Body shop energy suppliers, tariffs and costs

For body shop and accident repair businesses, managing energy consumption is crucial to maintaining operational efficiency and managing costs effectively. These businesses typically rely on various energy-intensive tools and equipment, such as spray booths, dryers, and compressors, which can contribute significantly to overall energy usage. Understanding the energy needs and finding the right energy plan can help body shops optimise their expenditures. By considering factors like peak usage times and energy-efficient technologies, body shop owners can make informed decisions that support both their operational goals and financial health.

How much does energy cost for a body shop?

There is no published price list for body shops and accident repair centres. What a body shop pays is set mainly by how much it uses in a year, because suppliers price by consumption band, and then by contract length, meter type, payment method and credit history. The most recent government figures (first quarter of 2026, provisional) put the average unit price paid by UK non-domestic customers at 24.14p per kWh for electricity and 5.17p per kWh for gas, including the Climate Change Levy and excluding VAT. A year earlier the averages were 25.74p and 5.54p. The smallest sites pay the most per unit: businesses using under 20,000 kWh of electricity a year averaged 35.02p per kWh, and those using under 278,000 kWh of gas averaged 7.48p per kWh.

Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Prices of fuels purchased by non-domestic consumers in the UK (Quarterly Energy Prices tables 3.4.1 and 3.4.2), published 30 June 2026. Q1 2026 figures are provisional; next update 29 September 2026. Prices are fully delivered averages including the Climate Change Levy and all other elements except VAT, so standing charges are already spread across the units. Averages across every UK business in a band, not quotes.

Working out a monthly figure for your business

Take the annual kWh from your latest bill or annual statement, find the band above and multiply. A site using 15,000 kWh of electricity a year sits in the very small band: 15,000 × 35.02p is about £5,250 a year, or roughly £440 a month before VAT. A site using 60,000 kWh of gas a year: 60,000 × 7.48p is about £4,490 a year, or roughly £375 a month. Because the smallest band pays a much higher unit rate, a body shop that moves into the next band by growing, or that sits near a band boundary, can see its per-unit price change noticeably at renewal.

VAT and the Climate Change Levy on business energy

The prices above exclude VAT. Business energy normally carries VAT at 20% plus the Climate Change Levy (CCL). HMRC applies the 5% reduced rate, with no CCL, in three cases. First, low usage: supplies averaging no more than 33 kWh of electricity a day (1,000 kWh a month) or 145 kWh of gas a day (4,397 kWh a month) are treated as domestic use whoever the customer is. Second, fuel and power for domestic use, which HMRC defines to include homes providing care for the elderly or disabled, children’s homes, hospices and school or university residential accommodation. Third, a charity’s non-business activities. Where a site is mixed, 60% or more qualifying use means the whole supply is charged at 5%; below that the supply is split between the two rates, and the customer gives the supplier a certificate declaring the qualifying percentage. Source: HMRC VAT Notice 701/19 (sections 2.8, 3.2 to 3.5, 4.2 and 5.2, updated 5 February 2025) and gov.uk VAT rates.

Is a body shop a microbusiness?

Ofgem treats a business as a microbusiness if it has fewer than 10 employees (or their full-time equivalent) and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than £2 million, or if it uses no more than 100,000 kWh of electricity or 293,000 kWh of gas a year. A business can be a microbusiness for one fuel and not the other. Independent body shops and accident repair centres that meet either test are covered by Ofgem’s microbusiness rules, which give extra protections around contract terms and renewals (Ofgem: get energy for your business).

Do business energy rates vary by region?

Yes. Part of every unit rate covers the cost of the local electricity distribution network, and Great Britain has 14 licensed distribution areas each with its own charges, so identical contracts are priced differently in, for example, the north of Scotland and London. DESNZ does not publish non-domestic prices by region, so regional figures quoted elsewhere are supplier or broker estimates rather than official statistics.

Which energy supplier is best for body shops and accident repair centres?

No supplier specialises in body shops and accident repair centres or publishes tariffs specific to them. The cheapest supplier for one business is often not the cheapest for the next, because each prices on the consumption band, meter type, contract length and credit profile in front of it. Compare the total annual cost of like-for-like contract lengths rather than the headline unit rate, and check the standing charge and any out-of-contract rate before signing.

Energy usage profile for Body shop and accident repair

Body shop and accident repair businesses often have a high energy demand due to the nature of their operations. Energy is primarily used to power equipment such as spray booths, which require consistent temperature control, as well as lighting and ventilation systems necessary for maintaining a safe working environment. The use of air compressors, welding equipment, and paint curing systems also contributes to substantial electricity consumption. These businesses typically experience peak energy usage during working hours when all equipment is in full operation. Understanding these patterns can help in selecting the most appropriate energy tariffs.

What affects bills for Body shop and accident repair

Several factors can influence energy costs for body shop and accident repair businesses:

• Operational hours: Longer working hours can lead to higher energy consumption.
• Type of equipment: Energy-intensive machinery such as spray booths and compressors can increase costs.
• Energy efficiency: The efficiency of the equipment and lighting systems can impact energy usage.
• Seasonal changes: Heating requirements in winter can increase energy bills.
• Supply contracts: The terms and conditions of energy contracts can affect pricing.

How to compare tariffs

When comparing energy tariffs for body shop and accident repair businesses, consider the following checklist:

• Review the current energy consumption patterns of your business.
• Identify peak usage times and assess if time-of-use tariffs could be beneficial.
• Consider the flexibility of contract terms and early exit fees.
• Look for tariffs that offer renewable energy options if sustainability is a priority.
• Check if the energy provider offers any energy efficiency support or advice.
• Evaluate customer service ratings to ensure reliable support.

Gas vs electricity considerations

For body shop and accident repair businesses, electricity is often the primary energy source due to the need to power various electrical tools and equipment. However, gas may be used for heating purposes, especially during colder months. The choice between gas and electricity can depend on the specific requirements of the business and the equipment in use. Evaluating the energy efficiency of both gas and electricity usage can help businesses optimise their energy consumption and reduce overall costs.

Switching process overview

To switch energy suppliers for your body shop and accident repair business, follow these steps:

1. Review your current energy contract and identify any exit fees.
2. Gather recent energy bills to understand your usage patterns.
3. Compare different energy tariffs and providers using a comparison tool.
4. Select a new supplier and arrange for a switch date.
5. Inform your current supplier of your decision to switch.
6. Ensure that the final meter readings are recorded on the switch date.

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