Energy plan types include fixed, variable, block, and indexed rates. Learn more about the common types of small business energy plans to determine which is best for you.
Fixed-rate
Fixed-rate energy plans offer budget stability and predictable monthly bills. With a fixed-rate plan, your rate per kWh remains the same throughout the length of your contract. This plan type protects you from fluctuations in the energy market, making it a great choice for businesses wanting to avoid unexpected changes in operational costs and aid in financial planning.
Variable-rate
With this plan type, the price per kWh you pay may change monthly based on the energy market, making your monthly energy bill unpredictable. Variable-rate plans have the risk of high rates when prices spike due to increased demand and extreme weather conditions. A variable-rate plan may be a good fit if your business has a flexible budget and can adjust energy usage based on market conditions.
Block-rate
Block-rate energy plans allow businesses to purchase a certain amount of energy at a fixed rate, with additional energy usage billed at the market rate. The fixed block rate helps your business predict energy costs for financial planning. Any additional usage may benefit from lower rates when market conditions are favorable but risk higher rates when the market is not. A block-rate plan may be a good option if you are conscious of your business’s energy usage patterns and are open to potential risks.
Indexed-rate
Indexed-rate energy prices include the index price and fixed adder. The indexed price fluctuates based on a benchmark of market conditions, while the fixed adder is a consistent rate from your small business electricity supplier. You may save money if your business adjusts operations based on energy prices. If your business is not aware of energy market trends, you may consider a fixed-rate plan for predictable monthly bills.