Ruby Energy (Formerly BES Utilities) Out-of-Contract Rates: What You Need to Know
⚡ What Happens If You Go Out of Contract with Ruby Energy?
If your Ruby Energy contract has ended and no new deal has been agreed, you’ll automatically be moved to their "Default" (Out of Contract) rates. These are significantly more expensive than fixed-term contracts and are designed to be temporary.
Let’s break down what these rates mean for your business—and how to avoid unnecessary costs.
🔢 Ruby Energy’s Default Rates (Effective July 2025)
Gas (by Annual Consumption Band)
| Annual Consumption (AQ Band) | Unit Rates (p/kWh) | Standing Charge (p/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 73,200 kWh | 11.96 | 450 |
| 73,201 - 293,000 kWh | 7.86 | 600 |
| 293,001 kWh and above | 7.86 | 850 |
📉 These gas rates are unchanged since 2024, which may indicate outdated pricing not aligned with today’s wholesale market.
🔌 Electricity (Non Half-Hourly and Half-Hourly)
| Meter Type | Unit Rate (p/kWh) | Standing charge (p/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Half-Hourly (PC 01-08) | 46.20 | 300 |
| Half-Hourly (PC 00) | 42.70 | 500 |
➡️ These rates are among the highest in the market compared to fixed-term contracts and have not changed since early 2024.
💡 What Does That Mean for Your Business?
Let’s say you use 10,000 kWh a month of electricity on a standard NHH meter:
- At 46.20p/kWh, that's £4,620/month in energy charges
- Plus £152/month in standing charges
- Total: £4,772/month
Annually that’s £57,264 – before VAT or extra charges
Compared to a competitive fixed deal, you could be overpaying by 40–60%.
🧭 Why Fixed Contracts Are Smarter
Fixed rates change daily and vary by region, meter type, and consumption. That’s why we don’t publish generic prices — we tailor every quote to your business.
At The Smart Energy Company, we:
- Monitor the market in real time
- Compare rates from 20+ suppliers
- Negotiate directly to secure the best available deal
- Handle the switch for you — with zero disruption
FAQs About Ruby Energy's Out of Contract Rates
How do I know if I’m on out-of-contract rates?
You’re likely on out-of-contract rates if your energy bill shows higher standing charges and unit rates than your previous contract. You will also notice there will be no contract end date on your bills. Contact us, and we’ll help confirm your status and explore your options.
Can I switch suppliers while on out-of-contract rates?
Yes! Businesses on OOC rates can switch suppliers at any time without penalties. It now only takes 2 - 5 days to switch suppliers too. The Smart Energy Company can guide you through the process quickly and easily.
What happens if I don’t renew my contract?
You’ll remain on Ruby Energy’s Default Contract prices, which are much higher than competitive in-contract rates.
Because energy pricing is complex, we’ve made getting a quote simple.
Chat with Wattson, our AI-powered assistant, to:
- Get a tailored quote based on your usage, location, and meter type
- See how much you could save compared to Drax’s out-of-contract rates
- Ask questions and get instant answers — no jargon, no pressure
💬 Click here to Chat with Wattson and take control of your energy costs in under 2 minutes.
✅ Don’t Pay Ruby's Default Rates
If you’re out of contract — or approaching the end of your term — now’s the time to act.
Get a free, no-obligation quote today.
We’ll benchmark your current rate, show you what’s possible, and help you lock in a fixed price that protects your bottom line.
Explore More Insights
Dive into more energy updates, market reports, and supplier insights tailored for your business
