Small businesses can take advantage of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme

What business support has been announced?

The government has announced a new Energy Bill Relief Scheme to assist businesses with their energy bills. Between October 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023, the scheme will support eligible businesses with their energy costs.

For all eligible non-domestic customers, the government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices. Among them are UK businesses, the public sector (schools, hospitals, and care homes), and charities. The government website has further details of the discount levels published on 10th October. 

Non-domestic energy customers who qualify for the scheme include:

• on fixed price contracts that were agreed on or after 1st December 2021. You can find the applicable discount levels based on the date of your agreement on the government website

• signing up to new fixed-price contracts

• on deemed / out of contract or variable tariffs

• on flexible purchase or similar contracts

What happens next?

Parliament will have to approve the Energy Bill Relief Scheme in the coming weeks. As soon as the changes are passed by parliament, energy suppliers will need to amend their billing systems. As soon as suppliers confirm and implement these changes, all eligible customers will receive their discounts and rebates.

Currently, our advisors do not have any more information to share with you. The government publication is also available on the gov.uk website.

The relevant Energy Bill Relief Scheme discount will be applied automatically once your contract starts. The discount applied will depend on the unit rate agreed in your contract and when your contract starts.