ScottishPower vs EDF: comparing commercial tariffs and features to help you choose for your business

ScottishPower and EDF are two of the UK’s largest business energy suppliers. Both provide gas, electricity, smart meters, renewable-energy products, commercial solar and electric vehicle charging, but their tariff structures differ significantly.

ScottishPower offers one-, two- and three-year contracts. Its Renewable For Business electricity tariff is backed by renewable generation from ScottishPower’s own UK renewable assets. However, only the wholesale energy component is fixed: network, environmental and other industry costs are reviewed quarterly and can rise or fall during the contract.

EDF offers small-business fixed contracts lasting between one and four years. Its Fixed Renewable product matches electricity use with UK Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin, while larger organisations can choose renewable, nuclear-backed zero-carbon or mixed-source electricity.

EDF also publishes a broader range of conventional fixed and flexible energy procurement structures for large businesses. These include fully fixed contracts, partly fixed agreements, block purchasing and flexible contracts extending beyond five years.

ScottishPower may be the stronger choice for a company wanting electricity matched with renewable power from supplier-owned UK assets, a conventional one- to three-year contract or an integrated solar and EV-charging package.

EDF may be more suitable where the business wants a four-year SME fix, a choice between renewable and nuclear-backed electricity, advanced wholesale procurement or a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement.

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

ScottishPower vs EDF at a glance

Feature	ScottishPower Business	EDF Business
Business electricity	Yes	Yes
Business gas	Yes	Yes
SME supply	Yes	Yes
Large-business supply	Yes	Yes
Standard national contract prices published	No	No
SME contract terms	One, two or three years	One, two, three or four years
Wholesale energy fixed	Yes	Yes on fixed products
Industry costs fixed	No; reviewed quarterly	Product-dependent
Renewable SME electricity	Renewable For Business	Fixed Renewable
Renewable source	ScottishPower’s own UK renewable assets	UK REGOs from qualifying renewable generation
Nuclear-backed zero-carbon option	Not a standard SME product	Yes for eligible large-business products
Supplier-wide renewable share	7%	18.2%
Supplier-wide nuclear share	4%	54.8%
Supplier-wide gas and coal	84%	25.2%
Reported carbon intensity	Product-dependent	135g CO₂/kWh supplier-wide
Large-business fully fixed option	Bespoke commercial contracts	Fixed + Peace of Mind
Partly fixed option	Standard tariff structure	Fixed + Standard
Block energy purchasing	Bespoke commercial arrangements	Fixed + Energy Trading
Flexible procurement	Available for commercial customers	Extensive published range
Flexible purchasing horizon	Bespoke	One to three, three to five or more than five years
Corporate PPA	Yes	Yes
Free smart-meter information	App and online account	Energy Hub
Solar export rates	6p, 12p or 15p/kWh	3p, 5.6p or 15p/kWh
Highest export rate	15p/kWh	15p/kWh
Commercial solar	Yes	Yes
Commercial batteries	Yes	Yes
Business EV charging	Workplace, fleet, public and shared	Workplace, fleet and public-sector solutions
Best suited to	Renewable-backed conventional contracts and installed technology	Longer fixes, source choice and sophisticated procurement

Which businesses can use ScottishPower or EDF?

Both suppliers serve small companies, multi-site businesses and major commercial organisations.

Potential customers include:

• shops;
• offices;
• cafés;
• restaurants;
• hotels;
• care providers;
• schools;
• charities;
• landlords;
• warehouses;
• factories;
• logistics operators;
• public-sector bodies;
• national retailers; and
• large industrial users.

EDF generally separates small and large-business customers at approximately:

• 100,000kWh of annual electricity use; or
• 300,000kWh of annual gas use.

Businesses above these levels are normally directed towards EDF Large Business.

ScottishPower offers its general business tariff range to small, medium and large companies, although more complex customers may require a bespoke commercial arrangement.

Eligibility can also depend on:

• meter type;
• half-hourly consumption;
• available electricity capacity;
• creditworthiness;
• previous payment history;
• number of premises;
• business activity; and
• proposed contract start date.

Example suitability by company type

Example organisation	Annual electricity use	Potentially suitable option
Independent shop	12,000kWh	Fixed SME quote from either supplier
Medium office	60,000kWh	ScottishPower Renewable For Business or EDF fixed tariff
Restaurant	120,000kWh	ScottishPower tailored quote or EDF Large Business
Hotel	400,000kWh	Multi-site or large-business contract
Manufacturer	2GWh	Fixed or flexible procurement from either supplier
National retailer	10GWh	Bespoke multi-site contract
Company wanting renewable-only electricity	Any suitable level	ScottishPower Renewable For Business or EDF Fixed Renewable
Company wanting nuclear-backed zero carbon	Large-business supply	EDF
Solar-exporting SME	Project-dependent	Compare both suppliers’ 15p tariffs
Company installing workplace chargers	Site-dependent	Either supplier
Major company seeking a CPPA	Large consumption	Compare both
Business wanting procurement beyond five years	Large user	EDF flexible contract

Which supplier is cheaper?

There is no universal ScottishPower-versus-EDF business price.

Neither company publishes one national new-customer tariff applying to every business. Quotations can vary according to:

• electricity MPAN;
• gas MPRN;
• postcode and distribution region;
• annual consumption;
• electricity profile;
• half-hourly demand;
• electricity voltage;
• residual charging band;
• agreed supply capacity;
• number of sites;
• payment method;
• credit rating;
• contract start date;
• contract duration;
• renewable-product selection; and
• wholesale market conditions.

A complete annual comparison should include:

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

The tariff with the lower unit rate can still be more expensive if its standing charge or variable industry costs are higher.

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 £100,000 for a business consuming 10GWh.

How standing charges affect annual 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
£10	£3,650	£36,500

Standing charges are particularly important for:

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

ScottishPower Renewable For Business

Renewable For Business is ScottishPower’s current electricity tariff for businesses.

Its principal features include:

• one-, two- or three-year contracts;
• electricity backed by 100% renewable generation;
• renewable power from ScottishPower’s own UK assets;
• fixed wholesale energy costs;
• variable industry costs;
• quarterly cost reviews; and
• a choice of payment methods.

Renewable For Business may suit companies that want:

• a simple renewable-energy claim;
• electricity linked with supplier-owned generation;
• no nuclear allocation to the chosen product;
• protection from wholesale-price increases;
• one- to three-year budgeting; and
• certificate evidence for environmental reporting.

The electricity physically delivered to the premises still comes through the national grid. ScottishPower matches the company’s consumption with renewable generation and the associated certificates.

How ScottishPower business pricing works

ScottishPower separates its business price into two broad parts.

Fixed energy costs

The wholesale energy element is fixed for the agreed one-, two- or three-year term.

This protects the business against an increase in the wholesale cost of electricity or gas.

Variable industry costs

The remaining component includes costs such as:

• electricity transmission;
• distribution charges;
• balancing costs;
• Capacity Market charges;
• Contracts for Difference;
• Renewables Obligation costs;
• smart-metering industry costs;
• social and environmental obligations;
• gas transportation costs; and
• new regulatory charges.

ScottishPower reviews these costs every quarter.

Changes can take effect on:

• 1 January;
• 1 April;
• 1 July; and
• 1 October.

A ScottishPower tariff can therefore have a fixed contract term without the complete unit rate and standing charge remaining unchanged.

Advantages of ScottishPower’s pricing model

The structure can provide:

• protection from wholesale volatility;
• potentially lower initial prices than a fully fixed contract;
• a clear distinction between energy and industry costs;
• one- to three-year contract options; and
• the possibility that variable charges fall as well as rise.

It may suit a business that understands pass-through costs and can tolerate some changes during the contract.

Disadvantages of ScottishPower’s pricing model

The main disadvantage is reduced budget certainty.

A company cannot know its exact total energy rate for the full contract period because the variable component is reviewed every three months.

Before accepting a quotation, the business should request:

• the wholesale energy rate;
• the current industry-cost component;
• the current standing charge;
• a list of costs that can change;
• previous quarterly adjustments;
• the calculation methodology; and
• the date of the next review.

EDF small-business fixed tariffs

EDF offers small-business contracts lasting:

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

Its standard fixed proposition provides:

• fixed unit rates;
• fixed standing charges, subject to the contract;
• electricity, gas or dual-fuel options;
• online account management;
• dedicated small-business specialists;
• Direct Debit options;
• smart meters where eligible; and
• access to Energy Hub.

EDF reviews its available small-business prices regularly, so the quotation can change as market conditions move.

A four-year tariff may suit a company that wants longer protection and does not want to conduct another procurement exercise after one or two years.

Advantages of EDF’s longer fixed contracts

A longer agreement can provide:

• improved budget certainty;
• protection from wholesale-price rises;
• stable unit and standing charges;
• fewer contract renewals;
• easier long-term forecasting; and
• less exposure to short-term market shocks.

The disadvantage is that the customer cannot easily benefit if market prices fall substantially during the term.

An early termination fee may also apply.

ScottishPower versus EDF for price certainty

Pricing consideration	ScottishPower	EDF fixed SME tariff
Wholesale energy price	Fixed	Fixed
Industry costs	Reviewed quarterly	Normally incorporated into fixed agreed rates, subject to terms
Contract length	One to three years	One to four years
Exposure to quarterly adjustments	Yes	Lower
Ability to benefit if industry costs fall	Yes	Limited
Protection if industry costs rise	Limited	Stronger
Maximum SME budgeting period	Three years	Four years
Best suited to	Business accepting pass-through risk	Business prioritising predictability

EDF is likely to have the advantage where exact budgeting is the main priority.

ScottishPower may offer a competitive opening quotation where the business is prepared to retain the risk of changing industry costs.

EDF Fixed Renewable

EDF Fixed Renewable matches the customer’s electricity consumption with UK Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin.

The product offers:

• 100% renewable-backed electricity;
• one-, two-, three- or four-year terms;
• fixed prices;
• market-based zero emissions from purchased electricity; and
• evidence supporting carbon reporting.

It may suit businesses seeking:

• renewable-only certificate backing;
• no nuclear allocation to the selected product;
• longer fixed terms;
• tender or supply-chain evidence;
• a straightforward Scope 2 claim; and
• predictable energy costs.

ScottishPower Renewable For Business versus EDF Fixed Renewable

Feature	ScottishPower	EDF
Renewable backing	100%	100%
Contract term	One to three years	One to four years
Renewable source	ScottishPower’s own UK resources	UK renewable generation and REGOs
Wholesale cost fixed	Yes	Yes
Industry costs fixed	No	Generally incorporated into fixed rates, subject to terms
Nuclear allocation	No	No
Supplier-owned generation emphasis	Strong	Mixed EDF and third-party sourcing
Best for maximum fixed term	—	EDF
Best for direct supplier-asset link	ScottishPower	—

ScottishPower provides the more direct connection with its own UK renewable assets.

EDF provides the longer contract term and stronger conventional price certainty.

ScottishPower business gas

ScottishPower’s For Business gas tariff is available over one, two or three years.

As with its electricity product:

• wholesale gas costs are fixed;
• network and industry charges are variable;
• variable charges are reviewed quarterly; and
• customers can choose from available payment methods.

ScottishPower does not currently foreground a standard SME renewable-gas tariff within its main business tariff range.

Unless the quotation states otherwise, the supply should be treated as conventional network gas.

EDF business gas

EDF offers small and large-business gas contracts.

Its SME tariffs can be fixed for up to four years, while large organisations can obtain Standard Fixed Gas or a tailored dual-fuel arrangement.

EDF’s large-business fixed gas structure can include:

• fixed wholesale gas costs;
• fixed EDF service costs;
• forecast non-energy costs that may change;
• fixed metering-agent charges; and
• support for non-daily-metered customers.

EDF also does not prominently promote a standard small-business tariff matching 100% of consumption with renewable biomethane.

Which supplier is better for business gas?

Requirement	Likely stronger fit
One- to three-year gas contract	Either
Four-year SME gas contract	EDF
Fixed wholesale with variable industry costs	ScottishPower
Greater overall SME price certainty	EDF
Dual-fuel large-business arrangement	EDF
Renewable business gas	Neither has a prominent standard SME product
Simple online account	Either

Gas burned at the premises produces direct Scope 1 emissions regardless of the supplier.

Businesses seeking major reductions may need to consider heat pumps, electric catering equipment, heat recovery or other alternatives to gas.

Large-business procurement

EDF publishes a more extensive range of large-business contract structures than ScottishPower.

ScottishPower nevertheless provides bespoke commercial supply, renewable PPAs and low-carbon infrastructure to major organisations.

EDF Fixed + Peace of Mind

Fixed + Peace of Mind is designed to provide extensive budget certainty.

It can fix:

• wholesale electricity;
• non-energy costs;
• delivery costs;
• new-generation costs;
• EDF service costs; and
• other eligible contracted components.

The product supports both half-hourly and non-half-hourly meters and is aimed at businesses consuming more than 100MWh annually.

Zero-carbon electricity sources can be added.

EDF Fixed + Standard

Fixed + Standard protects the business from wholesale market changes while leaving some non-energy costs forecast-based.

Its features include:

• fixed wholesale electricity;
• a fixed EDF service charge;
• variable forecast non-energy costs;
• half-hourly and non-half-hourly eligibility;
• availability above 100MWh; and
• zero-carbon electricity options.

It may offer a lower opening rate than Fixed + Peace of Mind, but it provides less certainty.

EDF Fixed + Energy Trading

Fixed + Energy Trading allows a company to purchase blocks of electricity through EDF’s trading desk.

EDF manages the remaining untraded volume.

The product is intended principally for businesses using between 2,000MWh and 20,000MWh annually.

It can provide:

• staged purchasing;
• live or reconciliation billing;
• professional trading support;
• reduced reliance on one fixing date; and
• greater control over wholesale-market timing.

EDF flexible contracts

EDF’s flexible products allow a large business to decide:

• how far ahead to purchase;
• whether to buy in blocks or in full;
• which third-party costs to fix;
• which costs to leave variable;
• how much trading support it needs; and
• what reporting tools it requires.

Purchasing horizons can cover:

• one to three years;
• three to five years; or
• more than five years.

Flexible procurement can reduce the risk of fixing all expected consumption on an unusually expensive day, but it cannot guarantee a lower price.

Illustrative wholesale-purchasing risk

For a business using 10GWh annually:

Average energy-purchase price	Annual commodity cost
18p/kWh	£1.8 million
19p/kWh	£1.9 million
20p/kWh	£2 million
21p/kWh	£2.1 million
22p/kWh	£2.2 million

A movement of 1p/kWh changes annual commodity expenditure by £100,000.

Flexible contracts are therefore most suitable where the organisation has:

• defined purchasing authority;
• an agreed risk policy;
• experienced internal staff;
• an energy consultant; or
• support from the supplier’s trading team.

ScottishPower commercial energy and PPAs

ScottishPower offers bespoke commercial services to larger organisations.

Its Corporate Power Purchase Agreement proposition can link the business with a dedicated new renewable-energy facility.

A PPA can provide:

• renewable electricity;
• a link to a specific project;
• long-term pricing;
• greater energy-cost certainty;
• evidence of additionality;
• stronger environmental reporting; and
• support for the construction of new renewable generation.

ScottishPower’s main advantage is its relationship with a substantial UK renewable-generation portfolio, particularly wind power.

EDF Corporate PPAs

EDF also offers Corporate Power Purchase Agreements.

A CPPA links the customer with a named renewable generator while EDF can provide services including:

• balancing;
• shaping;
• sleeving;
• settlement;
• renewable certificates;
• supply-contract integration; and
• generator management.

EDF says CPPA terms commonly last between ten and 15 years.

A CPPA with a new renewable facility can demonstrate additionality by supporting generation that might not otherwise have been developed.

ScottishPower versus EDF for large businesses

Requirement	Likely stronger fit
Fully fixed conventional contract	EDF Fixed + Peace of Mind
Fixed wholesale with variable non-energy costs	Either
Block energy purchasing	EDF
Flexible procurement beyond five years	EDF
Large-business dual fuel	EDF
Dedicated new renewable facility	ScottishPower PPA
Named renewable generator	Either
CPPA balancing and sleeving	EDF
Link with supplier-owned wind generation	ScottishPower
Nuclear-backed zero carbon	EDF
Large commercial solar and EV infrastructure	Compare both

EDF has the more clearly documented conventional procurement range.

ScottishPower may be especially attractive where the primary objective is a long-term relationship with new renewable generation.

Comparing supplier-wide fuel mixes

The suppliers’ 2024/25 total fuel mixes were substantially different.

Source	ScottishPower	EDF
Renewables	7%	18.2%
Natural gas	70%	21%
Coal	14%	4.2%
Nuclear	4%	54.8%
Other fuels	5%	1.8%
Reported carbon intensity	Not stated in the same public summary	135g/kWh
Radioactive waste	Product-dependent	0.0038g/kWh

ScottishPower’s non-green tariffs were reported separately as:

Source	ScottishPower non-green tariffs
Renewables	3%
Natural gas	73%
Coal	14%
Nuclear	4%
Other	6%

These supplier-wide figures should not be confused with ScottishPower Renewable For Business, which is matched with 100% renewable electricity.

EDF’s overall mix contains considerably more nuclear power and less gas and coal.

Which supplier has greener electricity?

The conclusion depends on the product and the company’s environmental policy.

Environmental priority	Likely stronger fit
100% renewable SME electricity	Either
Electricity from supplier-owned UK renewables	ScottishPower
Renewable tariff lasting four years	EDF
No nuclear allocation	Either renewable product
Lower supplier-wide fossil-fuel share	EDF
Higher supplier-wide renewable share	EDF
Nuclear-backed zero-carbon option	EDF
Direct link with a new renewable project	ScottishPower or EDF CPPA
Choice between renewable and nuclear electricity	EDF
Simple renewable product	ScottishPower

ScottishPower’s Renewable For Business tariff has stronger branding around electricity from its own UK renewable resources.

EDF provides a wider selection of source options, including renewable-only and nuclear-backed zero-carbon products.

EDF Zero Carbon for Business

EDF’s Zero Carbon for Business product uses nuclear-backed electricity.

Nuclear power generates no carbon dioxide at the point of generation, allowing zero market-based emissions reporting when supported by the required declarations.

It is not renewable electricity and creates radioactive waste.

The product may suit organisations that:

• prioritise low operational carbon;
• accept nuclear generation;
• need dependable low-carbon electricity;
• want an alternative to renewable certificates; or
• have a technology-neutral net-zero policy.

ScottishPower does not prominently promote a comparable nuclear-backed SME business product.

Smart meters

Both suppliers provide smart meters to eligible businesses.

ScottishPower smart meters

ScottishPower’s commercial smart meters can provide:

• automatic readings;
• fewer estimated bills;
• more detailed consumption information;
• usage monitoring through the app or online account;
• billing accuracy; and
• improved visibility of energy patterns.

The frequency and quality of data depend on the meter successfully communicating with ScottishPower.

EDF smart meters

EDF’s business smart meters provide:

• automatic readings;
• accurate billing;
• hourly, daily, weekly and monthly information;
• online consumption data;
• access to Energy Hub; and
• support for identifying energy waste.

Eligible customers may be required to accept a compatible smart-meter installation under the terms of certain tariffs.

ScottishPower account tools versus EDF Energy Hub

Feature	ScottishPower	EDF
Submit meter readings	Yes	Yes
View and pay bills	Yes	Yes
Monitor consumption	Yes	Yes
Mobile app	Yes	MyAccount and digital tools
Hourly consumption data	Meter-dependent	Available through Energy Hub
Download smart-meter data	Meter-dependent	Yes
Environmental advice	Carbon Trust partnership	EDF advice hub and Energy Hub
Advanced large-business reporting	Bespoke	Energy View and market tools

EDF Energy Hub provides the more clearly described small-business consumption-analysis service.

ScottishPower offers a convenient app-based account-management proposition.

Commercial solar

Both suppliers provide commercial solar and battery services.

ScottishPower solar

ScottishPower offers an end-to-end business package that can include:

• initial proposal;
• site survey;
• system design;
• rooftop solar;
• ground or car-park installations;
• battery storage;
• Distribution Network Operator applications;
• installation;
• export registration;
• monitoring; and
• ongoing support.

ScottishPower installations use products from established manufacturers and can include:

• a 24-month workmanship warranty;
• a 25-year manufacturer product warranty on panels;
• a ten-year inverter warranty; and
• a 25-year power-performance warranty.

The final warranty package depends on the detailed proposal and equipment selected.

EDF solar

EDF provides commercial and public-sector solar through EDF Business Solutions and specialist partners.

Its services can include:

• rooftop solar;
• ground-mounted systems;
• batteries;
• site assessment;
• design;
• installation;
• monitoring;
• maintenance;
• capital purchase;
• funded PPAs;
• export arrangements; and
• integration with EV charging.

EDF also offers Battery-as-a-Service models for suitable organisations. Under this structure, a finance partner owns the equipment while EDF or another specialist operates and optimises it.

Which supplier is better for solar?

Solar requirement	Likely stronger fit
Turnkey SME installation	ScottishPower
Published installation warranties	ScottishPower
Solar linked with highest export tariff	Compare both
Large public-sector project	EDF
Funded solar PPA	EDF or ScottishPower
Battery-as-a-Service	EDF
Solar car park	ScottishPower
Solar integrated with EV charging	Either
Large corporate renewable project	Compare both
One-stop solar, battery and tariff package	ScottishPower

ScottishPower has the clearer standardised SME installation journey.

EDF has a broader proposition for major solar, battery and public-sector projects.

Solar export payments

Both suppliers publish export tariffs available to eligible businesses.

ScottishPower SmartGen

ScottishPower currently offers:

Export tariff	Rate	Main condition
SmartGen	6p/kWh	Eligible generator
SmartGen Premium	12p/kWh	ScottishPower supplies imported electricity
SmartGen Premium Plus	15p/kWh	ScottishPower supplies the site and installed the solar panels or battery

The business generally requires:

• qualifying renewable generation;
• half-hourly export metering;
• installation certification;
• grid-connection evidence; and
• ownership or permission documentation.

EDF business SEG tariffs

EDF currently offers:

Export tariff	Rate	Main condition
SEG Export Variable	3p/kWh	Available to eligible non-EDF supply customers
SEG Export Variable Value	5.6p/kWh	Existing EDF electricity customer
Export 12M Small Business	15p/kWh	Existing EDF electricity customer

EDF Export 12M Small Business is fixed for one year and has no exit fee.

The variable tariffs can change, although EDF provides notice before altering the payment rate.

Export-income comparison

Annual export	3p/kWh	5.6p/kWh	6p/kWh	12p/kWh	15p/kWh
5,000kWh	£150	£280	£300	£600	£750
10,000kWh	£300	£560	£600	£1,200	£1,500
25,000kWh	£750	£1,400	£1,500	£3,000	£3,750
50,000kWh	£1,500	£2,800	£3,000	£6,000	£7,500
100,000kWh	£3,000	£5,600	£6,000	£12,000	£15,000

Both suppliers offer a headline rate of 15p/kWh, but the eligibility conditions differ.

ScottishPower’s highest rate generally requires the company to buy electricity from ScottishPower and to have purchased its qualifying solar or battery system through ScottishPower.

EDF’s highest small-business rate requires an EDF electricity-supply relationship but does not use the same installer requirement on its main product description.

Which export tariff is better?

Requirement	Likely stronger fit
Highest published rate	Either
ScottishPower-installed system	ScottishPower
Existing EDF electricity customer	EDF
Export without changing import supplier	ScottishPower at 6p or EDF at 3p
Existing supply customer without supplier installation	ScottishPower at 12p or EDF at 15p
Fixed one-year export rate	EDF Export 12M
Export information in mobile app	ScottishPower
Larger generator needing a PPA	EDF or ScottishPower commercial team

The company should compare import costs as well as export income.

A 3p/kWh increase in export payments can easily be outweighed by a higher import price if the business imports much more electricity than it exports.

Electric vehicle charging

Both suppliers provide commercial charging services.

ScottishPower EV charging

ScottishPower offers:

• workplace charging;
• employee charging;
• customer and visitor charging;
• fleet-depot infrastructure;
• public chargers;
• shared or communal charging;
• site design;
• installation;
• access and payment systems; and
• ongoing support.

Its public-charging proposition can allow a business to host chargers and become a destination for EV drivers.

EDF and Pod charging

EDF works with Pod, part of the EDF group, to provide:

• workplace chargers;
• fleet charging;
• customer charging;
• charger installation;
• management software;
• site assessment;
• solar and battery integration; and
• larger public-sector charging projects.

EDF states that Pod has installed a substantial number of commercial chargers and supports a wide range of business sectors.

Which supplier is better for EV charging?

EV requirement	Likely stronger fit
Basic workplace charging	Either
Employee and visitor charging	Either
Fleet-depot installation	Compare both
Public charger hosting	ScottishPower
Shared or communal charging	ScottishPower
Charging-management platform	EDF and Pod
Public-sector EV programme	EDF
Solar, battery and charging package	Either
Energy supply plus charging	Either
Large bespoke fleet project	Compare both

ScottishPower has a particularly broad public and shared-charging proposition.

EDF may be stronger where the project requires Pod’s charger-management services or integration with a wider public-sector energy strategy.

Multi-site businesses

Both suppliers support companies with numerous premises.

ScottishPower can combine:

• renewable electricity;
• gas;
• app and online account management;
• solar;
• batteries;
• workplace charging;
• public charging; and
• commercial PPAs.

EDF can combine:

• fixed or flexible procurement;
• renewable or nuclear-backed electricity;
• half-hourly and non-half-hourly meters;
• dual fuel;
• Energy View;
• solar;
• batteries;
• EV charging;
• CPPAs; and
• dedicated account management.

EDF may be stronger for a major estate requiring advanced procurement.

ScottishPower may suit a business wanting a consistent renewable-electricity and installed-technology package.

Contract expiry and switching

Businesses should begin reviewing tariffs several months before the contract ends.

Failing to agree a new contract can result in:

• variable pricing;
• deemed rates;
• out-of-contract charges;
• higher standing charges;
• loss of renewable-product benefits; or
• less favourable payment terms.

EDF may move an SME customer onto Freedom for Business or another applicable variable tariff after expiry.

ScottishPower can also apply its relevant standard variable or deemed arrangements when no fixed contract is active.

Contract protections

Business energy contracts are not covered by the household energy price cap.

There is also generally no cooling-off period after a business contract is agreed, including an agreement made by telephone.

Before choosing ScottishPower or EDF, check:

• unit rates;
• standing charges;
• contract length;
• start and end dates;
• fixed and variable components;
• quarterly adjustments;
• network and policy costs;
• meter charges;
• capacity charges;
• early termination liability;
• payment terms;
• broker commission;
• renewable certificates;
• nuclear content;
• export-tariff eligibility;
• renewal procedure; and
• post-contract pricing.

ScottishPower advantages and disadvantages

EDF advantages and disadvantages

Which supplier is better for different businesses?

Business type or requirement	Likely better fit	Reason
SME wanting a one-year fixed tariff	Compare both	Both offer one-year contracts
SME wanting a four-year contract	EDF	Longer standard term
Company wanting renewable electricity	Either	Both offer renewable products
Company wanting supplier-owned UK renewables	ScottishPower	Core Renewable For Business feature
Company seeking maximum price certainty	EDF	Fully fixed structures available
Company accepting quarterly adjustments	ScottishPower	Standard pricing model
Business wanting nuclear-backed zero carbon	EDF	Dedicated product option
Company excluding nuclear	Either renewable product	Both can provide renewable-only backing
Large business wanting block purchasing	EDF	Fixed + Energy Trading
Business wanting procurement beyond five years	EDF	Flexible purchasing horizons
Company wanting a new renewable-facility PPA	Compare both	Strong CPPA propositions
Small solar exporter seeking 15p/kWh	Compare eligibility	Both publish a 15p rate
Existing EDF customer with third-party solar	EDF may suit	15p tariff does not depend on EDF installation on the main product page
ScottishPower solar customer	ScottishPower	SmartGen Premium Plus
Business seeking turnkey solar	ScottishPower	Clear end-to-end proposition
Company seeking Battery-as-a-Service	EDF	Current large-business option
Commercial landlord requiring shared charging	ScottishPower	Dedicated proposition
Public-sector EV project	EDF	Strong EDF and Pod service
Complex multi-site estate	EDF may suit	Wider procurement structures
Business wanting a simple renewable package	ScottishPower	Supply, solar and EV services

Final verdict: ScottishPower vs EDF

ScottishPower and EDF are both credible choices for UK businesses, but their main strengths differ.

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

• a one-, two- or three-year contract;
• renewable electricity from ScottishPower’s own UK assets;
• a simple renewable-energy proposition;
• a tariff that could benefit if industry costs fall;
• turnkey commercial solar;
• a combined solar, battery and tariff package;
• workplace, public or shared EV charging; or
• a PPA linked with new renewable generation.

EDF is likely to be stronger where the business wants:

• a fixed SME contract lasting up to four years;
• greater overall price certainty;
• a choice between renewable and nuclear-backed electricity;
• extensive large-business fixed and flexible procurement;
• staged wholesale purchases;
• purchasing horizons beyond five years;
• a dual-fuel large-business arrangement;
• sophisticated CPPA support;
• Battery-as-a-Service; or
• an attractive fixed export payment without a supplier-installation condition.

The environmental result depends on whether the comparison is based on the supplier or the chosen tariff.

ScottishPower’s total 2024/25 fuel mix contained:

• 7% renewable electricity;
• 70% natural gas;
• 14% coal;
• 4% nuclear; and
• 5% other fuels.

EDF’s corresponding mix contained:

• 18.2% renewable electricity;
• 21% gas;
• 4.2% coal;
• 54.8% nuclear; and
• 1.8% other fuels.

EDF’s overall portfolio was less dependent on fossil fuels, but much more dependent on nuclear generation.

At product level, both companies can provide renewable-only electricity:

• ScottishPower Renewable For Business uses generation from ScottishPower’s own UK renewable assets.
• EDF Fixed Renewable uses UK renewable certificates and is available for up to four years.

The financial decision can only be made using matched quotations.

A fair 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 duration;
5. all standing charges;
6. fixed and variable cost components;
7. capacity and metering charges;
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 businesses, the conclusion is:

• choose ScottishPower for electricity linked with its own UK renewable generation and a strong integrated solar and EV package;
• choose EDF for longer fixed terms, greater price certainty, wider energy-source choice and advanced procurement;
• compare ScottishPower Renewable For Business with EDF Fixed Renewable where renewable-only electricity is required;
• compare ScottishPower’s quarterly variable-cost structure with EDF’s fully fixed options before deciding which opening quote is genuinely cheaper;
• compare both suppliers’ 15p/kWh export tariffs against the import contract and installation requirements; and
• select the supplier offering the lowest realistic total cost after every variable industry charge and export payment has been included.

FAQ