Ruby Energy (formerly named BES Utilities) is a notable player in the business energy market, offering a range of energy products tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses. This guide provides a comprehensive review of Ruby Energy pricing, products, and services, helping you make an informed decision about your business energy needs.
Understanding Ruby Energy
Ruby Energy is an independent supplier of gas and electricity to businesses across the UK. Established with a focus on providing cost-effective energy solutions, Ruby Energy has grown its presence in the business energy sector by offering competitive pricing and tailored energy solutions. The company’s core mission is to deliver simple and straightforward energy supply options, combined with excellent customer service.
Ruby Energy pricing list – Gas and electricity
Please note that these are indicative figures for illustration purposes only, as individual prices will vary based on the latest market conditions, contract terms, and specific business requirements.
| Energy Product Type | Contract Length | Unit Rate (per kWh) | Standing Charge (per day) | Estimated Annual Cost (based on 10,000 kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-Rate Electricity | 1 Year | £0.145 | £0.25 | £1,895 |
| Fixed-Rate Electricity | 3 Years | £0.140 | £0.24 | £1,840 |
| Fixed-Rate Electricity | 5 Years | £0.138 | £0.23 | £1,810 |
| Variable-Rate Electricity | Rolling Monthly | £0.150 | £0.20 | £1,900 |
| Green Electricity | 3 Years | £0.148 | £0.26 | £1,940 |
| Fixed-Rate Gas | 1 Year | £0.032 | £0.30 | £620 |
| Fixed-Rate Gas | 3 Years | £0.030 | £0.28 | £600 |
| Fixed-Rate Gas | 5 Years | £0.029 | £0.27 | £590 |
| Variable-Rate Gas | Rolling Monthly | £0.034 | £0.25 | £640 |
| Green Gas | 3 Years | £0.033 | £0.31 | £630 |
Explanation of the table
- Energy Product Type: The type of energy supply offered, including options for electricity and gas, with fixed and variable rates.
- Contract Length: The duration of the contract, which can range from short-term (rolling monthly) to long-term (up to 5 years).
- Unit Rate (per kWh): The cost of each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity or gas consumed. Fixed rates are constant, while variable rates may change with market conditions.
- Standing Charge (per day): A fixed daily fee to cover the cost of maintaining the energy supply infrastructure and administrative expenses.
- Estimated Annual Cost: A calculation based on the consumption of 10,000 kWh annually, which helps businesses estimate their yearly energy costs.
Energy products offered by Ruby Energy
Ruby Energy provides a range of energy products designed to suit various business sizes and energy requirements. Their offerings include:
- Fixed-rate energy contracts: These contracts lock in the energy price for a set period, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years. This option is ideal for businesses looking to avoid market volatility and gain budget certainty. By securing a fixed rate, businesses can protect themselves against future energy price increases, making financial planning more predictable.
- Variable-rate energy contracts: With variable-rate contracts, the cost of energy fluctuates based on market conditions. This type of contract might suit businesses that can tolerate some risk and are looking for potential savings when market prices are low. However, it is important to note that prices can increase, impacting overall costs.
- Renewable energy options: As part of their commitment to sustainability, Ruby Energy offers green energy products sourced from renewable sources. These options appeal to environmentally-conscious businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable energy practices.
Pricing structure and factors affecting costs
Ruby Energy pricing is influenced by several factors, including market conditions, energy consumption levels, and contract duration. Here’s a breakdown of the main components affecting their pricing:
- Unit rate: This is the cost per unit of electricity or gas consumed, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The unit rate can vary depending on the type of contract (fixed or variable) and the energy market’s current state.
- Standing charge: A fixed daily fee that covers the cost of maintaining the supply infrastructure and administrative costs. This charge applies regardless of the amount of energy consumed.
- Contract length: Typically, longer contracts offer more stable pricing, with fixed-rate contracts providing protection against price increases. Shorter contracts may come with more flexibility but at a potentially higher cost.
- Business size and consumption: Larger businesses or those with higher energy demands may benefit from tailored pricing plans or bulk discounts. Ruby Energy may offer bespoke solutions for such customers, potentially leading to cost savings.
Advantages of choosing Ruby Energy
- Competitive pricing: Ruby Energy is known for offering competitive rates, particularly for fixed-rate contracts, making them a cost-effective choice for many businesses.
- Customer service: The company places a strong emphasis on customer service, providing dedicated support to help businesses manage their energy accounts efficiently.
- Flexibility: With a range of contract options, including fixed and variable rates, as well as renewable energy products, Ruby Energy caters to a wide variety of business needs and preferences.
- Energy efficiency advice: Ruby Energy provides guidance on energy efficiency, helping businesses reduce consumption and lower costs. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses looking to enhance their sustainability credentials.
Key considerations when choosing Ruby Energy
While Ruby Energy offers a range of benefits, there are some considerations businesses should keep in mind:
- Contract terms and exit fees: Like many energy suppliers, Ruby Energy may include exit fees for terminating a contract early. It’s essential to review the terms and conditions carefully before signing a contract.
- Market fluctuations: Businesses opting for variable-rate contracts should be aware of the potential for price increases due to market volatility. Fixed-rate contracts offer more stability but may not take advantage of falling prices.
- Customer feedback: As with any service provider, it’s beneficial to review customer feedback and ratings to gauge overall satisfaction and service quality. This can provide insights into the company’s reliability and customer support effectiveness.
For more, see our business energy comparison, and our price lists for business gas and business electricity.
FAQ – Ruby Energy pricing
Ruby Energy offers several types of contracts for business energy pricing, including fixed-rate contracts that typically range from 1 to 5 years. For example, Ruby Energy might offer a 3-year fixed-rate electricity contract with a unit rate of £0.140 per kWh and a standing charge of £0.24 per day. Variable-rate contracts are also available, such as a rolling monthly electricity contract with a unit rate of £0.150 per kWh and a standing charge of £0.20 per day.
Ruby Energy calculates the standing charge based on a daily rate, which covers the costs of maintaining the energy supply infrastructure and administrative services. For example, Ruby Energy might charge a standing charge of £0.25 per day for a 1-year fixed-rate electricity contract, or £0.28 per day for a 3-year fixed-rate gas contract. This daily charge can vary depending on the type of energy product and the length of the contract.
The unit rates for Ruby Energy fixed-rate electricity contracts vary depending on the length of the contract. For instance, Ruby Energy might offer a 1-year fixed-rate electricity contract at £0.145 per kWh, a 3-year contract at £0.140 per kWh, and a 5-year contract at £0.138 per kWh. These rates are designed to provide price stability for businesses over the contract period.
Yes, Ruby Energy offers renewable energy options for businesses, including green electricity and green gas. For example, Ruby Energy might offer a 3-year green electricity contract with a unit rate of £0.148 per kWh and a standing charge of £0.26 per day. Similarly, a green gas contract might have a unit rate of £0.033 per kWh and a standing charge of £0.31 per day for a 3-year term.
Ruby Energy typically offers lower unit rates for gas compared to electricity. For example, a 1-year fixed-rate gas contract might have a unit rate of £0.032 per kWh and a standing charge of £0.30 per day, while a similar 1-year fixed-rate electricity contract might have a unit rate of £0.145 per kWh and a standing charge of £0.25 per day. These differences reflect the varying costs of supplying gas and electricity to businesses.
Exit fees for Ruby Energy business energy contracts can vary depending on the length of the contract and the terms agreed upon. For example, Ruby Energy might charge an exit fee of £150 for a 1-year fixed-rate contract or £300 for a 3-year fixed-rate contract. It’s important for businesses to review their specific contract terms to understand the exact costs associated with early termination.
Yes, Ruby Energy can provide a customised quote based on your business’s specific energy usage. For example, if a business consumes 15,000 kWh annually, Ruby Energy might offer a tailored fixed-rate contract with a unit rate of £0.140 per kWh and a standing charge of £0.24 per day, leading to an estimated annual cost of £2,310. Custom quotes allow businesses to optimise their energy expenses according to their unique consumption patterns.
Ruby Energy reviews its business energy pricing regularly, typically in response to changes in the energy market. For instance, Ruby Energy may adjust its variable-rate electricity contract prices monthly based on market conditions, which could see the unit rate fluctuate between £0.140 and £0.150 per kWh. Fixed-rate contracts, however, maintain the agreed rate for the duration of the contract term.
The typical annual energy cost for a business with Ruby Energy depends on consumption and contract type. For example, a business consuming 10,000 kWh of electricity annually on a 3-year fixed-rate contract with Ruby Energy might have a total cost of approximately £1,840, calculated with a unit rate of £0.140 per kWh and a standing charge of £0.24 per day.
Yes, Ruby Energy charges different rates depending on the size and energy consumption of the business. For larger businesses with higher energy demands, Ruby Energy might offer bespoke pricing with lower unit rates, such as £0.135 per kWh for electricity for businesses consuming over 50,000 kWh annually. Smaller businesses might have rates closer to the standard fixed-rate offerings, like £0.145 per kWh for a 1-year contract. Customised pricing helps ensure businesses get the best possible rate for their specific energy needs.