Energy advice for struggling businesses
During these challenging times, many businesses are facing financial difficulties. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some helpful steps you can take:
- Contact your supplier
- Get a good tariff
- Look for grant funding
- Contact Citizens Advice
- Get business debt advice
- Get a smart meter
- Contact your supplier: If your business is struggling to manage energy bills, it is crucial to reach out to your supplier as soon as possible. They may be able to work with you to establish an affordable payment plan. Additionally, they might offer the following assistance:
- Review your payment structure, including any outstanding debts.
- Provide payment breaks or reductions.
- Extend the payment deadline.
- Inform you about hardship funds that could provide support.
- Offer information about energy efficiency improvement schemes or grants that can help reduce costs.
- Get a good tariff: If your current energy tariff is coming to an end, consider allowing us to compare a wide range of tariffs to find the best deal for your business. Please get in touch with us through our compare business tariffs page.
- Look for grant funding:
- Search for business support through Gov.uk: The UK Government provides information on various programmes that offer assistance to struggling businesses. Visit the ‘Finance and support for your business’ section on Gov.uk for more details.
- Contact your local council: Local councils occasionally offer small business support funding. Reach out to your local council, which you can find at https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
- Charis Grants: Charis Grants provides financial support specifically for households and businesses struggling with energy costs. Visit their business support page at https://charisgrants.com/businesses/.
- GrantsOnline search tool: Utilise the GrantsOnline search tool at www.grantsonline.org.uk to explore potential grants available for your business.
- Look for business energy efficiency grants and schemes at www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-businesses/find-business-energy-efficiency-grants-and-schemes
- Contact Citizens Advice: If you are unable to find a solution with your supplier or secure funding, consider contacting Citizens Advice. You can reach them by calling 0808 223 1133 or using their online webchat service. For textphone users, dial 18001 followed by the helpline number.
- Get business debt advice: For advice on managing business debt and budgeting, turn to the Business Debtline, managed by the Money Advice Trust.
- Get a smart meter: Installing a smart meter can help you better control your energy usage and avoid overpaying. Smart meters eliminate the need for estimated meter readings. Visit our smart meters page for more information on smart meters.
For additional assistance, you can also reach out to the government’s free Business Support Helplines.