Brighton is one of the South East’s most distinctive commercial centres, known for its diverse SME community spanning hospitality, retail, technology, digital media, creative services, professional practices, health and wellbeing, tourism and education. With a year-round visitor economy and a growing number of start-ups and remote-working professionals, Brighton maintains strong business demand for commercial gas and electricity — but it also sits within one of the UK’s highest-priced energy regions.
Our detailed city guide uses EnergyCosts.co.uk’s 2025 modelling dataset to give a data-led overview of business energy prices in Brighton, including estimated unit rates, projected annual bills and actionable strategies to help SMEs reduce their electricity and gas costs.
What SMEs typically pay for gas and electricity in Brighton
For consistent comparison across all major UK cities, our modelling uses a standard SME consumption profile:
- 25,000 kWh of electricity per year
- 20,000 kWh of gas per year
These usage levels reflect typical consumption for a broad range of Brighton businesses, from restaurants and cafés in The Lanes, to co-working spaces in Kemp Town, boutique shops, creative studios, salons, gyms, and professional service offices.
Brighton’s regional pricing position
Brighton is located in the South East — one of the most expensive regions for commercial energy due to high distribution charges, strong demand and elevated supplier costs. As a result, Brighton receives a +3% regional uplift relative to the UK average.
Estimated SME unit rates in Brighton:
- Electricity: 27.7p/kWh
- Gas: 7.42p/kWh
Estimated annual and monthly bills for Brighton SMEs
Applying our regional rates gives the following modelled costs:
- Electricity: £7,119 per year
- Gas: £1,614 per year
- Combined annual bill: ~£8,733
- Combined monthly cost: ~£728
Brighton therefore sits among the highest-priced UK cities for business energy, second only to London and comparable to Reading, Southampton, Southend and Luton.
Why business energy prices in Brighton are higher
Brighton’s elevated business energy costs result from several regional and economic factors.
1. High distribution and network charges
The South East has some of the highest distribution costs in the UK due to:
- High population and business density
- Greater network congestion
- Higher maintenance and reinforcement requirements
- Significant peak demand from commercial and domestic users
These costs are built into energy suppliers’ tariffs.
2. Strong commercial demand
Brighton’s thriving hospitality and tourism sectors run energy-intensive operations, contributing to elevated daytime and evening electricity usage.
3. Higher supplier operating expenses
Suppliers’ operational costs, including staffing, logistics and property expenses, tend to be higher in the South East, influencing tariff structures.
4. Limited regional pricing relief
Unlike the North East, Scotland and Wales, the South East does not benefit from discounted network zones, placing Brighton firmly in the top tier for business energy costs.
How Brighton businesses can reduce their energy bills
Although Brighton sits in a high-cost region, SMEs can still take proactive steps to reduce electricity and gas expenditure.
1. Switch supplier at contract renewal
Many Brighton SMEs — especially in hospitality and retail — remain on out-of-contract or rollover tariffs, which are often much more expensive than negotiated deals. Switching can save 20–35% annually.
2. Provide accurate usage data for quotes
Smart meter readings or actual kWh levels allow suppliers to generate more precise and competitive quotes. Estimates based on industry averages often result in higher prices.
3. Reduce electricity usage
Electricity is typically the largest portion of SME energy bills. Brighton businesses can reduce consumption by:
- Upgrading to LED lighting across premises
- Using occupancy sensors in toilets, storage rooms and back-office areas
- Installing timers and smart controls for lighting and HVAC systems
- Reducing refrigeration and cooking inefficiencies for hospitality venues
- Implementing “shutdown protocols” after trading hours
These improvements deliver rapid ROI, especially in high-priced regions.
4. Improve gas heating efficiency
Gas consumption can be reduced by:
- Draught-proofing older buildings
- Installing modern boilers or unit heaters
- Using zoning or programmable thermostats
- Improving insulation in older terraces or converted premises
- Adjusting heating schedules to match actual occupancy
5. Install smart meters
Smart meters give detailed insights into energy use, helping businesses identify inefficient equipment, peak usage times and areas for improvement.
How Brighton compares with other major UK cities
Brighton’s energy costs place it firmly in the higher tier of UK business energy pricing.
- More expensive than: Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast, Newcastle
- Similar to: Southampton, Reading, Southend, Luton
- Cheaper than: Only London consistently exceeds Brighton’s combined SME energy costs
These regional differences highlight why contract choice and efficiency measures are essential for Brighton SMEs.
Comparing business energy suppliers in Brighton
Every major UK business energy supplier operates in Brighton, offering a range of tariffs suitable for different business types. When comparing suppliers, SMEs should consider:
- Unit rates and standing charges
- Fixed vs. variable energy contracts
- Length of contract terms (12–36 months)
- Renewable and green tariff options
- Multi-site tariffs for businesses operating across Hove, Shoreham or Worthing
Price variation can be significant — making comparison essential.
Get business energy quotes for Brighton
To compare tailored business electricity and gas quotes in Brighton, use EnergyCosts.co.uk. Enter your postcode and annual usage to receive competitive supplier offers, helping your business secure lower rates and reduce operational costs in a high-priced energy region.