Veterinary practice energy suppliers, tariffs and costs

Veterinary practices in the UK face unique challenges when it comes to managing their energy needs. With a steady flow of both routine and emergency cases, these practices often require a continuous and reliable energy supply to ensure that all medical equipment and facilities are operational at all times. From maintaining the right temperature for animal comfort to powering diagnostic equipment, energy efficiency plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of a veterinary practice. Understanding the specific energy requirements and potential cost-saving opportunities can help veterinary businesses manage their overheads more effectively, ensuring that more resources can be directed towards patient care and practice growth.

How much does energy cost for a veterinary practice?

There is no published price list for veterinary practices. What a veterinary practice 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 veterinary practice 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 veterinary practice 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 veterinary practices 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 veterinary practices?

No supplier specialises in veterinary practices 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 Veterinary practice

Veterinary practices typically have a varied energy usage profile due to the diverse range of services they offer. Energy is used continuously for lighting, heating, and cooling to maintain optimal conditions for both animals and staff. Practices also rely heavily on electricity to power medical equipment, computers, and office machinery. Diagnostic tools such as X-ray machines, ultrasound devices, and surgical lights are energy-intensive, contributing to peak usage times during operating hours. Additionally, many practices may have refrigeration units for storing medications and vaccines, which require a constant energy supply to ensure they remain effective.

What affects bills for Veterinary practice

Several factors can influence the energy bills of a veterinary practice, including:

• Opening hours: Longer operational hours mean increased energy consumption.
• Equipment usage: Frequent use of diagnostic and surgical equipment increases electricity demand.
• Building size: Larger premises typically require more energy for heating and cooling.
• Insulation quality: Poor insulation can lead to higher energy costs due to heat loss.
• Energy efficiency of appliances: Older or inefficient equipment can lead to higher energy usage.

How to compare tariffs

When comparing energy tariffs for a veterinary practice, consider the following checklist:

• Review current energy usage to understand your needs.
• Check if the tariff offers flexibility in contract length.
• Consider tariffs that offer green energy options.
• Look for fixed-rate tariffs to protect against price fluctuations.
• Examine any additional charges or hidden fees in the contract.

Gas vs electricity considerations

For many veterinary practices, electricity is the primary energy source due to the extensive use of electronic medical devices. However, gas may be used for heating, especially in larger premises. Practices need to evaluate their specific needs to determine the balance between gas and electricity usage. Investing in energy-efficient appliances and considering renewable energy options can help manage costs and reduce the carbon footprint of the practice.

Switching process overview

Switching energy providers for a veterinary practice involves several key steps:

1. Gather recent energy bills to understand your current usage and costs.
2. Research and compare tariffs from different providers.
3. Select a new provider and agree on a contract that suits your needs.
4. Inform your current provider of your decision to switch.
5. Coordinate with both providers to ensure a seamless transition.

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