Avoid hidden commissions and save £150-£3,000+ annually. Expert comparison of costs, transparency & long-term value for households and businesses.
Contact UsMiddleman between you and suppliers
✅ Collects your details
✅ Requests quotes from suppliers
✅ Recommends/selects deals
✅ Earns commission from supplier
Common in business energy
Sells energy directly to you
✅ No middleman involved
✅ Pricing usually clearer
✅ Fewer layers, fewer mark-ups
✅ You compare suppliers yourself
Better transparency
Transparent market overview
✅ Compares multiple suppliers
✅ Shows true total costs
✅ No hidden commissions
✅ Puts you in control
Best of both worlds
| Feature | Energy Broker | Direct Supplier | Comparison Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middleman Involved | ✅ Yes - Adds commission | ❌ No - Direct relationship | ❌ No - Transparent tool |
| Pricing Transparency | Low–Medium | High | Very High |
| Control Over Contract | Limited | High | Very High |
| Renewal Risk | High - Auto renewals | Lower - Clear process | Low - You control timing |
| Best for Households | ❌ Rarely needed | ✅ Better option | ✅ Best option |
| Best for SMEs | ❌ Often expensive | ✅ Usually better | ✅ Optimal choice |
Hidden broker commissions of 0.5p-2p per kWh add thousands over multi-year contracts. Direct comparison platforms provide full transparency, showing true total costs without hidden mark-ups. For 80% of SMEs and 100% of households, avoiding traditional brokers saves significant money.
Most brokers add 0.5p-2p per kWh commission to unit rates. For a medium business using 50,000 kWh annually, this adds £250-£1,000+ yearly to energy costs.
Brokers earn higher commissions on longer contracts (3-5 years). They often push these regardless of customer needs, locking businesses into poor value.
Many brokers earn additional commission at renewal. This creates incentive to automatically renew contracts rather than seek better market rates.
Brokers often claim "exclusive" deals unavailable elsewhere. In reality, these usually include hidden commission rather than genuine supplier discounts.
Typical medium business (40,000 kWh): Broker commissions add £400-£600 annually vs direct supplier comparison.
Common issues include: No breakdown of commission • "Exclusive" deals that aren't actually cheapest • Contracts chosen for broker benefit, not customer value • Difficult exit terms • Automatic renewals with rate hikes • Some brokers are ethical, but most lack pricing transparency.
Direct comparison ALWAYS wins
✅ Broker involvement rarely needed
✅ Domestic tariffs are standardized
✅ Price cap provides some protection
✅ Comparison platforms are free
100% better direct
Direct comparison usually wins
✅ Brokers are more common but costly
✅ Commissions inflate business costs
✅ Rollover contracts are major risk
✅ Transparency saves thousands
80% better direct
Brokers may help with transparency
⚠️ Complex multi-site portfolios
⚠️ Specialized procurement needs
⚠️ Requires full commission disclosure
⚠️ Still compare direct options
Proceed with caution
Ask for written confirmation of all commissions, fees, and mark-ups added to your energy rates before signing any contract.
Request quotes from at least 3 different suppliers through the broker, then compare with direct market rates independently.
Use transparent comparison platforms to verify unit rates and standing charges against broker-provided quotes.
Reject contracts with automatic renewal or long notice periods. These trap businesses in expensive rollover rates.
Households save £150–£400 per year | Small businesses save £500–£2,000+ | High-usage SMEs save £3,000+
Compare energy prices directly through transparent platforms. Avoid broker mark-ups, secure better rates, and maintain full control over your energy contracts.