E.ON Next Business Energy Review: Tariffs, Smart Meters & Green Options

E.ON stands out as one of the UK’s most recognised business energy suppliers, serving companies of all sizes with electricity and gas. The company has built a reputation for comprehensive energy services, innovative technology, and sustainable solutions.

Our Verdict on E.ON Next for Business

E.ON Next is a solid choice for UK SMEs wanting fixed-price energy with green credentials. Fixed contracts run 1–3 years with 100% REGO-backed renewable electricity on selected tariffs. Trustpilot: 4.5/5 from 190,000+ reviews. Businesses with a deeper commitment to renewables should also consider Good Energy, which matches 100% of customer usage with renewable sources on every tariff — not just selected plans.

E.ON Next is a strong choice for UK SMEs looking for a reliable, established energy supplier with green credentials. Their fixed contracts (1, 2, or 3 years), smart metering technology, and 100% renewable electricity options on selected tariffs make them competitive in the SME market. As part of one of Europe’s largest energy groups, they bring financial stability and a wide service offering including EV charging infrastructure.

The main drawback is that out-of-contract deemed rates can be significantly higher than fixed-rate tariffs, so businesses should always negotiate a new contract before their existing deal expires. Customer service reviews are generally positive (4.5/5 on Trustpilot with over 190,000 reviews), though response times can vary during peak periods.

For larger businesses consuming over 100,000 kWh per year, E.ON’s subsidiary npower Business Solutions offers more tailored purchasing options and dedicated account management.

E.ON Business offers tailored tariffs for small, medium, and large enterprises, blending competitive pricing with advanced services like smart metering and EV charging. Their approach helps businesses cut costs and carbon, all while keeping the energy supply reliable.

With E.ON Next and a real push for low-carbon solutions, the supplier feels like a forward-thinking option for businesses after more than just basic energy. Understanding what they offer, how they price, and what the customer experience is like can make a big difference for companies considering the switch.

Overview of E.ON as a Business Energy Supplier

E.ON Next serves SME customers (under 100,000 kWh electricity or 293,000 kWh gas annually), while npower Business Solutions handles larger businesses. E.ON has invested £9 billion in renewables and installed 160,000+ smart meters in UK businesses.

E.ON is one of the UK’s major energy suppliers, serving millions of business customers with both traditional and renewable solutions. The company started out as Powergen and has become a big player in the British market, especially when it comes to sustainability and cutting carbon.

Company Background

E.ON, a German energy company, made its mark in the UK through strategic expansion. It rebranded from Powergen to E.ON in 2007.

The supplier operates several UK facilities, including biomass plants and power plants generating electricity for commercial customers.

E.ON serves a mix of small enterprises, medium-sized businesses, and large industrial operations with high energy needs.

Their business customers range from bakeries and boutiques to data centres and warehouses. This wide reach shows E.ON can handle all sorts of business energy needs.

Market Presence in the UK

E.ON sits among the major UK energy suppliers in the UK. The company is one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers, having absorbed around 2 million former npower customers in 2021.

They split services by customer size. Small and medium businesses get quotes through E.ON Next, while large businesses work with npower Business Solutions.

Large business customers use more than 100,000 kWh of electricity or 293,000 kWh of gas each year. These are usually companies with turnovers over £2 million or more than 10 employees.

npower Business Solutions, now part of E.ON, is the largest industrial and commercial supplier in the UK. This division handles the big energy contracts for high-consumption businesses.

Commitment to Renewable Energy

E.ON has made real progress cutting carbon emissions for business customers. They report an average 30% reduction in business energy carbon emissions across their customer base.

The supplier runs renewable electricity generation facilities alongside traditional ones. Their biomass plants add to the renewable energy mix.

E.ON markets itself as a sustainable energy provider. They push net zero targets and promote renewable tech as realistic goals for businesses.

Their sustainability message is all about creating a profitable future for businesses while building environmental responsibility. It’s a dual approach that appeals to both cost-conscious and eco-aware companies.

Business Energy Tariffs and Pricing

E.ON Next offers fixed-price contracts of 1, 2, or 3 years for SMEs. Standing charges and unit rates are fixed for the contract duration. Deemed (out-of-contract) rates are significantly higher — currently 35.60p/kWh and £2/day for electricity.

E.ON gives business customers both fixed-rate and variable tariff options, with contracts up to 3 years. For a broader comparison of business energy pricing, see our business energy costs guide. They offer competitive rates and 100% renewable electricity for those who want to go green.

Fixed-Rate Contracts

E.ON’s fixed-rate tariffs lock in electricity and gas prices for up to 3 years. These contracts shield businesses from market price swings.

Fixed tariffs can include 100% renewable electricity, so companies can hit sustainability targets without losing predictability on costs.

Contract lengths run from one to three years for SMEs. Longer deals mean more stability, but less flexibility if market prices drop.

Small businesses get standardised contracts, while larger enterprises receive bespoke pricing based on actual usage.

With fixed rates, businesses know exactly what they’ll pay for electricity and gas for the length of the contract.

Variable and Flexible Plans

E.ON’s variable tariffs follow wholesale market prices and can change monthly or quarterly.

Variable plans suit businesses hoping to benefit if prices fall, but they also risk price hikes.

Bespoke tariffs let larger businesses tailor their contracts to their usage patterns and industry needs.

Deemed rates hit businesses using energy without a contract. Electricity deemed rates currently have a standing charge of 200.00p per day and 35.60p per kWh.

Gas deemed rates are 149.00p per day and 9.00p per kWh. Deemed rates usually cost more than contracted tariffs, so it’s best to renew contracts on time. An energy broker can help you negotiate better rates before your contract expires.

Comparison with Other Suppliers

E.ON is one of the UK’s largest business energy suppliers. They hold a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating based on over 190,000 reviews, which is above average. However, the 2025 Which? survey paints a different picture: 3/5 for customer service and just 2/5 for value for money.

Their overall fuel mix is 46.3% renewables (compared to the UK average of around 40%), and selected fixed tariffs include 100% REGO-backed renewable electricity at no extra cost.

E.ON’s contract flexibility is a plus, with up to three-year deals offering more price security than most rivals. You can compare them against other major providers in our top suppliers ranking.

Online account management and dedicated energy specialists help set E.ON apart. These features make billing and queries smoother for business customers.

Pricing depends on region and business size. London-area small businesses often see different rates than elsewhere, but contracted rates are almost always lower than deemed tariffs.

E.ON Next: Innovations and Services

E.ON Next is E.ON’s customer-facing brand for residential and SME customers. It offers the free E.ON Optimum energy management dashboard with half-hourly data, multi-site management, and year-on-year consumption comparison.

E.ON Next is the modern, customer-facing brand for all residential and small business customers of E.ON UK. The company blends established infrastructure with digital-first services and a strong renewable electricity focus.

What is E.ON Next?

E.ON Next launched as E.ON’s answer to new suppliers using tech to cut prices and offer greener energy. The brand replaced the old E.ON for new customers.

Backed by E.ON, one of the UK’s most established energy firms, E.ON Next has access to serious scale and resources but keeps a digital-first, streamlined identity.

E.ON Next serves both residential and business customers. They grew fast, taking on around 2 million former npower customers in 2021, making them the third-largest of the UK’s ‘major UK energy suppliers’.

Renewable electricity is at the core of E.ON Next’s offer. Their overall fuel mix is 46.3% renewables (with coal at 3.7%, gas at 42.2%, and nuclear at 4.8%), though selected fixed tariffs come with 100% REGO-backed renewable electricity at no extra cost.

Customer Support and Online Management

E.ON Next puts digital-first customer service front and centre, with highly rated mobile apps. The iOS app scores 4.8 out of 5, while the Android version gets 4.5.

Their website is clean and easy to use. Customers can submit meter readings, manage bills, and sort out account queries online.

Traditional support channels are still there for business customers. Phone support runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Thursday, closing at 4:00 pm on Fridays.

Smart meter installations are another area where E.ON Next leads. They’ve installed over 160,000 smart meters in UK business premises alone, and some tariffs require customers to have one or agree to installation.

They’re part of the Energy Switch Guarantee, completing 97.7% of switches within 15 days.

Smart Metering and Technology

E.ON Next installs free SMETS2 smart meters for all business customers, including 3-phase meters, with half-hourly readings sent automatically. Over 160,000 smart meters are now installed in UK business premises.

E.ON gives businesses smart metering solutions that automatically track energy usage and make billing more accurate. Their digital tools help businesses monitor consumption and manage costs through online platforms and mobile apps.

Smart Meters for Businesses

E.ON installs smart meters for business customers that record energy usage every half hour. No more manual readings, just automatic, accurate data.

The smart meters connect wirelessly to E.ON’s systems. This means bills reflect actual usage, not guesses, which helps prevent overpayment.

Smart meters also unlock time-of-use tariffs. Businesses can access different rates depending on when they use electricity, letting them shift energy-hungry tasks to cheaper times.

E.ON keeps 93.7% of smart meters working in smart mode, according to Ofgem. Their dedicated Smart Meter Health Teams sort out any technical issues that pop up.

E.ON Mobile App and Online Tools

E.ON’s digital platforms work with smart meter data to help businesses track usage. The online account system shows detailed consumption and billing history.

Businesses can check their energy data through web portals. These tools highlight usage patterns and potential savings. The platforms update regularly with new readings.

If needed, businesses can still submit meter readings manually. This backup keeps billing on track even if there’s a temporary smart meter hiccup.

Automated Meter Readings

Smart meters send readings to E.ON every 30 minutes. This creates detailed usage profiles for each business.

The automated system means no more site visits or monthly manual readings. Staff don’t have to worry about access to meters.

If a smart meter loses connectivity, businesses might need to provide readings manually. E.ON’s customer service can help with the process if that happens.

Sustainable and Low Carbon Solutions

E.ON has invested £9 billion in renewable energy and built the UK’s first offshore wind farm. Business customers can access commercial solar panels, air source heat pumps with government grant support, and Smart Export Guarantee payments.

E.ON gives businesses solid renewable energy options, efficient heating tech, and energy reduction programmes. These help companies cut their carbon footprint while managing costs.

100% Renewable Electricity

E.ON offers 100% renewable electricity from wind, solar, and other clean sources. This helps businesses hit sustainability targets and cut emissions.

They run renewable generation facilities and buy green electricity from certified sources. Businesses can switch to renewable tariffs without changing their setup.

Key benefits include:

• Zero carbon emissions from electricity
• Fixed prices for budgeting
• Renewable energy certificates for reporting
• Support for environmental commitments

E.ON’s renewable plans suit both small offices and large sites. Companies get detailed reports on renewable usage and carbon savings.

Heat Pumps and Energy Efficiency

E.ON installs air source heat pumps for business properties as a gas alternative. Heat pumps use electricity to pull heat from outside air, providing efficient heating and cooling.

These systems usually use 75% less energy than traditional heating. They work well in most UK commercial buildings and can replace old boilers.

Services include:

• Site surveys and design
• Professional installation
• Maintenance contracts
• Integration with existing systems

E.ON also offers efficient boilers and building management systems. These help businesses cut energy use while keeping workplaces comfortable.

Energy Saving Initiatives

E.ON runs energy audits and efficiency programmes to spot savings. These focus on reducing waste and optimising usage.

Smart management systems track electricity and gas in real time. Businesses get analytics showing peak times and where to save.

Programmes include:

• LED lighting upgrades
• Smart meters and monitoring
• Insulation improvements
• Equipment efficiency checks

E.ON provides financing for efficiency projects, so businesses can spread costs and still see immediate savings.

They also offer staff training on energy management, helping to build lasting habits.

Advanced Solutions: EV Charging for Businesses

E.ON Next provides business EV charging solutions from single wall-mounted units to fleet-scale charge points, with installation services and support for relevant government grants.

E.ON delivers EV charging solutions with rapid and ultrafast tech options. Their services cover expert installation and ongoing support for commercial operations.

EV Charging Technology

E.ON offers three charging speeds for businesses. Fast chargers suit overnight fleet charging or employees during work hours.

These units can charge vehicles in about 3 hours. Businesses can pick wall-mounted or floor-standing options.

Rapid chargers are for short-stay customers or quick fleet turnarounds, charging in roughly 1 hour.

Ultrafast charging is the top-end option, ideal for high-volume needs or customer-facing spots.

All E.ON business EV charging uses 100% renewable electricity, supporting sustainability goals and cutting carbon.

The E.ON Drive app lets managers monitor and optimise charging remotely. Fleet managers can track usage and manage schedules easily.

Installation and Support for Businesses

E.ON handles everything from the first consultation to ongoing maintenance. Their experts assess business needs and recommend the right solution.

E.ON has experience as a Workplace Charging Scheme installer, though businesses should check current grant availability directly with OZEV as eligibility criteria change regularly.

The process includes site surveys and electrical checks. E.ON’s engineers make sure everything meets safety standards.

Ongoing support covers maintenance and technical help. Fleet charging apps help businesses optimise costs and manage schedules.

E.ON’s integrated systems offer data insights for better fleet management. Businesses can track energy use and charging efficiency across sites.

Tom Reynolds

Business Energy Specialist

Tom focuses on commercial energy, renewable adoption, and sustainability strategy for SMEs. His background with UK energy suppliers helps businesses cut costs while meeting carbon targets.

Reviewed by

Laura Bennet

Home Energy & Sustainability Editor