Who Are SmartestEnergy Business? | UK Business Energy Supplier Guide
Last verified: March 2026 | Report outdated information
On This Page
- About SmartestEnergy Business
- The SmartestEnergy Business Checklist
- Security
- Transparency
- Convenience
- Services
- Environmental
- Sector Fit Assessment
- Telnergy’s Take
- Is SmartestEnergy Business Right For You?
- Get in Touch
About SmartestEnergy Business
SmartestEnergy Business is a specialist business energy supplier with over two decades of experience supplying electricity and gas exclusively to UK commercial customers. Founded in 2001, the company operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation — a major Japanese multinational trading house — and serves SMEs, mid-market businesses, large industrial and commercial (I&C) customers, public sector organisations, and complex multi-site portfolios across the UK.
SmartestEnergy operates two distinct entities: SmartestEnergy Business (the SME and mid-market brand, headquartered in Worthing, West Sussex) and SmartestEnergy Limited (the C&I and generation aggregation entity, based in Ipswich). This guide covers SmartestEnergy Business — the SME-focused supply business that brokers and energy managers typically interact with for commercial energy procurement.
SmartestEnergy has a notable history as a generation aggregator, having worked with over 600 independent UK renewable energy generators to bring renewable-sourced electricity to the market. This origination background distinguishes it from pure resellers and gives its renewable electricity credentials meaningful substance. In April 2023, SmartestEnergy launched a refreshed brand identity centred on empowering a greener generation of energy users.
The company has helped over 100,000 SMEs access competitive energy tariffs and is consistently quoted across the broker market for both price competitiveness and renewable product range.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters (SME Business) | Worthing, West Sussex |
| Parent Company | Marubeni Corporation (Japanese multinational) |
| Customer Focus | SMEs, mid-market, I&C, public sector, multi-site |
| Business Helpline (SME) | 01903 259976 |
| Business Helpline (Large/I&C) | +44 1473 234151 |
| Customer Services Email | customerservices.business@smartestenergy.com |
| Quote Email | quote.business@smartestenergy.com |
| Head Office Phone | +44 20 7448 0900 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.3/5 (~3,500 reviews) |
The SmartestEnergy Business Checklist
Security
Are their prices fully fixed?
SmartestEnergy Business offers both fixed and pass-through contract options, and the distinction matters significantly for budgeting:
SmartFix (fixed tariff): Fixes the commodity (energy) element of your bill for the contract duration — up to four years. However, transportation, metering, FIT, and RO charges are variable pass-through costs, meaning the total bill can change during the contract term as network charges and levies shift. CFD charges are excluded entirely (charged on top).
SmartFlex (flexible/no-contract): SmartestEnergy’s unique rolling product — no fixed term, no notice period or cancellation fees (provided outstanding invoices are settled). Prices track the wholesale market and can change at any time with advance notice. SmartFlex is particularly well suited to seasonal businesses or those wanting flexibility without a multi-year commitment.
SmartFix Renewable: Fixed commodity rates for one to four years with 100% renewable electricity included. Same pass-through structure as standard SmartFix.
SmartFix Zero (no standing charge): No daily standing charge, designed for businesses consuming under 25,000 kWh annually or those with seasonal or intermittent usage. Unit rate is correspondingly higher.
| Charge Type | SmartFix | SmartFlex |
|---|---|---|
| Commodity costs | ✓ Fixed | ✗ Variable |
| Transportation (DUoS/TNUoS) | ✗ Variable (pass-through) | ✗ Variable |
| Metering | ✗ Variable (pass-through) | ✗ Variable |
| FIT/RO | ✗ Variable (pass-through) | ✗ Variable |
| CFD | ✗ Excluded (charged on top) | ✗ Excluded |
| VAT | Excluded (standard) | Excluded (standard) |
Businesses requiring fully fixed pricing covering non-commodity costs should compare SmartestEnergy against suppliers offering all-inclusive fixed products, such as SSE Protect.
Back-billing policy
SmartestEnergy Business is an Energy UK member, adhering to the Back Billing Principle which limits retrospective billing to 12 months for meter reading corrections and estimated billing adjustments.
Credit requirements
SmartestEnergy Business conducts credit assessments for new customers. The company requires a minimum Delphi credit score of 43 or above before quotation, using Creditsafe to pre-screen potential customers. This means businesses with weaker credit histories may not be eligible for standard fixed-rate contracts. A Pay As You Go product is available for businesses in the hospitality sector or those with a low credit score, providing an alternative route to supply.
Transparency
What is the termination process?
SmartFix contracts: No written termination notice is required by SmartestEnergy Business to end a fixed-term contract at its scheduled expiry — one of the more customer-friendly termination policies in the market. SmartestEnergy does not operate auto-rollover into new fixed-term contracts. At contract end, if no new contract is agreed, you are automatically moved to the SmartFlex rolling product (not a new fixed-term rollover), which allows you to leave at any time without notice fees once outstanding invoices are settled.
SmartFlex (rolling contract): Can be terminated at any time with no notice period, provided outstanding invoices are paid.
Early termination during fixed term: Exit fees apply and are calculated based on the difference between the wholesale market price at the agreement date and the market price on the termination date — effectively reflecting the cost of unwinding the hedged position. Businesses should request the exit fee calculation methodology in writing before signing.
Termination contact: By phone (01903 259976) or email to customerservices.business@smartestenergy.com.
What happens at contract end?
Unlike many suppliers, SmartestEnergy does not roll customers onto a new fixed-term contract without consent. Customers who do not renew or switch are placed on the SmartFlex variable rolling product, which is more expensive than fixed-rate supply but allows departure at any time. This is a meaningfully more transparent approach than auto-rollover practices found elsewhere.
Is there a rollover period?
No automatic rollover into a new fixed term. Contract end leads to SmartFlex variable rates. SmartestEnergy contacts customers in advance of contract expiry with renewal options.
What about early exit fees?
Early exit from SmartFix contracts incurs termination fees based on the wholesale market movement since contract inception — the cost of unwinding the energy hedge. This is standard practice for commodity-fixed contracts. Businesses should model worst-case exit costs for longer-term contracts before signing.
💬 Questions about SmartestEnergy Business contracts? Our team can explain contract terms and compare SmartestEnergy against the wider market. Call: 01202 028888 | WhatsApp: 07360 272168 | Email: hello@telnergy.com
Convenience
Payment options
- Monthly Direct Debit (variable, based on actual monthly consumption)
- Fixed Budget Plan Direct Debit (first payment approximately two weeks after switching; amount confirmed in advance)
- Variable payment (collected approximately 10 days after invoice issue)
The main billing run completes in the first week of each month for the previous month’s consumption. SmartestEnergy confirms the exact payment amount and date before collection.
Online account management — SmartWeb
SmartestEnergy Business provides the SmartWeb online portal, which gives business customers detailed breakdowns of electricity consumption, invoice history, account management tools, and usage insights. SmartWeb is one of the more data-rich online account platforms available in the business energy market, enabling energy managers to track consumption patterns and identify efficiency opportunities at site or portfolio level.
SmartestEnergy’s online SmartSwitch tool also enables businesses to get a quote and sign up entirely digitally — a faster onboarding route than phone-only processes.
Customer service standards
SmartestEnergy Business operates dedicated SME customer service and I&C customer service lines with separate contact numbers, ensuring business customers are routed to appropriate teams:
- SME customer services / quotes: 01903 259976
- Large consumption: +44 1473 234151
- Email: customerservices.business@smartestenergy.com
The Trustpilot score of 4.3/5 from approximately 3,500 reviews reflects solid, above-average satisfaction for a business-only supplier. Positive reviews highlight knowledgeable staff, clear billing, and efficient query resolution. Some reviews note occasional delays during peak periods, consistent with industry norms.
SmartestEnergy also publishes a Sustainability Update Report annually, reflecting a supplier that takes transparency beyond just billing into its broader environmental and operational commitments.
VAT declarations
Businesses eligible for reduced VAT — including residential care homes, hospices, and qualifying charities — can submit a reduced VAT declaration form by email to customerservices.business@smartestenergy.com. CCL exemption forms for qualifying organisations are also available through customer services.
Services
Smart metres
SmartestEnergy Business offers smart metre installation for eligible business customers. Smart metres enable automatic meter reading, eliminate estimated billing, and provide consumption data for SmartWeb analysis. The company distinguishes between AMR (Automated Meter Reading — one-way communication, suited to larger sites) and SMETS2 smart metres (two-way communication, suited to SMEs), with guidance provided on which is appropriate for each customer’s consumption profile.
SmartFlex — no-contract rolling supply
The SmartFlex product is genuinely distinctive in the market: a no-contract, no-notice-period, no-cancellation-fee supply arrangement for businesses that want competitive pricing without a fixed-term commitment. This is particularly well suited to:
- Seasonal businesses (hospitality, leisure, tourism) where contract lock-in during low-consumption periods is a cost risk
- Businesses actively planning a move to on-site generation or renewable PPAs
- Businesses mid-procurement that need a holding supply whilst running a tender
Pay As You Go supply
SmartestEnergy Business offers a PAYG supply option for hospitality businesses or those with a low credit score that may not qualify for standard fixed-rate contracts. This provides an accessible alternative to deemed rates for businesses that would otherwise be stranded on expensive default supply.
Renewable generation aggregation
Through its parent entity SmartestEnergy Limited, the group works with over 600 independent UK renewable energy generators — including wind, solar, hydro, and biomass — providing power purchase agreements (PPAs) and aggregation services. This generation-side expertise informs the quality of SmartestEnergy’s renewable electricity products and gives the group authentic connections throughout the UK clean energy generation sector.
Sustainability consulting
SmartestEnergy Business offers sustainability consulting services to help businesses set and achieve net zero targets, going beyond simple renewable electricity supply into operational carbon strategy. This is particularly relevant for businesses with formal net zero commitments or ESG reporting obligations.
Public sector supply
SmartestEnergy Business has dedicated public sector supply capabilities, with experience supplying schools, local authorities, NHS trusts, and other public bodies. Procurement via framework agreements and public sector tender processes is supported.
Environmental
SmartestEnergy Business’s renewable credentials are among the most substantive in the SME supplier market, underpinned by the group’s generation aggregation heritage.
Conventional fuel mix (2024–2025):
| Source | SmartestEnergy Business | UK Average |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas | 68% | 39.4% |
| Coal | 15% | 2.5% |
| Nuclear | 11% | 16.6% |
| Other | 7% | 3.6% |
| Renewable | Negligible (standard mix) | 37.9% |
The standard fuel mix reflects SmartestEnergy’s default (non-renewable) supply. Customers on renewable products receive electricity independently verified against Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) by The Carbon Trust.
Renewable electricity options
SmartestEnergy Business offers three renewable electricity product tiers:
- Renewable Standard: 100% renewable electricity from a variety of sources, backed by REGO certificates verified by the Carbon Trust
- Natural Renewable: 100% renewable electricity sourced exclusively from wind, solar, or hydro (no biomass), REGO-backed
- Specific Renewable: Bespoke product allowing customers to specify their preferred renewable generation source — e.g., wind only or solar only — with the relevant origin certificates
This tiered renewable structure is more granular than most SME suppliers offer and is well suited to businesses with specific ESG supply chain requirements.
Green gas
SmartestEnergy Business also supplies 100% renewable gas, backed by appropriate certification, providing businesses with a route to address their gas sustainability alongside electricity — relevant for businesses working toward full scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction.
Net zero commitment
SmartestEnergy published a Sustainability Update Report in 2025 outlining strategic sustainability achievements and forward-looking targets. The company has committed to a net zero trajectory and actively supports customers in their own decarbonisation journeys through its sustainability consulting services.
Sector Fit Assessment
| Sector | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | SmartFlex’s no-contract flexibility is ideal for seasonal hospitality businesses. PAYG option for those with credit challenges. SmartFix Zero (no standing charge) suits venues with highly variable or seasonal consumption. Renewable options support sustainability credentials. |
| Manufacturing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | Competitive fixed rates up to four years suit manufacturing’s budgeting requirements. SmartestEnergy Limited’s C&I team and flexible market access products (FlexiBase) serve larger manufacturers. ESOS-related sustainability consulting relevant for qualifying sites. |
| Retail | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | Competitive pricing, SmartWeb consumption analytics, and multi-site contract capability make SmartestEnergy a strong retail option. SmartFix Zero useful for very small retail units with low consumption. Renewable options support brand sustainability claims. |
| Education | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | Public sector supply experience and dedicated team relevant for schools, colleges, and universities. CCL exemption support available. Sustainability consulting and net zero guidance aligned with sector’s green commitments. Renewable Standard and Natural Renewable products suit schools with sustainability pledges. |
| Healthcare | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | Suitable for clinics, practices, and smaller healthcare organisations. VAT declaration support available. Credit score requirement (Delphi 43+) may affect newer practices. Public sector experience relevant for NHS-contracted organisations. |
| Automotive | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | Standard dual-fuel fixed supply works well for garages and dealerships. Renewable options support green credentials for EV-adjacent businesses. SmartFix tariffs up to four years provide cost certainty for medium-sized automotive operations. |
| Professional Services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | Clean billing, SmartWeb data analytics, and strong renewable product range align with professional services expectations. Sustainability consulting relevant for ESG-reporting firms. Trustpilot score indicates reliable service experience. |
| SMEs (General) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good | SmartestEnergy Business is a strong SME choice combining competitive pricing, renewable flexibility, a transparent no-rollover termination policy, and above-average customer service evidence. SmartFlex provides a genuinely useful no-contract option for businesses not yet ready to commit to fixed terms. |
📊 Want us to compare SmartestEnergy against the market for your sector? We work across all major business energy suppliers and will identify the best fit. Request a Free Comparison
Telnergy’s Take
Our Professional Assessment
SmartestEnergy Business is one of the more underrated suppliers in the UK commercial energy market — consistently competitive on price, with a renewable product range that is substantively better than most, and a termination policy that is genuinely more customer-friendly than many peers. For brokers and energy managers, SmartestEnergy regularly features in short-lists across hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and public sector procurement.
What we like:
No auto-rollover is a significant differentiator. SmartestEnergy’s practice of not automatically rolling fixed-term contracts into new fixed terms at expiry is one of the more customer-friendly policies in the market. At contract end, you move to SmartFlex — a rolling variable product you can exit at any time — rather than being locked into a new fixed term without explicit consent. For SMEs who can lose track of renewal dates, this provides meaningful protection.
SmartFlex is genuinely useful. The no-contract, no-notice-period, no-exit-fee rolling product is a rarity among business energy suppliers, most of whom require at least a short fixed-term commitment. SmartFlex is particularly well suited to seasonal businesses, those mid-procurement, or those planning near-term changes to their premises or energy arrangements.
Renewable product range is substantive. Working directly with 600+ independent UK renewable generators gives SmartestEnergy’s green electricity credentials real provenance. The ability to specify Natural Renewable (wind, solar, hydro only — no biomass) or Specific Renewable (generation source of your choice) goes well beyond generic REGO purchases and is relevant for businesses with demanding ESG supply chain requirements.
SmartWeb analytics add genuine value. The consumption data portal goes beyond basic billing, enabling energy managers to monitor usage at site or portfolio level and identify efficiency opportunities — a practical tool for businesses serious about energy management.
No termination notice required at contract end. Unlike many suppliers who require 30–90 days’ written notice to prevent rollover, SmartestEnergy requires no advance notice to end a SmartFix contract at its scheduled expiry. This materially reduces the risk of being accidentally rolled into costly out-of-contract rates.
Watch points:
Standard fuel mix includes coal. SmartestEnergy’s conventional (non-renewable) supply mix includes approximately 15% coal — well above the UK average of 2.5%. Businesses on standard SmartFix tariffs without a renewable product selection are not on green electricity. The renewable upgrade is available but must be explicitly selected. This is worth being clear about upfront.
Pass-through costs apply on all products. Like most mainstream business suppliers (with the notable exception of SSE Protect), SmartestEnergy’s fixed tariffs do not lock in network charges, levies, or metering costs. Pass-through variability can be significant on multi-year contracts.
Minimum credit score threshold. The Delphi credit score requirement (43+) means some newer businesses or those with historical credit issues may not qualify for standard supply. The PAYG option exists but is less cost-effective than fixed-rate supply.
Bottom line:
SmartestEnergy Business is a consistently strong performer in broker comparison across the SME and mid-market segments. The no-rollover policy, SmartFlex flexibility, differentiated renewable products, and above-average customer service evidence combine to make it one of our more frequently recommended suppliers — particularly for hospitality, public sector, and businesses with active sustainability commitments. The standard fuel mix is a watch point for businesses not actively selecting a renewable tariff, but the fix is straightforward.
Is SmartestEnergy Business Right For You?
✓ Consider SmartestEnergy Business if you:
- Want competitive fixed electricity and gas pricing without auto-rollover risk
- Need contract flexibility — SmartFlex’s no-notice-period rolling product is rare in the market
- Have seasonal or variable consumption that makes fixed-term commitments risky
- Want 100% renewable electricity with choice over generation source (wind, solar, hydro)
- Need renewable gas as well as renewable electricity for full sustainability coverage
- Require consumption analytics through the SmartWeb portal
- Are in hospitality, public sector, or education where SmartestEnergy’s sector experience is strong
- Have a Delphi credit score of 43+ and can pass standard credit assessment
✗ Consider alternatives if you:
- Need all-inclusive fixed pricing covering non-commodity pass-through costs (explore SSE Protect)
- Cannot meet the minimum Delphi credit score threshold for standard contracts
- Want genuinely zero-coal electricity on a standard (non-renewable) tariff
- Require phone support with extended hours beyond standard business day coverage
Quick Comparison: SmartestEnergy Business vs Market
| Feature | SmartestEnergy Business | Market Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum fixed term | 4 years | 1–3 years |
| Auto-rollover at contract end | No — moves to SmartFlex | Often yes |
| Notice to end at contract expiry | None required | 30–90 days |
| No-contract rolling option | Yes (SmartFlex) | Rarely |
| No standing charge tariff | Yes (SmartFix Zero) | Rarely |
| PAYG option | Yes (hospitality / low credit) | Rarely |
| Pass-through costs | Variable on all products | Variable (most suppliers) |
| Non-commodity cost fixing | No | Rarely |
| Back-billing protection | 12 months (Energy UK member) | 12 months |
| Renewable electricity | Yes (Standard / Natural / Specific) | Varies |
| Renewable gas | Yes | Rarely |
| Generation aggregation heritage | Yes (600+ UK generators) | Rarely |
| SmartWeb analytics portal | Yes | Varies |
| Trustpilot | 4.3/5 (~3,500 reviews) | Varies |
| Credit score requirement | Yes (Delphi 43+) | Varies |
Get in Touch
As an independent energy consultancy established in 2002, Telnergy can help you assess whether SmartestEnergy Business is the right fit, or identify alternatives that better suit your priorities:
- Obtain SmartestEnergy Business quotes on your behalf
- Compare against 10+ other suppliers across electricity and gas
- Explain the SmartFix vs SmartFlex decision for your specific consumption profile
- Advise on renewable electricity and gas product selection
- Manage the switching process from start to finish
- Monitor contract expiry dates to prevent out-of-contract rate exposure
- Advise on SmartWeb analytics setup for energy management
Telnergy Contact Details
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 01202 028888 |
| 07360 272168 | |
| hello@telnergy.com | |
| Website | www.telnergy.uk |
Page last updated: March 2026
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References
- SmartestEnergy Business. (2026). Products and Pricing. Retrieved from https://www.smartestenergybusiness.com
- SmartestEnergy Business. (2026). Terms and Conditions. Retrieved from https://www.smartestenergybusiness.com/en_GB/terms
- SmartestEnergy Business. (2026). Billing and Payments. Retrieved from https://www.smartestenergybusiness.com/en_GB/support/billing
- Trustpilot. (2026). SmartestEnergy Business Reviews. Retrieved from https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.smartestenergybusiness.com
- Business Electricity Prices. (2025). SmartestEnergy Business Tariffs, Reviews, Rates & Prices. Retrieved from https://www.businesselectricityprices.org.uk
- Startups.co.uk. (2026). Best Small Business Electricity Suppliers for 2026. Retrieved from https://startups.co.uk
- Telnergy. (n.d.). Transforming Your Energy Future Sustainably. Retrieved from /
Telnergy Limited is an independent commercial energy consultancy established in 2002, based in Christchurch, Dorset. Ofgem registered TPI · ADR Ref E3561 · CRN 04576876.