Small businesses and farm owners in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to review their electricity tariffs as a way to cut overheads. Budget Energy, the region's third-largest provider, says many firms may not be on the best deal for their needs.

A report from Enterprise Northern Ireland and the British Business Bank found that 73 percent of businesses are worried about rising energy costs. The same report said higher energy bills have prompted many local enterprises to pause investment or growth plans.

Last year, a survey commissioned by Budget Energy indicated that 42 percent of firms had never switched electricity provider. The company's managing director, Sean O'Loughlin, said switching is simpler than many think. Once a new tariff is agreed, the customer receives a final bill from the old supplier and a new bill from the new one.

He noted that all businesses, not just Budget Energy customers, could see significant savings in the current economic climate. The company says it aims to compete on price and provide responsive phone support.

Businesses can use the Consumer Council's online electricity price comparison tool to check available tariffs based on their usage. The tool uses up-to-date supplier data and the consumption figures entered by the user.