Is your business struggling with energy bills?
We are living in challenging times and many businesses are struggling with costs.
Here are some of the things you can do if you are struggling…
Contact your supplier
If your business is struggling with energy bills, you should contact your supplier as soon as you can.
Your supplier may be able to come to an affordable payment plan with you and may be able to:
- Review your payments, including any current debt payments
- Provide payment breaks or reductions
- Give you more time to pay
- Access any hardship funds that may be able to help you
- Access schemes or grants for energy efficiency improvement, to reduce your usage costs
Look for grant funding…
Search for business support through Gov.uk
The UK Government provides information about programmes that may be available to assist businesses at Finance and support for your business
Ask your local council
Every now and then, local councils have some small business support funding available, so it may be worthwhile contacting your local council. You can find your local council at https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Charis Grants
Charis Grants provides financial support for households and businesses that are struggling with energy costs. Please visit www.charisgrants.com/businesses/ to see their business support page.
GrantsOnline search tool
You can use the GrantsOnline search tool to find out about possible grants that may be available for your business. It is at www.grantsonline.org.uk/search/grants?f=1
Contact Citizens Advice
Ideally, you will be able to find a solution with your supplier or some form of funding to help you, but if you cannot do that, it may be worthwhile contacting Citizens Advice, either by calling 0808 223 1133 or using their online webchat. For textphone, dial 18001 followed by the helpline number.
Get business debt advice
You can find advice on managing business debt and budgeting through the Business Debtline, which is managed by the Money Advice Trust.
Get a smart meter
Smart meters enable you to control your usage and ensure you don’t pay more than you need. They don’t use estimated meter readings. We have more information about smart meters at www.energyblogger.org.uk/smart-meters/
If your supplier is billing you for energy used more than 12 months ago, check the energy back-billing rules. They can’t usually do this if you are a microbusiness.
You can also contact the government’s free Business Support Helplines.
For energy efficiency advice, see our page Find business energy efficiency grants and schemes.