Energy intensive businesses urged to claim discount on energy bills

Businesses in the most energy intensive industries have one month remaining to claim government support through the Energy Bills Discount Scheme.

Companies have until 25th July to claim the discount, which could reduce energy bills by as much as a fifth, that will apply through to April 2024. Heat network operators must also apply for support to protect their domestic customers’ bills and avoid a penalty as they have a legal requirement to deliver a fair deal for customers.

Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway said:

“Today [27th June] marks one month to go for businesses and heat network operators to apply for support that could cut their energy bills by as much as a fifth – I would urge all of those who haven’t already to set time aside, check they are eligible, and get their details registered.

“Energy prices are falling but we will continue to stand by businesses and do all we can to help and make sure they remain competitive in a challenging market, as we have done over the winter.”

The Energy Bills Discount Scheme was introduced to support energy intensive sectors to manage their costs, but are unable to increase prices due to high international competition, such as in the ceramics and textiles industries.

Businesses are advised to check the government website as soon as possible to find out their eligibility and what they need to do to apply. Support will be backdated to 1 April and could save some around 20% on predicted wholesale energy costs. 

Heat networks with domestic customers can also receive a sector-specific support rate to make sure households do not face disproportionately higher bills compared to customers supported by the Energy Price Guarantee. Heat suppliers are legally required to apply for this support and pass on the discount to their customers.