Kingston upon Hull — commonly known as Hull — is one of Yorkshire and the Humber’s most important commercial centres. With a strong maritime heritage, thriving ports, expanding renewable energy sector, manufacturing base and a diverse SME community across retail, hospitality, logistics, creative industries and professional services, Hull continues to attract investment and business growth. A significant operational consideration for SMEs in the city is energy pricing, and the good news is that Hull benefits from competitive business energy costs compared with many UK regions.
Our detailed guide uses EnergyCosts.co.uk’s 2025 modelling dataset to provide a data-driven understanding of business energy prices in Hull, including estimated electricity and gas unit rates, typical annual bills and practical strategies for reducing energy costs.
What SMEs typically pay for gas and electricity in Hull
To benchmark business energy prices consistently across the UK’s 30 largest cities, our model uses a standard SME consumption profile:
- 25,000 kWh of electricity per year
- 20,000 kWh of gas per year
These figures reflect typical usage for Hull’s offices, workshops, small factories, retail units, cafés, creative studios and logistics operations.
Hull’s regional pricing position
Hull is located in the Yorkshire and Humber distribution region, which generally enjoys efficient electricity networks and moderate overhead costs. As a result, Hull benefits from a –1% regional discount relative to the UK average.
Estimated SME unit rates in Hull:
- Electricity: 26.6p/kWh
- Gas: 7.13p/kWh
Estimated annual and monthly bills for Hull SMEs
Applying these unit rates to our modelling profile produces:
- Electricity: £6,844 per year
- Gas: £1,556 per year
- Combined annual bill: ~£8,400
- Combined monthly cost: ~£700
Hull therefore ranks among the more affordable English cities for business energy, similar to Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester and Liverpool.
Why business energy prices in Hull are competitive
Hull’s favourable energy pricing is driven by a combination of regional infrastructure and market conditions.
1. Efficient regional distribution network
The Yorkshire and Humber region benefits from:
- Stable grid infrastructure
- Predictable maintenance costs
- Balanced commercial and industrial demand
- Lower congestion than southern regions
These factors help keep distribution charges — a major driver of electricity prices — lower than the national average.
2. Competitive supplier environment
Hull’s diverse SME base attracts a strong presence of energy suppliers offering competitive tariffs across:
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
- Hospitality
- Retail
- Creative industries
This competitive environment helps keep unit rates and standing charges lower than in high-cost regions such as the South East.
3. Lower supplier operating costs
Supplier overheads in Hull are significantly lower than in cities such as London, Reading or Brighton. These regional differences indirectly result in more competitive tariffs for local SMEs.
4. Strong renewable energy presence
Hull’s position as a centre for offshore wind and renewable energy infrastructure contributes to a more stable regional energy ecosystem, indirectly supporting cost efficiencies.
How Hull businesses can reduce energy bills further
Even with competitive regional pricing, Hull SMEs still face elevated costs due to national market trends. The following strategies offer practical ways to reduce energy expenditure.
1. Switch suppliers at contract renewal
A large number of SMEs unknowingly remain on rollover or deemed tariffs, which can be significantly more expensive. Switching suppliers at renewal can deliver savings of 20–40%.
2. Provide accurate usage data
Real meter readings or smart meter data allow suppliers to provide more accurate, competitive quotes. Estimates often lead to inflated pricing.
3. Reduce electricity usage
Electricity typically forms the majority of an SME’s energy bill. Cost reduction measures include:
- Installing LED lighting
- Introducing occupancy sensors and timers
- Maintaining HVAC systems
- Turning off non-essential equipment outside business hours
- Reducing heavy usage during peak daytime periods
4. Improve gas heating efficiency
Many businesses in Hull operate from older industrial buildings, which can be inefficient in winter. Savings can be achieved by:
- Upgrading boilers
- Installing programmable thermostats
- Improving insulation and draught-proofing
- Using heating zones for large premises
5. Install smart meters
Smart meters give businesses real-time consumption data, enabling better energy management, forecasting and efficiency planning.
How Hull compares with other major UK cities
Hull consistently ranks in the lower-cost tier of UK business energy pricing.
- Cheaper than: London, Brighton, Reading, Southampton, Bristol, Nottingham, Birmingham
- Similar to: Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool
- More affordable than: Cardiff, Belfast, Edinburgh (only slightly more expensive than these lowest-cost cities)
Hull’s pricing advantage makes the city an attractive base for cost-conscious SMEs.
Comparing business energy suppliers in Hull
All major UK business energy suppliers operate in Hull, offering a variety of tariff options. When comparing energy deals, SMEs should consider:
- Unit rates and standing charges
- Fixed vs. flexible contract structures
- Contract lengths (12–36 months)
- Renewable and green energy tariffs
- Multi-site supply contracts for businesses operating across East Yorkshire
- Sector-specific tariffs for manufacturing, logistics, hospitality and retail
As supplier pricing varies significantly, comparing multiple offers is essential.
Get business energy quotes for Hull
To compare business electricity and gas prices in Hull, visit EnergyCosts.co.uk. Enter your postcode and annual usage to receive tailored quotes from leading energy suppliers — helping your organisation secure competitive rates and reduce operational overheads.