Are you an SME or Microbusiness and struggling to pay your energy bills?

OFGEM do provide some advice which I thought I would share with you.

Hope it helps in some way

1.  Agree a business energy payment plan with your Energy Supplier

Suppliers may be able to work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford more easily. This includes reviewing a plan you have agreed before.

You can ask for:

·    a review of your payments and debt repayments

·    payment breaks or reductions

·    more time to pay

·    access to hardship funds.

2.  Check for available business finance support schemes and grants

From your energy suppliers

Many energy companies offer schemes or grants to help you improve your business energy efficiency, which can reduce costs. For example, subsidies on the upfront costs for more energy-efficient equipment. They may also offer business hardship funds.

From available local government schemes

Use the GOV.UK business finance and support finder.

Ask your local council about small business support funding, including sustainable business growth grants. You will normally need to submit a business case to apply

From charities

Check free grants search services, like Grants Online.

Let's Talk has information on business funds some charities offer and how to apply.

3.  Get business debt advice

You can find advice on managing business debt and budgeting through the Business Debtline from the Money Advice Trust. Start by working out which more pressing debts you need to deal with first.

4.  Other tips

Check if you can cut costs by switching from your current business energy contract.

Ask about having a smart meter so you don’t pay more than you need to as they don’t use estimated meter readings. 

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 use the government’s free Business Support Helplines.