The Smart Move: Switching from Small Business Plans to Large Market Gas Agreement 

If your business uses more than 1 terajoule (TJ) of gas annually, there’s a strong chance you’re paying too much for your gas. Many high-usage sites are still billed under small business gas plans, which are designed for light commercial users. These plans often carry variable rates and bundled charges, making them cost-ineffective for larger businesses. 

The good news is – even with a basic gas meter (one that requires manual readings), you may still qualify for a large market gas agreement — and the savings can be substantial.

The Problem with Small Business Gas Plans

For gas users consuming over 1TJ per annum, small business tariffs often create unnecessary cost pressures: 

• Variable rates expose you to market movements, without offering protection or control. 

• Bundled pricing hides the true costs of distribution and retail, reducing transparency. 

• “One-size-fits-all” structure means you’re grouped with smaller users, even though your consumption profile is very different. 

These plans may be convenient for low-usage businesses, but for larger gas users they are usually a cost trap.

The Opportunity: Large Business Gas Agreement

If your site uses more than 1TJ annually, you may be eligible to move onto a large market gas agreement. These contracts differ from small business plans in several important ways: 

• Unbundled charges – Distribution, retail, and other components are separated, giving you visibility and potential levers for cost optimisation. 

• Tailored pricing – Rates are structured to reflect your actual gas usage, not a generic small business profile. 

• Improved alignment with consumption – Even without interval data, retailers can still recognise your higher volume and treat you as a large customer. 

We have identified significant savings for clients who have made this move — in some cases, enough to materially improve their operating margins.

The Risks & Considerations

While large business agreements can unlock major benefits, they do come with added complexity: 

• Tighter terms & conditions – Large market contracts often include stricter obligations, from take-or-pay provisions to termination penalties. 

• Fewer retailer options – With a basic meter, you won’t have the same breadth of offers as customers on interval meters. 

• Greater exposure to market dynamics – Without careful structuring, these agreements can increase risk instead of reducing it, and could become very costly. 

This is why expert guidance is critical — to ensure that your business is positioned to capture the upside without being blindsided by hidden pitfalls.

Next Step: Evaluate Your Eligibility

If your business consumes more than 1TJ of gas per year, it may be time to review your current plan. 

Contact us today for a complimentary evaluation of your gas contract options. Our specialists will: 

• Analyse your current plan, 

• Assess your eligibility for a large business gas agreement, 

• Model potential savings, and 

• Help you negotiate the best-fit contract with available retailers. 

Don’t let your business be stuck on a small-user plan when your consumption clearly qualifies you for more. The right agreement could translate into meaningful annual savings and stronger cost control.