Small and medium-sized firms are losing out on millions of pounds in potential savings by failing to engage with the energy market, according to the Energy Advice Line.
Julian Morgan, managing director of the price comparison, switching and advice service for energy users, said a new YouGov survey showed that SMEs who did not negotiate with suppliers were paying a high financial cost.
The survey, commission by npower Business, found that 70% of SMEs surveyed don't bother to ask suppliers for discounts and price savings. Those SMEs who did ask saved a total of £511 million on their energy bills - an average £2,800 per business.
"So many businesses assume there is nothing they can do about the size of their energy bills because prices are beyond their control. It simply isn't true," Mr Morgan said.
"Just as shopping around for the cheapest deals can achieve substantial savings, so can negotiating to secure the very best deals.
"The sruvey proves that the size of the potential savings is staggering - up to £10,000 for some businesses.
"The lesson is that businesses have to take charge of their energy supplies by shopping around and trying to drive a hard bargain. Energy is exactly the same as any other good or service - you don't settle for any old deal."
To encourage more businesses to negotiate with their suppliers, the Big Six has launched a campaign that offers tips on how to get the most out of their negotiations, including the importance of research and planning ahead.
But Mr Morgan said that using an independent and respected service like the Energy Advice Line was another option for business leaders and decision makers who wanted to save time and legwork.
"Businesses can really improve their bottom line by taking a good hard look at their energy costs and suppliers - and we can help with that," Mr Morgan said.
"We have expert business energy advisers who know all the traps, tricks and pitfalls involved in analyzing the market and choosing the best deal.
"The service is completely free and involves no pressure or cold calling. It just makes financial sense."
The Energy Advice Line is one of the UK's leading price comparison and switching services for business and domestic customers. It is also an advocate for energy market reform and has campaigned for a better deal for energy users, including calling for a ban on cold calling and changes to regulations to make it easier for all consumers to switch suppliers.
The service is completely independent and free. Consumers can quickly and simply search the market for the best available energy deals from an extensive panel of small and large energy suppliers. The service also offers a free advice line for business energy customers.
For further information visit energyadviceline.org.uk