UK Government help for businesses

Why don't I have a discount on my April bill?

The scheme is due for approval in parliament by the end of April. Suppliers won't be able to apply the discount until the scheme is approved. Don't worry, the discount will apply to bills from 1^st April 2023, we'll apply the discount to eligible bills automatically once the scheme is finalised.

I was eligible for EBRS does this mean I'll still be eligible for EBDS?

Support under the new government schemes has significantly reduced. This means businesses who previously received an Energy Bill Relief Scheme discount, could be ineligible or receive a lower discount under the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme. This is because:

• The Government price threshold (the price you have to pay to be eligible for a discount) has increased, meaning less businesses will qualify
• The amount of discount available for eligible customers has decreased.

However, if your business is an Energy & Trade Intensive Industries or Heat Network then you may be eligible for additional support.

Why is my wholesale price different to my unit price?

The wholesale cost is the price that we buy the energy at. We then add other costs such as network charges and operating fees to create your unit price. This applies to all energy suppliers.

What happens if I have both gas and electricity with British Gas?

Any discounts that you may be entitled to will be shown individually on your gas and electricity bills.

I have my gas and electricity with different suppliers, will I still be eligible?

The scheme is universal across all energy suppliers across both gas and electricity. No matter which energy supplier you're with, if you're eligible, the support you'll receive will be the same.

What if I arrange my energy contracts through an energy broker?

Energy brokers sometimes called Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs) can't influence the per unit cost reductions that will be applied to your bills under this scheme. If you're eligible, you don't need to take out a new contract or change your contract for the discount to be applied to your bills.

How long does the Energy Bills Discount Scheme run for?

The scheme will apply to eligible non-domestic energy customers from 1^st April 2023 until 31^st March 2024.

How do I apply for support?

You don't need to contact us to apply for the Energy Bills Discount Scheme. If you're eligible, we will apply the discount automatically.

However, if you're an Energy and Trade Intensive Industry or Heat Network you will be need to apply for a higher level of support.

What if I get my energy from a non licensed supplier?

The Government has recently announced businesses using a licence-exempt supplier, also known as non-standard customers, can now apply for help with their bills from April 2023 to March 2024.

Eligible customers will need to apply through the Non-Standard Cases form. These customers can also apply for support under both the Energy Bills Discount Scheme and the backdated support from the Energy Bill Relief Scheme.

Payments will be made either to the provider to pass on or directly to the customer depending on who made the application. For more information on this scheme and to check business eligibility, please visit the Government Website.

Why has my bill been revised?

If you are eligible for the new Government Support Scheme (EBDS) we'll need to reissue your eligible invoices to apply the discount.

How do I calculate the discount?

Firstly, you'll need to check if your wholesale price qualifies you for a discount. You can check this on the Government Website.

If your wholesale price does qualify you for a discount, you'll be able to see the amount applicable for your fuel type on this page too.

How do I apply for support?

Apply now through the Government website

How does support for Energy and Trade Intensive Industries work?

This scheme works in the same way as the Energy Bills Discount Scheme.

If your application is successful, we'll apply the additional support to 70% of your energy use subject to a maximum discount. The Energy Bills Discount Scheme will then be applied to the remaining 30% of your energy use, if your wholesale price is above the Government price threshold.

See the wholesale price on the date you agreed your contract.

Apply now through the Government website.

Are you eligible for support through Energy and Trade Intensive Industries?

You'll be eligible for the higher level support if:

• 50% or more of your businesses revenue is being generated from UK-based activity within one of the eligible sectors.
• You're a Local Authority and declare that at least 50% of the space is taken up by operations within an eligible sector.
• You meet the same contract eligibility

How do I know if I'm an Energy and Trade Intensive Industry?

If your business operates in one of these sectors you could be eligible for support as an Energy and Trade Intensive Industry

How do I find my MPxN?

See What's my MPAN, MPRN or meter reference?

How will the government determine eligibility?

The Government will determine eligibility based on the details provided in your application. In some instances, further validation of eligibility may be required, meaning that you may be asked for additional information. The government will use a range of data sources, including Companies House data and eligibility for other support schemes to make the initial determination.

Why is my wholesale price different to my unit price?

The wholesale cost is the price that we buy the energy at. We then add other costs such as network charges and operating fees to create your unit price. This applies to all energy suppliers.

What happens if I have both gas and electricity with you?

Any discounts that you may be entitled to will be shown individually on your gas and electricity bills.

I have my gas and electricity with different suppliers, will I still be eligible?

The scheme is universal across all energy suppliers across both gas and electricity. No matter which energy supplier you're with, if you're eligible, the support you receive will be the same.

What can I do if I'm struggling to pay my business energy bills?

We understand that rising energy costs are concerning. Visit our financial difficulty guide where we provide advice and options on ways to reduce your business energy bills over the coming years.

What if I'm an intermediary?

If you're an intermediary (a British Gas customer, who in turn bills another organisation that uses your energy supply), please share the above information with your end consumers.

If your end consumer is approved for a higher level of support, you'll need to:

Step 1: Email the Government to provide information about your British Gas account on support@ebds.beis.gov.uk.

Step 2: Once you've done this, please visit britishgas.co.uk/business/certificate to tell us the percentage of energy used by your end consumer. We'll use this to apply the correct amount of discount to your bill.

You must pass on all the discount you receive under this scheme to eligible customers. You also have an obligation to write to your end user within 30 days of receiving the discount, to explain how you'll pass this on.

How do I calculate the discount?

Firstly, you'll need to check if your wholesale price qualifies you for a discount. You can check this on the Government Website.

If your wholesale price does qualify you for a discount, you'll be able to see the amount applicable for your fuel type on this page too.

If you've been approved for the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries discount, we'll apply this to 70% of your consumption. We'll then apply the EBDS discount rate to the remaining 30% of your consumption.

How do I apply for support?

Apply now through the Government website

What are Heat Networks?

Heat networks supply heating and hot water to domestic end users. Therefore, support under this scheme aims to protect domestic end users who have not been supported by the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG). This means Heat Networks are required by law to pass on the discount to their domestic end users.

How does support for Heat Networks work?

If your unit rate is above the Minimum Supply Price, you'll receive a discount. We'll apply the full published discount, provided it doesn't take your unit rate below the Minimum Supply Price. If it does, your discount will be capped so that your unit rate doesn't go below the Minimum Supply Price. In some cases, after applying the full published discount your unit rate will still be above the Minimum Supply Price.

See the wholesale price on the date you agreed your contract

Are you eligible for support through Heat Networks?

You'll be eligible for support as a Heat Network if you:

• Meet the definition of a Heat Network Operator
• Are supplied gas or electricity by a licensed supplier for the purposes of generating heat
• Serve one or more domestic end consumers

How will the government determine eligibility?

The Government will determine eligibility based on the details provided in your application. In some instances, further validation of eligibility may be required, meaning that you may be asked for additional information. The government will use a range of data sources, including Companies House data and eligibility for other support schemes to make the initial determination.

What happens if I have both gas and electricity with you?

Any discounts that you may be entitled to will be shown individually on your gas and electricity bills.

I have my gas and electricity with different suppliers, will I still be eligible?

The scheme is universal across all energy suppliers across both gas and electricity. No matter which energy supplier you're with, if you're eligible, the support you'll receive will be the same.

What can I do if I'm struggling to pay my business energy bills?

We understand that rising energy costs are concerning. Visit our financial difficulty guide where we provide advice and options on ways to reduce your business energy bills over the coming years.

What if I'm an intermediary?

If you're an intermediary (a British Gas customer, who in turn bills another organisation that uses your energy supply), please share the above information with your end consumers.

If your end consumer is approved for a higher level of support, you'll need to:

Step 1: Email the Government to provide information about your British Gas account on support@ebds.beis.gov.uk.

Step 2: Once you've done this, please visit britishgas.co.uk/business/certificate to tell us the percentage of energy used by your end consumer. We'll use this to apply the correct amount of discount to your bill.

You must pass on all the discount you receive under this scheme to eligible customers. You also have an obligation to write to your end user within 30 days of receiving the discount, to explain how you'll pass this on.

How do I calculate the discount?

Firstly, you'll need to check if your wholesale price qualifies you for a discount. You can check this on the Government Website.

If your wholesale price does qualify you for a discount, you'll be able to see the amount applicable for your fuel type on this page too.

If you've been approved for both the Energy and Trade Intensive Industry discounts and the Heat networks discount, we'll apply the Heat Networks discount to 100% of your consumption.

What happens after 31st March 2023?

The Qualifying Financially Disadvantaged Customer discount will apply from 11^th November 2022 until 31^st March 2023 and will be applied to eligible consumption used in this period. The scheme may continue, change, or stop, based on a Government review due early in 2023.

When will I receive the discount?

You'll start to see reduced unit rates in the bills we send in December. This will include charges for your energy use for the discount period starting on 11^th November 2022.

What will my new price be?

Your price will remain the same both during and after the scheme. During the scheme we will apply the discount by reducing your unit rate. If your prices change or you start a new plan before the scheme closes, we will recalculate your discount and charge you a different reduced unit rate, if you are still eligible.

Will my standing charge reduce through QFDC?

No, QFDC is designed to provide support to help with the cost of energy arising from the increases in wholesale energy costs - these costs are not part of the standing charge.

What happens if I have both gas and electricity with you?

If both your gas and electricity contracts are eligible, we will reduce both sets of unit rates for all eligible energy use.

What happens if I change suppliers during the support scheme - will I still receive the discount?

The scheme is universal across all energy suppliers across both gas and electricity. No matter which energy supplier you're with, the support you'll receive will be the same if you're eligible. However, if you agree a new Fixed Price Plan or Fixed Term Flex Contract, you won't be eligible for the QFDC discount.

What if I agree a new contract with British Gas business?

The Government criteria for receiving the discount is that you are not supplied under a Fixed Term Contract. Any new Fixed Price Plans or Fixed Term Flex Contracts agreed with British Gas business will not be eligible for QFDC discount.

How do I apply for support?

The discount is automatic. This means if you are eligible for the QFDC discount you don't need to contact us or apply to the scheme to access the support.Be wary of scammers during this period. If you get a message asking for your bank details, this could be fraudulent. You should report messages you think are suspicious.

How long does the Qualifying Financially Disadvantaged Customer discount run for?

The QFDC discount will apply to eligible energy use between 11^th November 2022 and 31^st March 2023. The Government has said that they will review the scheme in early 2023. They have said there may be an option to extend the scheme for longer for business sectors that are considered vulnerable. We don't know what business sectors this may apply to.

What can I do if I'm struggling with my business energy bills?

We understand that rising energy costs are concerning. Visit our financial difficulty guide where we provide advice and options on ways to reduce your business energy bills over the coming years.

Will I be eligible for Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS)?

Fixed contract - Where the Fixed Price Contract has an agreement date on or after 1^st December 2021 customers will be eligible for a discount. This is based on the amount by which the Reference Wholesale Price for the agreement date exceeds the Government supported price. In some cases the Government supported price exceeds the Reference Wholesale Price, so no discount will be applicable. The table of discounts can be found on the Government Energy Bill Relief Scheme.

The Government supported price is 21.1p/kWh for electricity and 7.5p/kWh for gas. Your final retail unit price less your discount cannot go below the Government supported price.

Flexible contract - A volume Weighted Average Price (WAP) will be calculated for each month based on all transactions made in that period. The WAP will not include any fees that are not directly related to the cost of wholesale energy. The discount is calculated as the difference between the WAP and the Government supported price, subject to the maximum discount of 34.5p/kWh for electricity and 9.1p/kWh for gas.

The Government supported price is 21.1p/kWh for electricity and 7.5p/kWh for gas. Your final retail unit price less your discount cannot go below the Government supported price.

Out of contract/Deemed - You will be eligible for a discount if your retail unit price is above the Government supported price. The discount is initially set at 34.5p/kWh for electricity and 9.1p/kWh gas.

The Government supported price is 21.1p/kWh for electricity and 7.5p/kWh for gas. Your final retail unit price less your discount cannot go below the Government supported price.

Customers on out of contract or Deemed rates may also be eligible for further support through the Qualifying Financially Disadvantaged Customers scheme.

Will I be eligible when my current contract ends?

If your current contract is not eligible for a discount, but it is due to end before the scheme ends on 31^st March 2023, your next contract could be eligible for the scheme.

What happens after 6 months?

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme will apply from 1st October 2022 until 31^st March 2023 and will be applied to consumption used in this period.

What if I arrange my energy contracts through an energy broker or intermediary?

Energy brokers sometimes called Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs) can't influence the per unit cost reductions that will be applied to your bills under this scheme. If you're eligible, you don't need to take out a new contract or change your contract for the discount to be applied to your bills.

How much of a discount will I receive?

The Government will provide a discount on your gas and electricity unit prices. To calculate your discount, the wholesale portion of the unit price you would be paying this winter will be compared to a baseline Government supported price which is lower than currently expected wholesale prices this winter.

Provided it doesn't take your unit price below 21.1p for kWh and 7.5p for kWh for gas, the Government supported price for all non-domestic energy users in Great Britain has been set at:

• £211 per megawatt hour (MWh) (21.1p/kWh) for electricity
• £75 per MWh (7.5p/kWh) for gas

Any discounts such as Direct Debit will be taken prior to the Government discount. Unlike the discount received by domestic customers, this will only apply to the wholesale portion of your unit price.

Why haven't I received my most recent bill?

We held off sending bills whilst we worked with the Government to apply the Energy Bill Relief Scheme discount to eligible customers. Now that we have all the details, we've started sending bills including the discount. If you haven't received a bill yet we'll send one soon.

The Government recently announced further support for some businesses if they are a Qualifying Financially Disadvantaged Customer. If you're eligible for this discount there may be a further delay whilst we apply this. For more information scroll to our Qualifying Financially Disadvantaged Customer section.

If you have recently renewed your contract, there may be a short delay in issuing your first bill whilst we update the applicable discounts under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme.

How will the discount be displayed on my bill?

The discount will be displayed as an additional line on your bill, within the 'Details of Charges' section - labelled Energy Bill Relief Scheme. The new line will show the p/kWh discount rate, the consumption quantity it applies to and the cash amount of the discount for the invoiced period.

What will my new price be?

Your agreed sale price will remain the same both during and after the scheme but the discount as part of the scheme will be deducted from your bill. If your price changes or you start a new plan before the scheme closes, your discount will be recalculated and applied to your new price automatically.

Are all elements of my bill eligible for Energy Bill Relief?

No, only the unit rate. Parts such as Standing Charge, Capacity Charges, CCL, VAT are excluded from the scheme.

Will my standing charge reduce through EBRS?

No, EBRS is designed to provide support to help with the cost of energy arising from the increases in wholesale energy costs - these costs are not part of the standing charge.

Why is my standing charge increasing?

Standing charges are a combination of metering costs and fixed network costs. They are a reflection of a customer's usage and the cost of delivering energy through the network. Ofgem have introduced a new charging methodology recently (Targeted Charging Review) that has changed how these costs are reflected in a standing charge.

What happens if I have both gas and electricity with you?

Any discounts that you may be entitled to will be shown individually on your gas and electricity bills.

I have my electricity and gas with different suppliers, will I still be eligible?

The scheme is universal across all energy suppliers across both gas and electricity. No matter which energy supplier you're with, the support you'll receive will be the same if you're eligible, based on your product and agreement date.

What happens if I change suppliers during the support scheme - will I still receive the discount?

If you move suppliers, and you're eligible to receive discounts, then you will still receive any discount as all suppliers work to the regulations. The same discount rate (p/kWh) would be applied based on the government scheme and on your product and agreement date.

If I receive a new energy quote from British Gas will you include the price discount?

No, any discounts will be shown on eligible invoices post the start of the contract and for the duration of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme.

What if I join or renew my contract with British Gas business?

If you agree to a new fixed price contract after 1^st October 2022, you will receive support on the same basis - if your new contract starts before 31^st March 2023. This applies if you're joining us as a new customer or renewing your energy contract. If you have recently renewed your contract, we will update the applicable discount to reflect the new agreement date. This may result in a short delay in issuing your first invoice.

How do I apply for support?

The discount is automatic. This means if you are eligible for the Energy Bill Relief Scheme you don't need to contact us or apply to the scheme to access the support. You can read the full Government guidance.

Be wary of scammers during this period. If you get a message asking for your bank details, this could be fraudulent. You should report messages you think are suspicious.

How long does the Energy Bill Relief Scheme run for?

The Energy Bill Support Scheme will apply to the energy non-domestic customers use from 1^st October 2022 and ends on 31^st March 2023.

What can I do if I'm struggling with my business energy bills?

We understand that rising energy costs are concerning. Visit our financial difficulty guide where we provide advice and options on ways to reduce your business energy bills over the coming years.