GP surgery energy suppliers, tariffs and costs

GP surgeries play a vital role in the community, providing essential healthcare services. With a busy environment that includes patient consultations, medical equipment, and administrative tasks, energy consumption is a significant operational factor. Managing energy efficiently can help GP surgeries maintain a comfortable and functional environment, ensuring both staff and patients are catered for. Understanding the energy needs specific to this sector can aid in selecting the most appropriate tariffs, ultimately helping to manage costs while maintaining service quality. At YourUtilities.co.uk, we provide insights and tools to assist GP surgeries in navigating the complex landscape of business energy options.

How much does energy cost for a GP surgery?

There is no published price list for GP surgeries. What a GP surgery 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 GP surgery 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 GP surgery 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 GP surgeries 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 GP surgeries?

No supplier specialises in GP surgeries 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 GP surgery

GP surgeries typically experience consistent energy usage throughout the day, with peak periods aligning with patient appointments. Energy is consumed by lighting, heating, and powering medical equipment, as well as IT systems used for patient management. The need for a comfortable environment means that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are often in use, especially during colder months. Additionally, refrigeration for medical supplies and warm lighting for patient comfort contribute to the overall energy profile of a GP surgery.

What affects bills for GP surgery

Several factors can influence the energy bills of a GP surgery. Key considerations include:

• Size of the practice and number of rooms.
• Type and efficiency of heating and cooling systems.
• Usage of electrical medical equipment.
• Hours of operation and patient volume.
• Energy efficiency of the building and its appliances.

Understanding these factors can help in identifying areas where energy efficiency improvements can be made.

How to compare tariffs

When comparing energy tariffs for a GP surgery, consider the following checklist:

• Assess the surgery's average energy consumption patterns.
• Compare fixed vs. variable rate tariffs based on stability needs.
• Check for any green energy options that align with sustainability goals.
• Look for tariffs that offer flexible billing suited to NHS payment cycles.
• Evaluate the reputation and customer service ratings of potential suppliers.

These considerations will help in selecting the most suitable energy plan.

Gas vs electricity considerations

In GP surgeries, electricity is crucial for powering essential medical devices, computers, and lighting. While gas may be used for heating, its importance varies based on the practice's location and building infrastructure. In surgeries where gas heating is predominant, its usage will significantly impact energy costs, making it essential to consider both gas and electricity tariffs carefully. Understanding the specific needs of the practice helps in making informed decisions regarding energy suppliers.

Switching process overview

Switching energy suppliers can be straightforward with the right approach. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Review your current energy usage and contract terms.
2. Research and compare alternative energy tariffs.
3. Contact the chosen energy supplier to initiate the switch.
4. Provide necessary information and confirm the switch date.
5. Ensure a smooth transition by coordinating with both current and new suppliers.

Staying informed about the process can help ensure minimal disruption to your practice's operations.

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