SSE Variable Business Rates – Effective April 2025

Thomas McGlynn • 25 March 2025

Important: We are not SSE Business Energy. We’re an independent energy consultancy sharing this update to help businesses avoid costly out-of-contract rates and explore cheaper options from over 28 suppliers.

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Prepare for Higher Energy Costs – SSE’s Out of Contract Rates Are Increasing


If your business energy contract with SSE Energy ends without renewal, or if you fail to switch suppliers, you’ll automatically be placed on SSE’s Variable Business Rates (VBR)—also known as out of contract rates.

These rates are designed as short-term, emergency pricing but are significantly higher than fixed-term agreements. Staying on them for too long could cost your business thousands.



From 1 April 2025, SSE will increase their Variable Business Rates across gas and electricity supplies. Below, we break down the new rates and why it’s crucial to take action.

📌 SSE Gas Out of Contract Rates – Effective 1 April 2025

Customer / EUC Band Standing Charge (p/day) Unit Rate (p/kWh)
Quarterly Billed (EUC Bands 1 & 2) 312.000 10.8572
Monthly Billed (EUC Bands 1 & 2) 312.000 11.0289
EUC Band 3 962.000 9.9198
EUC Bands 4-9 Priority Only Bespoke Pricing

📌 SSE Electricity Non-Half Hourly (NHH) Out of Contract Rates – April 2025

Profile / Type Standing Charge (p/day) Unit Rate (p/kWh)
NHH Unrestricted (Profile 1 or 3) 284.508 35.9637
NHH Day/Night (Profile 2 or 4) 291.989 Day: 36.6838 / Night: 32.0175
NHH Weekday/Evening & Weekend 284.964 Weekday: 37.3134 / E/W: 33.5891
NHH 3-Rate (Weekday/Night/E&W) 293.216 Weekday: 38.1315 / E/W: 34.5227 / Night: 32.0422
NHH Off-Peak 262.183 31.9743
NHH Unrestricted (Profile 5-8) 700.145 34.1921
NHH Day/Night (Profile 5-8) 700.145 Day: 35.3310 / Night: 30.5534
Unmetered Supply Lighting 284.508 34.6562 – 39.1905

📌 SSE Electricity Half-Hourly (HH) Out of Contract Rates – April 2025

Supply Type Standing Charge (p/day) Capacity Charge (p/kVA/month) Unit Rate(s) (p/kWh)
HH Unrestricted LV/LVS 2398.239 158.000 32.7328
HH Unrestricted HV 12515.527 334.279 31.0615
HH Day/Night LV/LVS 2398.239 157.863 Day: 33.2391 / Night: 30.0252
HH Day/Night HV 12515.527 334.279 Day: 31.2879 / Night: 29.1335
HH 7-Rate STOD LV/LVS 2398.239 157.863 Peak rates up to 58.52p/kWh
HH 7-Rate STOD HV 12515.527 334.279 Peak rates up to 54.40p/kWh
HH LV/LVS (Measurement Class D, F, G) 1835.566 N/A 33.4972

📌 Why Avoid SSE’s Out of Contract Rates?


Remaining on SSE’s Variable Business Rates could result in:



✅ Higher Energy Bills – Gas now exceeds 11p/kWh, and electricity peak rates hit 58.52p/kWh
✅ No Price Stability – Rates change based on market conditions
✅ Hidden Charges – Extra capacity charges, metering costs, and pass-throughs apply

📌 How to Avoid Overpaying


✅ 1. Don’t Let Your Contract Expire Without Renewal
✅ 2. Review Your Renewal Letters Carefully
✅ 3. Compare Fixed-Term Rates Before April 2025



Fixed-term rates are consistently cheaper than Variable Business Rates. We can help you compare rates from 25+ suppliers.

👉 Avoid paying more than you need to

Get your free quote today

 FAQs About SSE Variable Business Rates

  • What happens if I don’t renew my SSE contract?

    Your business will default to their Variable Business Rates, which are significantly higher than fixed-term agreements.

  • Can I switch suppliers while on VBR?

    Yes, you can switch to a new supplier or contract at any time.

  • How can I avoid being placed on VBR?

    By renewing or switching your contract ahead of time with support from The Smart Energy Company.

Take Action Today — Avoid High Out of Contract Costs


Don’t let high out-of-contract rates impact your business’s bottom line.

Speak to The Smart Energy Company today for expert advice, a no-obligation quote, or a full review of your current energy contract with SSE.


📞 Call us: 0151 459 3358
📧 Email: info@smart-energy.uk

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