Energy advice for businesses
Practical guidance from Ofgem to help you manage your business’ energy costs
Energy is essential for most businesses, from working laptops or factory machinery to lighting and heating your office space. The Government's Energy Bill Relief Scheme will come into effect In October 2022, but as your needs differ from an average household, you'll still need to be aware of a number of things when making your commercial energy choices.
Types of contracts
How you use gas and electricity as a business will differ from the average household. Business energy contracts are different, with offers varying between business energy suppliers.
It’s important to understand your type of contract so you can check you're getting the best deal for your business usage. If you’re a microbusiness, certain rules apply which affect how you’re billed too.
Switching your business to a new energy tariff or supplier
You can usually switch your business energy if you’re on a contract you’ve not chosen. This also applies if your business energy contract has expired, and you aren’t bound by any terms.
Getting help if your business can't afford its energy bills
Your energy supplier can help if you’re having difficulties managing your energy bills. You can get other financial support too, and steps like installing a smart meter might help. Your options will depend on your situation.
Find business energy efficiency grants and schemes
This guide will help you find small business energy grants, schemes and advice to lower your carbon emissions. They'll also help you get more efficient with your commercial energy use. This can help you save money and become more environmentally friendly.
What happens if the energy supplier to your business goes out of business?
You’ll still have gas and electricity if your energy supplier goes out of business. In the first instance take a meter reading and wait to be contacted by your new supplier. When you’re contacted by the new supplier, ask about the available tariffs and shop around to check if a better deal is available elsewhere.
Check if you classify as a microbusiness
Your business is classed as a microbusiness if it either
- has fewer than 10 employees (or their full-time equivalent) and the yearly turnover, or yearly balance sheet, is not more than €2 million
- uses less than 100,000 kWh of electricity a year
- uses less than 293,000 kWh of gas a year
If you run your business from home, you may not need a business energy contract.
Further help
If you’re worried about energy costs and the impact this will have on your business, ask for support. For example, Citizens Advice offers free, independent advice about business energy contracts and your rights and can be contacted on 0808 223 1133.
