Stoke-on-Trent is a major commercial centre in Staffordshire and a historic heartland of UK manufacturing. Today, the city is home to a diverse SME community across ceramics, engineering, logistics, retail, hospitality, warehousing, healthcare, construction, creative services and professional sectors. With a strong location between Birmingham and Manchester and excellent transport connectivity, Stoke continues to attract growing businesses — but, like all UK cities, SMEs must carefully manage their gas and electricity costs to remain competitive.
Our detailed location report uses EnergyCosts.co.uk’s 2025 modelling dataset to provide a clear view of business energy prices in Stoke-on-Trent, including estimated unit rates, modelled annual bills and practical recommendations for reducing costs.
What SMEs typically pay for gas and electricity in Stoke-on-Trent
To ensure consistent comparisons with the UK’s largest cities, our pricing estimates are based on 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 Stoke’s mix of workshops, factories, offices, retail units, hospitality venues, clinics, distribution centres and creative studios.
Stoke-on-Trent’s regional pricing position
Stoke falls within the West Midlands energy region, which has moderate network distribution costs. As a result, the city receives a +1% regional uplift above the UK average.
Estimated SME unit rates in Stoke-on-Trent:
- Electricity: 27.2p/kWh
- Gas: 7.27p/kWh
Estimated annual and monthly bills for Stoke-on-Trent SMEs
Applying these regional rates to our usage model results in:
- Electricity: £6,994 per year
- Gas: £1,584 per year
- Combined annual bill: ~£8,578
- Combined monthly cost: ~£715
Stoke-on-Trent therefore sits in the middle-cost tier of UK cities, similar to Birmingham, Nottingham, Coventry and Leicester.
Why business energy prices in Stoke-on-Trent sit around the national average
Several regional and structural factors explain Stoke’s pricing position.
1. Balanced distribution network costs
The West Midlands grid region has:
- Predictable demand patterns
- Moderate grid reinforcement requirements
- Stable maintenance costs
- Reliable transmission capacity
These elements keep energy prices steady — neither significantly discounted nor inflated.
2. Diverse energy consumption
From high-energy manufacturing to low-usage professional services, Stoke’s business landscape creates a balanced overall demand. This supports stable pricing from suppliers.
3. Supplier operating costs
Supplier overheads in Stoke are lower than those in southern regions like London, Brighton or Reading, but slightly higher than in northern cities — contributing to mid-range pricing.
4. Competitive local supplier market
Energy suppliers actively target Stoke’s SME population, ensuring reasonable tariff competition, although not at the same discount levels seen in low-priced regions such as Scotland or Wales.
How Stoke-on-Trent businesses can reduce energy bills
Even though Stoke sits near the national average for energy costs, SMEs can still significantly reduce their bills through effective procurement and consumption management.
1. Switch suppliers at the end of your contract
Many businesses remain unaware that they are on rollover or deemed rates. Switching suppliers at contract expiry can save 20–40% annually, depending on market conditions.
2. Provide accurate energy usage data
Using real consumption information (e.g., smart meter data) ensures suppliers quote accurately and avoid applying inflated estimates.
3. Reduce electricity consumption
Electricity remains the biggest cost driver for SMEs. Stoke businesses can reduce consumption by:
- Installing LED lighting across commercial premises
- Using sensors or timers in low-use areas
- Improving HVAC maintenance and efficiency
- Reducing equipment left on standby
- Streamlining high-load operations during off-peak times
These measures deliver strong cost savings across all sectors.
4. Improve gas heating efficiency
Many buildings in Stoke — especially older industrial units and retail premises — can improve energy efficiency through:
- Upgrading old boilers
- Installing programmable thermostats
- Draught-proofing and insulation
- Implementing heating zones
- Matching heating schedules to occupancy
5. Install smart meters
Smart meters give SMEs real-time data insights, helping them identify inefficiency, track reductions and forecast bills more accurately.
How Stoke-on-Trent compares with other major UK cities
Stoke’s business energy prices sit squarely in the national middle:
- More expensive than: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Newcastle, Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool
- Similar to: Coventry, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester
- Cheaper than: London, Brighton, Southampton, Reading, Bristol, Southend-on-Sea, Luton
These differences, however, are often smaller than the savings achieved through contract switching and sustainable usage changes.
Comparing business energy suppliers in Stoke-on-Trent
All major commercial energy suppliers operate across Stoke and Staffordshire. When comparing tariffs, SMEs should assess:
- Unit rates for electricity and gas
- Standing charges (which vary widely)
- Contract length flexibility (12, 24, 36 months)
- Renewable energy or carbon-neutral tariff options
- Sector-specific pricing for manufacturing, hospitality, logistics or professional services
- Multi-site contracts for businesses across Stoke, Stafford, Crewe or Newcastle-under-Lyme
Comparison is essential because pricing can vary significantly even between similar suppliers.
Get business energy quotes for Stoke-on-Trent
To compare live business electricity and gas prices in Stoke-on-Trent, use EnergyCosts.co.uk. Enter your postcode and annual usage to receive tailored quotes from leading UK suppliers — helping your business secure lower energy rates and control operational costs.