credentials matter;
• compare E.ON Optimum with Octopus Shape Shifters tools according to whether the priority is analysing or actively rescheduling consumption; and
• select whichever quotation produces the lowest realistic annual cost after standing charges, export revenue and operational changes have been included.

FAQ