Purely Energy Guides

Business Energy Standing Charges

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:06:14 GMT

Standing charges are the fixed daily costs you pay simply to stay connected to the electricity network, regardless of how much power your business uses. Even on quiet days when everything is switched off, the meter continues to tick. Think of it as a rental fee for keeping your business plugged in. For years, standing charges were easy to overlook, just another forgettable line on the bill. But this is no longer the case.

If you’ve recently renewed your business energy contract and noticed higher standing charges than expected, then you’re not imagining it. From April 2026, these fixed costs are on the rise. In other words, even the most energy-conscious businesses are not immune. Here's what's behind the increase, what it means for your bills, and what you can do about it to stay in control of costs.

So Why Are Standing Charges Going Up?

From April 2026, TnUoS charges for business electricity sites are rising by around 60-64% compared to 2025. These charges exist to fund major upgrades to the UK’s national grid infrastructure in order to connect more renewable energy sources, like offshore wind farms, to the system. Around £80 billion is expected to be spent over the next five years, with the cost landing on the consumer. As a result, total business energy bills are set to increase by 5-15%. For large sites, that can translate into a six-figure increase annually. For smaller businesses, it means several hundred pounds extra per year, even if usage stays exactly the same. In a market where many businesses are struggling to manage tight margins, additional pressure is bad news.

Behind these rising costs sit two core network charges paid by suppliers to use the national grid: Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) and Distribution Use of System (DUoS). They're not usually shown clearly on your bills, but they form a significant portion of what you ultimately pay. TNUoS is the backbone that carries electricity across the country from power stations through high-voltage lines to local distribution networks. DUoS, meanwhile, covers the lower-voltage distribution networks such as the local cables and substations that deliver electricity to your door.

Will This Affect Me Even on a Fixed Contract?

It’s one of the most common misconceptions in business energy that a fixed contract means complete price certainty. A fixed-rate energy contract locks in your unit rate and standing charge at the point of signing, but it does shield you from everything. Beneath the surface, regulated costs like TNUoS and DUoS sit outside of a supplier's control. These charges are set by the network operators and can be passed through at the prevailing rate, meaning they can rise during the life of the contract. That’s why some businesses are caught off guard. On paper, nothing has changed, yet the bill still creeps up. The difference isn’t the energy price, but in the underlying network costs being applied to them.

If your contract is due for renewal in 2026, any new quote you receive will already factor into these higher network charges. For those mid-contract, the impact comes down to the fine print. Depending on how your agreement is structured, these costs may still be passed through as they change. In short, ‘fixed’ doesn't always mean immovable.

Does Location Make a Difference?

Yes, more than many realise. DUoS charges vary by region because each area of the UK has its own local network operator, each with its own infrastructure costs. That means a business in the North of England can face a very different set of network charges to an otherwise identical business in the South, even under the same contract terms. For example, areas such as Aberdeen in Scotland sit within higher transmission charging zones, making overall electricity costs significantly higher compared with other parts of the country. Alongside this, the meter type also matters. Businesses with half-hourly meters fall into different charge bands than smaller sites, and with the changes introduced in April 2026, that gap is becoming more pronounced.

What Can Your Business Actually Do About It?

While you can't opt out of network charges as they're a regulated part of every electricity bill, that doesn't mean you're powerless. There are still smart, practical ways to soften the impact. Start with reviewing energy use. DUoS charges are highest during peak demand periods; it’s typically weekday evenings when the grid is under the most strain. If you can shift energy-intensive activities, like running machinery, charging vehicles, or heating, into off-peak hours, you can reduce a significant portion of the costs linked to time-based charges. Pair that with efficiency measures like LED upgrades, smarter heating controls, and energy audits, and you will start to see overall energy consumption go down.

Then there’s the longer game, generating your own power. Solar panels, particularly when paired with battery storage, give businesses far more control over when they draw from the grid. By reducing reliance during those expensive peak windows, businesses can gradually offset some of the pressure from rising network costs.

It’s also worth taking a closer look at your supply capacity. Many businesses are set up with more headroom than they actually need and pay for it whether they use it or not. It’s an easy detail to overlook, but a review can often unlock meaningful savings. Thereby, don’t treat your next renewal as a routine. With the April 2026 changes reshaping how these costs are structured, timing matters more than ever. Speaking to an energy broker ahead of renewal is important and allows you to lock in before further charges increase.

The Bottom Line

Rising standing charges in 2026 are not a supplier decision, they're a structural shift in how the UK's electricity network is funded. Every business will feel it to some degree. The difference comes in how they respond. The businesses that come out ahead will be the ones that understand what's driving the increase and take the steps early to reduce their exposure. If you're unsure how the April 2026 changes will affect your specific contract or site, it’s worth getting clarity before your next renewal rolls around. A conversation with an energy consultant is the simplest way to make sure you're not overpaying later.

How can Purely help?

For more information. Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at info@purelyenergy.co.uk

If you would like a free quote, please fill in the box below, or to find the best rates, please click here.

Written By Elizabeth Heverin and Edited by Faith Labong at Purely Energy.

How Is the Iran Conflict Affecting UK Energy Prices?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:30:05 GMT

Military strikes against Iran by Israel and the United States have sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Rather than stabilising the Middle East, the escalation has raised serious concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow shipping lane between Iran, the UAE, and Oman that carries around 20% of global oil supply and a significant share of liquefied natural gas (LNG). As shipping through the strait slows and risk premiums climb, wholesale energy prices across Europe have surged. Gas prices have risen by as much as 60%, making this the most severe energy price shock since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

For UK businesses, the question is simple: how will the Iran conflict affect energy rates in Britain, and what steps can they take now?

How UK Wholesale Energy Prices Are Responding

UK households are currently protected by the Ofgem price cap, but that shield only lasts until the end of June. If global pressures persist, energy bills are expected to rise sharply in July. Cornwall Insights forecasts that the average annual household energy bill could reach £1,973, an increase of £332. The impact is already visible at the pump.

As of 23rd March, RAC figures show diesel prices climbing from 142.4p to 169.8p per litre, while petrol has risen from 132.9p to 146.4p per litre. Because a large share of UK electricity is generated from gas, rising wholesale gas prices feed directly into electricity costs. With energy prices already elevated, continued upward pressure is unwelcome news for businesses already managing tight margins.

What UK Businesses Can Do to Manage Rising Energy Costs

Global shocks like the Iran conflict are outside any business's control, but how they respond is not. Rising wholesale costs feed through into higher commercial energy rates quickly, so businesses approaching a contract renewal should act early to make sure they are on the right deal.

A fixed-rate energy contract can offer valuable price certainty by locking in a rate and shielding against further global disruption. A flexible contract may suit businesses better if tensions ease and prices fall, though this approach requires active market monitoring. The right choice depends on a business's size, financial stability, and appetite for risk.

Either way, reviewing energy usage now is one of the smartest steps any business can take. Even modest reductions in consumption can make a noticeable difference over time, helping businesses stay resilient regardless of what happens on the global stage.

How Can Purely Help?

If you would like a free quote, please fill in the box below, or to find the best rates, please click here.

For more information. Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at info@purelyenergy.co.uk

Written By Elizabeth Heverin and Edited by Faith Labong at Purely Energy.

Renewable Energy Breaks Records in 2025

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:03:25 GMT

Renewable Energy Breaks Records in 2025

In 2025 the UK saw a record year for renewable energy. Here's what happened…

Renewables Reach Record Highs in 2025

2025 was a record year for green energy in Britain. Wind, solar, and other renewables produced over 127 terawatt hours of power. That's about 40% of the UK's total electricity use. To give you an idea of scale, it could power 35 million homes for a whole year.

Wind power led the way, producing nearly 30% of Britain's electricity. That's a 5% increase from 2024.

Solar energy also performed incredibly well, generating around 18-19 TWh. Why the surge? 2025 turned out to be the sunniest year in the UK since 1910, with a total of 1,622 hours of sunshine.

Let's Look at What This Meant for Our Fuel Mix

Renewable energy now provides 47% of the UK's electricity. That's more than gas for the first time ever.

However, we actually used more gas in 2025 than in 2024. Gas provided 27-28% of our power in 2025, up from around 26% the year before.

Why the increase? When Britain's last coal power station closed in September 2024, it stopped producing electricity completely. Throughout 2025, nuclear plants also produced less power because many were offline for maintenance.

With both coal and nuclear out of action, something had to fill the gap. Renewables grew, but not enough to cover everything. So gas power stations had to work harder, running more often and for longer periods to keep the lights on.

This means that although we had a great year for renewable energy, each unit of electricity now produces 126 grams of CO2, up from 124 grams in 2024. Although it's only a 2% rise, it shows that we still rely heavily on gas to fill the gaps.

Why Did Solar Perform So Well?

We reaped the benefits of solar energy last year, and there were a few contributing factors as to why.

Firstly, we added 18% more solar panels across the UK. New solar farms went up. More homes and businesses installed rooftop panels. And of course, the sunny weather helped massively.

Big projects like the Cleve Hill solar farm in Kent came online, which is now the UK's largest solar farm at 373 MW capacity.

On sunny summer days in July, solar panels provided up to 40% of the country's electricity during peak hours. That's a massive jump from just 5% a decade ago.

Wind Power Leading the Way

Offshore wind farms continue to be our biggest renewable energy source. The main reason for this is that they can generate power day and night, all year round, and are not so limited like solar.

The sector shows no signs of slowing down. The Dogger Bank wind farm in the North Sea began operations in autumn 2025, and with several more major wind farms scheduled to come online in 2026, we can expect wind to be a great asset for generating green energy in the future.

This is also good news for your energy bills, as wind farms produce power at around £53 per megawatt hour. Current market prices are about £80. This is beneficial because when cheaper wind power comes online, it helps push down electricity costs for consumers.

The Grid

Here's the challenge. With lots of renewable projects getting approved in 2025, over 45 GW to be exact, this is nearly double the year before.

But approvals doesn't mean power. Many projects are stuck waiting to connect to the grid.

What's the holdup?

Britain's electricity grid was built decades ago. It wasn't designed to handle this many new renewable projects all at once. Developers can wait years in a queue just to get connected.

What needs upgrading?

To handle all this new capacity, we need:

New substations to connect wind and solar farms
Upgraded power lines to carry more electricity
Better cables linking different parts of the country

The problem?

These upgrades are expensive and slow. Building new transmission lines can take up to 10 years. Substations can take anywhere from 5-7 years. It's not just about money. There are planning permissions and construction timelines to consider.

The government is trying to speed things up, but the physical infrastructure takes time to build. Until the grid catches up, many approved renewable projects simply can't deliver power.

How Can Purely Help?

For businesses, this means new opportunities to save money and cut carbon. But it also means the energy market will keep changing.

Want to make sure you're getting the best deal as the energy market evolves? We're here to help.

If you would like a free quote, please fill in the box below, or to find the best rates, please click here .

For more information. Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at info@purelyenergy.co.uk

Written By Faith Labong at Purely Energy

Are Heat Pumps Cheaper to Run Than Gas Boilers?

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:37:16 GMT

Are Heat Pumps Cheaper to Run Than Gas Boilers?

A survey of 1,000 heat pump owners has sparked fresh discussion about whether heat pumps really cost less to run than gas boilers. Surprisingly, despite claims about the savings they can offer, the results commissioned by the Green Britain Foundation show that many households are actually paying more than expected. This naturally raises questions for both businesses and homeowners who are thinking about making the switch.

What did the survey find?

The survey carried out by the Green Britain Foundation found that around two-thirds of respondents, roughly 60 per cent or more, said their heat pumps cost more to run than their old gas boiler systems. Around 15 per cent said their bills had gone down, while the rest reported little change or said they were not sure.

In reality, this seems to contradict surveys previously carried out by the government, which showed high levels of satisfaction among heat pump users. Officials have often pointed to research suggesting that most homeowners see lower energy bills after installation.

Understanding Electricity Prices and Heat Pump Efficiency

When you look at the data alongside people’s real life experiences, it does paint a mixed picture. However, much of this comes down to how energy is priced in the UK. Heat pumps are actually very efficient and, on average, they can produce three to four times more energy than they use. The challenge is pricing, as electricity costs more per unit than gas. For many users, that difference can cancel out the potential benefits of running a heat pump.

We would highly advise businesses to compare gas prices per kWh with commercial electricity rates before investing or to get in touch with us. At the moment, the gap between gas and electricity prices means that even very efficient heat pumps can struggle to deliver the savings people expect, especially in older buildings with poor insulation.

This suggests that the type of property may be the biggest factor when it comes to heat pumps. Modern, well-insulated buildings are more likely to see real savings. Older properties, on the other hand, can struggle to retain heat, which means they may not see these benefits.

Start with the basics

While the debate around heat pumps continues, many businesses are currently paying too much for their commercial gas and electricity . Before investing in new technology, it is worth checking whether you are on the cheapest business gas and the best business electricity rates available. More often than not, significant savings can be made simply by reviewing your current contracts. For example, take a look at our case studies.

Moving forward with heat pumps?

The government’s recent budget plans to cut electricity costs show a growing recognition that the price gap between gas and electricity needs to be addressed. As the grid becomes greener, electricity prices may begin to fall and move closer to gas prices, which would allow heat pumps to make more financial sense over time.

However, for now it is important to understand that heat pumps can save money only in the right conditions. Installing one without proper planning can easily lead to disappointment.

Can Purely Energy Help?

As a trusted UK energy broker, we’re here to help you make the right choice. If you need help with your business gas or electricity , get in touch with us!

If you would like a free quote, please fill in the box below, or to find the best rates please click here .

For more information. Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at info@purelyenergy.co.uk

Written By Faith Labong at Purely Energy

What are CfD Auctions and Strike Prices?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:52:15 GMT

What are CfD Auctions and Strike Prices?

You may be thinking, with so many new developments and the UK’s need to generate more renewable energy, what do government initiatives such as the Contract for Difference scheme do to benefit everyone, from developers to consumers? This blog will break down how the Contracts for Difference (CfD) works and the meaning behind the auctions and strike prices when it comes to buying and selling renewable energy.

If you have not yet come across or heard of the Contract for Difference (CfD), it is a government-led initiative that allows for new renewable generation to be financed.

The CfD is a contract between a low-carbon generator and a government-owned counterparty, the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC). This simply secures the long term price stabilisation between the two contracts and allows generators to receive a fixed price for each unit of electricity they produce, which is otherwise known as the strike price. These types of deals usually last 15 years.

What does this mean?

The generators will sell the electricity that they produce into the market normally, the CfD comes into play to ensure that the revenue the generators receive meets the agreed strike price, rather than the current state of the volatile energy market.

Strike Price & Reference Price

Why are auctions used?

Instead of the government setting the strike prices, in the UK we use competitive auctions, otherwise known as 'allocation rounds' to determine the most competitive price.

In each allocation round, renewable developers submit bids stating the lowest strike price at which they are willing to build and operate their projects. This process helps show the real cost of renewable power and pushes strike prices down over time through competition and innovation.

Why do strike prices matter for your bills?

Strike prices matter for bills in two main ways.

Strike prices matter for bills because they determine the direct cost or saving from the Contract for Difference (CfDs). For example, when wholesale prices are above strike prices, CfD generators return the money, reducing overall system costs and avoiding charging customers high prices for the electricity generated.

Secondly, and more importantly in the long run, CfDs influence the structure of the UK's generation mix.

In wholesale electricity markets, prices are set by the marginal generator, usually the most expensive plant needed to meet demand at that moment. When more wind and solar enter the system, they displace gas-fired generation more often. This pushes the marginal price down, a phenomenon known as the merit order effect.

However, even with higher strike prices, these projects can still benefit the system if they reduce reliance on gas and help stabilise wholesale prices over the long term.

Talk to the team at Purely

If you need help with your business gas or electricity , get in touch with us!

If you would like a free quote, please fill in the box below, or…

Written By Faith Labong at Purely Energy

What are prepayment meters?

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:30:00 GMT

What are Prepayment Meters?

If you are not too familiar with prepayment meters and how they work, read our guide as we break down the benefits and drawbacks of this type of meter.

Prepayment meters allow businesses to pay in advance for gas and electricity, meaning they would only use what has already been paid for. This type of meter is most commonly used for businesses looking to clear existing debt.

How do they work?

With a prepayment meter, the display shows your remaining credit and standing charge. It also includes emergency credit, provided by your supplier, to help prevent your supply from being cut off.

Benefits of this meter can include having greater control over your daily energy use, though you'll typically find that you'll pay higher rates, compared to smart meters. This is a common reason why businesses choose to switch out their prepayment meters for smart alternatives. With accurate readings and the ability to monitor monthly bills, customers often find that smart meters bring similar control over their energy use.

What are the most common meter types?

The most common meters you will find are:

Traditional meters: these are older meters that require manual readings and are typically linked to the prepayment option. However, with newer meter options, prepayment can be managed through an app or online, removing the need for a key or card to top up your energy.

Smart meters: are digital gas and electricity meters that automatically send usage to your suppliers. This eliminates estimated bills and ensures customers are billed accurately based on the energy they actually use throughout the month.

Half-hourly meters: up until this year, half-hourly meters were typically used only by larger businesses with high energy usage. There is only a slight difference between smart and half-hourly meters. Smart meters record data less frequently, sometimes daily or monthly, as opposed to half-hourly meters, which record data every half hour, allowing for more accurate and precise energy usage.

Overview

Prepayment meters offer control and can help clear debt, but most businesses prefer smart meters for easier management and access to better tariffs.

Your supplier should allow you to switch to a smart meter as long as you are not currently in debt. For some multi-function meters, the switch can be made electronically without equipment changes. If you have an older prepayment meter, a technician may need to physically install a new smart meter. If you are unsure how to start the switch, contact us. We will review your specific metering situation and walk you through each step of the switching process.

A smart or half-hourly meter provides better monitoring and more accurate billing without the need to top up. You will also receive real-time energy data, allowing you to track your business's monthly energy usage.

Previously, only larger businesses had access to half-hourly meters, but with the market-wide half-hourly settlement (MHHS) scheme, the rollout of smart meters began in October 2025 (due to finish in July 2027). This then allows businesses and households to monitor their energy usage every half hour. This initiative, led by Ofgem , aims to combat energy waste and allows consumers to pay for the energy they actually use rather than relying on estimates which will help with the UK’s net zero goals.

How can we help?

If you need help with your business gas or electricity , get in touch with us!

If you would like a free quote, please fill in the box below, or…

Written By Faith Labong at Purely Energy

What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:20:37 GMT

What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?

Renewable Energy Certificates are certificates that are issued as proof that electricity has been generated from a renewable energy source. Typically, one Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is issued for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity produced by a renewable generator. There are many reasons why obtaining these certificates is beneficial for both suppliers and consumers. This guide will explore in more detail what RECs are and how they are beneficial to the UK’s energy market.

What are the different certificates in the UK?

In the UK, the equivalent of a REC is a Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificate. The name for this type of certificate varies by country; for example, in the United States, they are called RECs, while in Europe, they are known as EU GOs (European Guarantees of Origin). Regardless of the name, they represent the same thing.

Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs)

A REGO certificate provides consumers and businesses with transparency about the percentage of energy they purchase that is generated from renewable sources. The certificates are issued by Ofgem , the UK energy regulator, with one REGO certificate awarded for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy produced.

In the UK, REGOs provide evidence of the renewable energy included in a supplier’s fuel mix. This enables consumers and businesses to clearly understand what they are paying for, supports ESG objectives, and helps attract eco-conscious customers. REGOs offer a cost-effective way to claim green credentials without the need to change your business’s existing infrastructure.

All UK energy suppliers are required to publish their fuel mix, known as a Fuel Mix Disclosure (FMD), each year. This allows customers to see how their electricity has been generated.

Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs)

This type of certificate is issued by Ofgem, but unlike REGOs, where one certificate is issued for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from a renewable source, the number of ROCs awarded varies. For example, it depends on the amount of electricity generated, the type of generator used, and the age of the installation. There is also a banding system, meaning certain technologies, such as offshore wind, may earn more ROCs per MWh than other forms of renewable energy.

The Renewable Obligation Scheme

The ROC scheme was created to encourage UK suppliers to increase the amount of renewable energy in their fuel mix. Under the scheme, energy suppliers were required to present a certain number of ROCs per megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity supplied to their customers each year. If suppliers failed to meet this requirement, they were required to make a buy-out payment to Ofgem.

In 2017 this scheme closed but was replaced by the more competitive Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme.

What are the benefits of a Renewable Energy Certificate (RECs)?

The UK has a target of reaching net zero by 2050, and to achieve this, it starts with the energy we source and the gradual process of phasing out fossil fuels from our electricity mix. The REGO certificate is a great way of helping us achieve this as a country.

Businesses benefit in multiple ways. The certificates allow you to reduce your Scope 2 emissions , strengthen green credentials, and meet commitments to help achieve carbon goals.

Renewable Energy Certificates can also help drive a more renewable energy market by providing additional funding to generators and green projects. This is done through the purchasing of these certificates, which further supports investment in renewable energy.

What is the process of getting a Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) Certificate?

A renewable generator, such as a wind farm or solar park, will produce 1 MWh of electricity and feed it into the grid. Ofgem will then issue one unique REGO certificate to that generator, verifying the green origin of the MWh. The generator can then sell the REGO certificate separately to suppliers, known as ‘unbundled’.

Suppliers tend to buy REGO certificates to match the amount of renewable energy they sell to customers on their green tariffs. However, the issue occurs when suppliers have the option to buy the REGO certificate separately from the electricity itself. This raises concerns about how honest suppliers are when it comes to their fuel mix.

For instance, suppliers can buy electricity produced from fossil fuels and pair it with a REGO certificate to meet certain renewable obligations.

This can then lead to greenwashing, which happens when businesses try and improve their brand image by appearing environmentally responsible without actually sourcing renewable electricity. In turn, this makes it difficult for companies to accurately assess their true environmental impact.

How to check that the energy you are paying for is actually sourced from renewable energy...

Check the terms of your contract.
Check your suppliers' Fuel Mix Disclosure (FMD)
Check if your supplier has independent accreditation for their renewable products, verified against recognised standards such as the GHG Protocol.

How can we help?

If you would like a free quote, please fill in the box below, or get in touch!

Written By Faith Labong at Purely Energy

What Are Heat Pumps and Could They Benefit Your Business?

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:38:03 GMT

What Are Heat Pumps and Could They Benefit Your Business?

Heat pumps can be a great choice for businesses that want to improve their energy efficiency, especially when it comes to the heating and cooling of your buildings. You may have heard of heat pumps before, but never really looked into how they work.

They basically take natural heat from the air, ground, or water and turn it into energy that can then be distributed to provide heating and hot water around your building. This makes them a smart and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional gas boilers, which are more commonly used in homes and businesses across the UK.

How do heat pumps work?

There are actually three types of heat pumps available for commercial use.

What size heat pump do you need?

The size of a heat pump depends on how much heat your building needs. The system must be the right size to meet this demand.

For example, a small office will usually need a smaller, lower-cost heat pump than a large building such as a school. Insulation also plays an important role. If your building is well insulated, it will lose heat more slowly, meaning a smaller heat pump may be suitable compared to a building with poor insulation.

Installation

The more complex the installation, the higher the overall cost. Installing heat pumps is not cheap, and this is a major consideration for businesses when assessing whether they would benefit from the technology. The upfront cost of installing a heat pump system on site can be quite expensive, but the improved energy efficiency can reduce heating costs by up to 40%, leading to lower energy bills in the long run.

Newer buildings may integrate with the installation more easily, as the pipework and radiators may already be up to standard, making the process more straightforward. In older buildings, however, the pipework or radiators may need upgrading to maximise efficiency and ensure the heat pumps operate effectively.

What are the benefits of a heat pump?

Installing heat pumps for your business can be a cost-effective and more sustainable way to heat your buildings.

If you are looking for more sustainable and predictable energy bills, a heat pump could be the right solution. Heat pumps run on electricity, which can greatly reduce your gas usage, and they are much more energy efficient than traditional gas boilers. In some cases, businesses can see energy savings of up to 40–60%.

For businesses looking to reduce their carbon emissions, heat pumps support cleaner heating and help move away from fossil fuels. They are also safer to use, as there is no risk of carbon monoxide leaks.

What are the drawbacks of heat pumps

With heat pumps offering plenty of benefits, what would be the reasons you might choose not to have this system installed for your business?

The main drawback is the costly upfront investment you would need to pay. If this is something that would work for your business, it may be a great investment. However, due to the high cost, it may be too much of an expense, especially when you keep in mind the installation process and if it will easily integrate with your current systems already in place. You may find that major upgrades are required in order for the heat pump system to function properly and for you to see a return on investment. In that case, the benefits are ultimately outweighed by the cost.

How can we help?

We can help you find the best gas and electricity rates for your business. Sign up for our daily market report to stay updated on the energy market.

If you’re looking for more ways to cut down on energy use, enquire today about Insights, our energy monitoring software. It tracks your energy usage in real time and can help reduce your bills by 20–30 per cent.

If you would like a free quote, please fill in the box below, or get in touch!

Written By Faith Labong at Purely Energy

Who is your DNO?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:29:41 GMT

Who is your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)?

If you are a business owner, you have probably heard the term DNO before. But what does it mean? DNO stands for Distribution Network Operator, and they look after the electricity that is delivered to your properties.

This means that if you have any issues with your electricity or the power coming into your building, you would usually contact your DNO. For example, if you have a power cut or need a new connection adding to your site, they would be the ones to help resolve this.

How to contact your DNO?

It’s important to know that there are several Distribution Network Operators in Great Britain, each responsible for supplying electricity to homes and businesses around the country. There are six main DNOs that ensure electricity is safely delivered to buildings, and each one covers a different region of the UK. This means you cannot contact just any DNO, it must be the one that operates in your area. For example, if you live in Liverpool and experience a power cut, you would contact SP Energy Networks.

Who are the main DNOs in Great Britain?

In Great Britain, there are six main Distribution Network Operators that cover all 14 regions.

Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks
SP Energy Networks
SP Electricity North West
Northern Powergrid
Western Power Distribution
UK Power Networks

DNOs are licensed companies responsible for looking after the electricity network in your local area. They make sure electricity reaches your property safely. Their work includes maintaining underground cables, transformers, and all the equipment that keeps power flowing to buildings.

What is a DNO?

A DNO owns and operates the local electricity network, which is why it is important to know who your DNO is. Like all parts of the energy sector, DNOs are strictly regulated by Ofgem.

There are also IDNOs, or Independent Distribution Network Operators. These companies introduce more competition and allow for additional network ownership. They are also just as reliable as the main DNOs, holding full licences issued by Ofgem. IDNOs usually manage newer electricity networks, such as those for new housing estates or commercial developments, rather than the existing networks operated by the six main DNOs.

How do DNOs help businesses?

To find out who your DNO is, you can simply call 105 or enter your postcode here.

Unless you are experiencing issues or require alterations to your electricity connection, you may never need to speak with your DNO. Your energy supplier will handle more common issues such as issue with your meter, billing or payment queries.

Your DNO (Distribution Network Operator) owns the network that delivers electricity to your property. By understanding the different roles of your supplier and your DNO, you can save time when an issue does occur, because you’ll know who to contact and get problems resolved quicker.

If you are a Purely Energy customer, you can contact us and we will get in touch with the correct people on your behalf.

Would you contact your DNO for gas-related issues too?

No, if you are experiencing gas-related issues, you would get in touch with your Gas Distribution Network Operator (GDNO). There are a total of four companies that manage the gas distribution networks across Great Britain. These are:

Cadent
Northern Gas Networks (NGN)
Wales & West Utilities
SGN (Scotia Gas Networks)

When would you contact your Gas Distribution Network Operator (GDNO or GDN)?

How can we help?

If you are a Purely customer, get in touch and we will resolve any electricity or gas-related issues you may be having on your site. Or if you're looking and would like help lowering your energy bills, simply fill in the box below for a quick quote, or contact us directly.

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy.

Smart Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bills This Winter

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:40:53 GMT

Smart Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bills This Winter

With winter fully under way, it can be hard not to rack up those energy bills. Take a look at some of our suggestions below to see what you could do for your business to keep costs low during the winter months.

Power Down to Save Energy

It is good practice to ensure that any equipment not in use is turned off. If each person in the office or business takes responsibility for switching off and unplugging unused equipment, electricity consumption could be reduced by up to 75%.

This works really well when everyone gets involved, as it helps to establish strong working practices, especially during winter when more energy is needed to heat up the building etc.

Simply turning off equipment and staying proactive is a habit that goes a long way. It is often overlooked, but it could save you from costly energy bills this winter.

Lighting

Lighting plays a major role for every business. It is a source of electricity that is used continuously, especially throughout the day, for most businesses. Therefore, making the right choices about the type of lighting you use for your buildings can have a significant impact on your energy bills.

Incandescent light bulbs and halogen light bulbs are not very energy-efficient and require a large amount of electricity to power. These types of bulbs were widely used at a time when our energy mix relied heavily on fossil fuels. Today, with a push for a greener and sustainable future, we have far better options that are more energy-efficient, last longer, and cost far less to run.

These improved options include LED lighting and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). There are also smart LEDs available, which are slightly more expensive but come with additional features such as dimming and other programmable functions. If you have not considered updating your lighting before, it could just save you a small fortune.

Have you got an Energy Management System in place?

Having an Energy Management System (EMS) in place for your business could save you anywhere from 20% to 30% on your energy bills. But how does it save you money?

Once installed on your meters, an EMS can monitor and track real-time energy usage, helping you identify when and where energy is being wasted throughout the week. By reviewing the data collected, you can resolve issues such as heating coming on during the night when no one is in the building. This helps you maximise your building’s energy efficiency during working hours, leading to significant monthly and yearly savings.

You gain full control over your energy use and gain the ability to monitor it at any time from your chosen device. It can also act as an early warning system if any equipment, such as an HVAC unit, is not operating correctly. Reduced efficiency will show up in the data, helping you spot problems sooner and avoid months of unnecessary energy waste.

Why not check out Purely Insights ? We currently have a 30-day free trial on our energy monitoring software. Get in touch with us today if you're interested!

Are you in the correct kVA banding?

You may be surprised by how many businesses overpay on their energy bills simply because they are not aware of their kVA banding. If your banding is incorrect, your standing charges increase, which means you will simply be charged more than what you actually use. You can check whether you are in the correct banding by reviewing your energy bill. This will point you towards the correct Distribution Network Operator (DNO) , who can confirm your current capacity and banding.

We can also assist by carrying out a free kVA review for your business.

Can we help lower your energy bills?

We can advise you and compare market rates to ensure you get the best deal.

If you are interested in a free kVA review or would like a 30-day free trial of our energy monitoring software, Purely Insight , simply fill in the box below, and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us on 0161 521 3400

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy.

Who is Ofgem?

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:49:26 GMT

Who is Ofgem?

Ofgem is the energy regulator in Great Britain. It stands for the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets. Before November 2000, the energy market was regulated by two separate bodies: the Office of Electricity Regulation (OFFER) and the Office of Gas Supply (Ofgas). These were merged under the Utilities Act 2000 to create a single regulator responsible for both gas and electricity.

What was the purpose of the merger?

The government wanted a single regulator to oversee the energy market. This would help ensure a secure energy supply, promote fair competition, and most importantly protect consumers. Ofgem is an independent regulator, but it still operates within the laws and regulations passed by Parliament.

What does Ofgem do?

Ofgem’s main role is to protect the interests of energy consumers in Great Britain.

Ofgem works alongside energy companies, the government, and NESO to help create a fair and secure energy system. This is important because they set the regulations for the entire electricity and gas market.

Any organisation wishing to operate in the energy market, whether in generation, t ransmission, distribution, or supply, must hold a license from Ofgem. This license outlines the rules companies must follow to ensure the market remains efficient, safe, and reliable. Ofgem writes these rules, monitors how companies operate, and takes action when they fail to comply. This also includes regulating how much companies are allowed to charge for energy.

Who Funds Ofgem?

Ofgem is funded in three main ways. Firstly, through the annual licensing fees paid by energy companies. They also receive government funding to run specific projects. Finally, the administration costs of environmental and social schemes are funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

How does Ofgem help businesses?

Ofgem helps businesses by regulating the energy market to ensure it is fair and competitive. A competitive market means suppliers are encouraged to offer better prices, improved services and new innovations in order to win customers, which ultimately protects consumers’ interests.

What is the energy price cap?

The energy price cap limits the maximum amount that suppliers can charge for each unit of gas or electricity you use. Ofgem introduced the price cap back in 2019 because there were concerns that customers were paying a ‘loyalty penalty’. This meant that customers who did not regularly switch suppliers were often charged more, as some companies gradually increased prices for long-standing customers. The cap sets a limit on the unit rates suppliers can charge, protecting consumers from this loyalty penalty.

Ofgem reviews the price cap every three months .

Why are the rates for electricity so much higher than gas?

An increasing amount of our electricity comes from renewable sources like solar and wind. But the UK still relies on gas to meet demand when renewables aren't generating enough energy.

Electricity demand tends to be high when the sun sets and renewable sources are less likely to be generating enough. This means we have to turn to gas to meet this demand, which is more expensive and drives up our bills. Find out more about gas prices here .

An important thing to note is that the price caps do not apply to businesses, just domestic customers.

If you are looking for a specific topic, please visit Ofgem’s website for more detailed information on rules and regulations.

How can Purely help?

Ofgem allows businesses to choose from many different energy suppliers. We can help you compare these options, explain the prices, and make sure you get the best deal for your business.

Have you got any other business-related questions? Take a look at our guides, or get in touch to discuss your business gas or electricity .

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy.

What affects gas prices in the UK?

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:38:08 GMT

What affects gas prices in the UK?

When you think about gas prices, your first thoughts may not be ‘Where does my gas come from?’ or ‘How does this affect pricing?’, but having the answers may help you to forecast future price rises and get ahead of the curve.

As of 2025, the UK produces only 45% of the gas we need. This means more than half of our gas has to be imported. Most of this comes from Norway through pipelines, whilst the United States, Qatar, Trinidad and other countries supply us with liquefied natural gas (LNG). Most of our home-produced gas comes from the North Sea, but production there is declining, and it is projected that by 2050 the UK will need to import about 94% of its gas from other countries.

What is Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?

LNG is natural gas that has been cooled until it becomes a liquid. This process reduces its volume by about 600 times, which makes it much easier and safer to store and transport. LNG is also a lower-carbon alternative to coal and cannot ignite while it’s in liquid form. Once it reaches its destination, the LNG is warmed and turned back into natural gas at special facilities called regasification plants.

How are gas prices calculated?

Wholesale Costs

Global supply and demand, political events, weather, and gas storage levels all affect wholesale gas prices, which in turn influence what consumers pay. If any of these factors change, for example during a conflict between two countries, it is reasonable to assume that gas shipments may be disrupted, which can cause prices to rise.

There are two different rates you can buy on the wholesale market .

1 Wholesale Forward Delivery Contract Price: This is the price agreed today for gas that will be delivered in the future.

What does this mean? Well, it’s like pre-ordering a product and knowing the price won’t change before you receive it. It works the same way with gas. When a supplier agrees to pay a set price in advance, they are essentially locking those rates to receive later. It protects that purchase from market changes, helping to keep gas costs more stable.

2 Wholesale Day-Ahead Contracts Price: This is the price of gas bought that is needed for short-term conditions, usually for delivery the next day on the spot market.

What does that mean?
This is a necessary means for short-term market conditions, as it allows you to buy demand quite quickly but at a cost. This cost tends to be higher than the wholesale forward delivery contract price because it is reflective of the current market state, meaning regardless of weather, supply issues, or how much renewable energy is available, you are buying at the current rate.

*The spot market in the UK is where gas is traded for immediate or next-day delivery to help balance supply and demand.

Do gas prices affect electricity prices?

Gas prices do actually affect electricity costs. In the UK, a big part of our electricity still comes from gas-powered stations. When the price of gas goes up, it becomes more expensive to run these stations. In turn, the extra costs are covered through higher electricity prices.

On the other hand, when electricity demand is high and there’s very little wind or sunshine for renewable energy, we have to rely on gas power plants to meet demand. So, although we have cheaper renewable energy available, gas-powered stations are still needed when renewable supply is low. In these situations, gas ends up setting the market price for electricity.

Can we help you?

If you have any questions or want help lowering energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk. Alternatively, you can get a quick quote.

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy.

The Rise and Fall of Tomato Energy Limited

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:35:04 GMT

The Rise and Fall of Tomato Energy: A Cautionary Tale for Business Customers and Brokers

On November 5th, 2025, Tomato Energy ceased trading, leaving 23,000 customers scrambling. While Ofgem's safety net ensured continuity of supply, this collapse reveals a crucial lesson: the cheapest rate isn't always the best value.

The Fatal Flaw: Zero Standing Charges

Tomato Energy, founded in 2015 and rebranded twice before settling on its final name in 2022, positioned itself as a sustainable energy supplier. Their unique selling point?

Zero standing charge contracts. No daily fees - just pay for what you use. It sounded perfect.

But here's what they didn't advertise: When you supply energy to business customers, suppliers must pay Distribution Use of System (DUoS) charges and Transmission Network Use of System ( TNUoS) charges. These aren't optional - they can exceed £100 per day (over £36,500 annually) regardless of consumption.

By offering zero standing charges, Tomato absorbed these massive costs while charging customers nothing. Internal correspondence from August 2024 reveals the company's trading team admitting contracts were "at a loss to us" because consumption wasn't high enough to cover the standing charge cost to the transmission and distribution costs.

The math was simple and devastating:

A business consuming 50,000 kWh annually at 26p/kWh generated £13,000 in revenue, but standing charge costs alone were £36,500. That's a £23,500 loss on just one contract. Multiply this across hundreds of contracts, and you see exactly how Tomato accumulated £3 million in debt.

The Downward Spiral

By late 2024, industry stakeholders reported unpaid liabilities exceeding £3 million. In April 2025, Ofgem banned them from taking new customers after multiple companies threatened legal action. Despite provisional orders and warnings throughout the summer, Tomato couldn't fix their broken business model. On November 5th, they collapsed.

CEO Farouk Alhassan's admission was telling: despite strong execution on products and marketing, the company "didn't have the capital to support operations in this market." They were taking on loss-making contracts as a "temporary solution" while building technology to fix their pricing - but they ran out of money before the solution arrived.

Red Flags Every Business Should Watch For

Tomato's collapse teaches us what warning signs to watch for in any energy supplier:

Pricing that seems too good to be true usually is. Zero or extremely low standing charges on low-consumption sites should raise immediate questions. If a deal looks unrealistically cheap compared to established suppliers, there's a reason.

Regulatory issues are serious red flags. Watch for Ofgem investigations, bans on taking new customers, or provisional orders. When a regulator steps in, something is seriously wrong.

Operational problems often signal deeper troubles. Delayed billing, poor customer service, or difficulty switching away can indicate cash flow problems.

How to Protect Your Business

Don't chase the cheapest rate. When suppliers collapse mid-contract, you lose preferential rates, face billing complications, and waste time on account transfers. The pounds saved per month can turn into thousands lost.

Prioritise financial stability. Look at trading history, parent company support, customer base size, and regulatory standing. Longevity and proven business models matter more than aggressive pricing.

Work with knowledgeable brokers. At Purely Energy, we actively monitor supplier financial health and regulatory standing. We screen suppliers for financial resilience before recommending them, alert clients when warning signs appear, and only work with suppliers meeting robust financial standards.

Review contracts carefully. Be cautious of zero standing charge contracts unless you have very high consumption. Watch out for recently formed or rebranded suppliers - as Tomato's history shows, name changes can hide troubled pasts.

What If Your Supplier Fails?

If your supplier collapses, your energy supply continues without interruption. Ofgem appoints a Supplier of Last Resort within days, and credit balances are protected. Take meter readings immediately, keep copies of bills, and don't switch until the transfer completes. Once transferred, you're free to switch to a better deal without exit fees.

The Market is Changing

Tomato's collapse is the 31st supplier failure since 2021. Here is a list of other collapsed suppliers . Following the 2021-2022 energy crisis, Ofgem introduced stricter financial requirements. The market is consolidating around financially stable suppliers with proven business models. While choice is reducing, stability is improving, and that's actually good news.

How Purely Energy Protects You

We monitor Ofgem enforcement actions, supplier financial reporting, and industry payment behaviour constantly. We only partner with suppliers demonstrating strong financial backing, clean regulatory records, and fair customer treatment practices.

We provide honest assessments of supplier stability, even when it means recommending a slightly more expensive but more stable option. We'll advise against suppliers with financial issues, even if it costs us a commission.

We believe in telling you the truth - your stability matters more than our short-term gain.

The energy market is complex and risky, with suppliers failing even when they seem successful. That's why it pays to work with professionals who prioritise your stability.

Energy Suppliers Which Have Gone Bust (from 2018)

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:42:20 GMT

The Direct Link Between Wholesale Gas Prices and Market Collapse

Report Date: November 10, 2025
Analysis Period: July 2018 - November 2025
Total Suppliers Failed: 54
Total Customers Affected: 6,012,316

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Between 2018 and 2025, the UK energy market experienced an crisis that resulted in 54 energy suppliers ceasing operations, affecting over 6 million customers. The crisis was directly caused by a dramatic surge in wholesale gas prices that began in August 2021 and peaked in August 2022, with prices reaching £250/MWh - over 10 times higher than pre-crisis levels.

Key Findings:

2021 was the crisis year: 28 suppliers (51.9% of all failures) collapsed in a single year
November 2021 was the peak month: 11 suppliers failed affecting 1.88 million customers
Bulb Energy was the largest casualty with 1.7 million customers
Octopus Energy became the biggest beneficiary, acquiring 2.37 million customers
71.7% of all affected customers were impacted during 2021 alone

1. TOP ACQUIRING SUPPLIERS: WHO BENEFITED?

When energy suppliers fail, Ofgem's "Supplier of Last Resort" process transfers customers to surviving companies. The table below shows which companies took on the most customers:

Top 10 Acquiring Suppliers (2018-2025)

2. TIMELINE ANALYSIS: WHEN DID SUPPLIERS FAIL?

Closures by Year & Peak Closure Months

3. THE WHOLESALE GAS PRICE CONNECTION

The Crisis Timeline: How Gas Prices Triggered Market Collapse

Phase 1: Pre-Crisis Stability (2018-2020)

Wholesale Gas Price Range: 1.5-2.5 p/KWh
Market Conditions: Stable, competitive market with ~70 suppliers
Closures: Sporadic failures (21 suppliers over 3 years)
Root Causes of Early Failures: Poor business models
Inadequate hedging strategies
Weak financial management
Normal market competition

Phase 2: Crisis Ignition (August 2021)

Wholesale Gas Price: Spiked 70% in August alone, reaching 6 p/KWh

Trigger Events: Cold winter 2020/21 depleted gas storage
High Asian LNG demand drove up global prices
Reduced Russian gas supplies to Europe
Post-COVID economic recovery increased energy demand
Low wind generation reduced renewable supply

August 2021 marked the beginning of the crisis. Within weeks, suppliers began failing as they faced:

Fixed-rate contracts that couldn't cover wholesale costs
Ofgem's price cap preventing cost pass-through to customers
Insufficient hedging leaving them exposed to spot market prices

Phase 3: Crisis Peak (September-November 2021)

Wholesale Gas Price: Rose from 7.0 p/KWh to 9.5 p/KWh
September 2021: 9 suppliers failed including Avro Energy (580,000 customers)
October 2021: Prices hit 8.5 p/KWh, 4 more failures
November 2021: 11 suppliers collapsed including Bulb Energy (1.7M customers)

Key Statistic: Gas prices increased by 250% between January and September 2021 , with wholesale costs far exceeding the Ofgem price cap.

Phase 4: Peak Wholesale Prices (2022)

Wholesale Gas Price: Reached 25.0 p/KWh in August 2022
Context: Russia-Ukraine war disrupted gas supplies
Impact: By this point, most vulnerable suppliers had already failed
Survivor Strategy: Remaining suppliers were well-capitalised with strong hedging

Phase 5: Price Stabilisation (2023-2025)

Current Gas Prices (2025): 5.0-6.5 p/KWh (still 3x pre-crisis levels)
Market Consolidation: Only ~25 suppliers remain (down from 70)
Recent Failures: Rebel Energy and Tomato Energy in 2025 show ongoing pressures

Phase 6: Price Stabilisation (2025-2027)

Current Gas Prices (2025): 2.0-3.5 p/KWh (still 2x pre-crisis levels)
Market Conditions: The forward curves are lower which means on longer term contracts the prices are cheaper
Context: There are more LNG projects worldwide which is reducing the cost of gas in all nations

Why Did the Price Cap Cause So Many Failures?

The Ofgem price cap, designed to protect consumers, became a death sentence for poorly-managed suppliers:

The Squeeze: Suppliers bought gas at wholesale prices (7.0-25.0 p/KWh) but could only charge customers the capped rate
Failed Hedging: Many small suppliers didn't buy energy in advance to lock in prices
Credit Balance Dependency: Some suppliers (like Avro) relied on customer credit balances to fund operations
Fixed-Rate Tariffs: Suppliers were locked into year-long fixed contracts at pre-crisis prices

Result: Companies selling energy at a loss, burning through cash reserves, and ultimately collapsing.

4. THE HUMAN COST

Customer Impact

6,012,316 customers were forcibly switched to new suppliers
£2.6 billion cost to consumers (excluding £1.7bn taxpayer bailout for Bulb)
£94 average cost per household to cover failed supplier costs
10 million households estimated to be in fuel poverty by mid-2025

Market Transformation

Before Crisis (2021):

70 energy suppliers operating
Competitive market with low-cost deals
Many "challenger" brands offering 100% renewable energy

After Crisis (2025):

25 suppliers remaining
Market dominated by large, established firms
Reduced competition and choice for consumers
Higher barriers to entry for new suppliers

5. LARGEST INDIVIDUAL FAILURES

The "Big Ten" Casualties

6. ROOT CAUSES: WHY DID SO MANY FAIL?

1. Inadequate Hedging

Many small suppliers failed to buy energy in advance, leaving them exposed to spot market volatility. When prices spiked, they had to buy at peak prices while charging customers capped rates.

2. The Price Cap Paradox

Ofgem's price cap protected consumers but prevented suppliers from passing on wholesale costs. The cap increased by only 12% in October 2021, but wholesale prices had risen 250%.

3. Weak Capitalisation

Many "challenger" suppliers entered the market with minimal capital reserves. When losses mounted, they had no buffer to survive.

4. Fixed-Rate Tariff Risk

Suppliers offering fixed-rate contracts for 12-24 months were locked into loss-making agreements when wholesale prices soared.

5. Regulatory Failure

Citizens Advice found that Ofgem "missed multiple opportunities to regulate the market" and that enforcement staff actually decreased 25% between 2017-2021 despite growing concerns.

7. CURRENT STATUS (NOVEMBER 2025)

Market Today

25 active suppliers (down from 70 in 2021)
Consolidated market dominated by large firms
Gas prices still 2x pre-crisis levels at 2.5-4.0 p/KWh
Recent failures (Tomato Energy, Rebel Energy) show ongoing pressures

Price Outlook

October 2025 price cap: £1,754/year (up 2% from July)
Expected Q1 2026: ~£1,720 (slight decrease)
Long-term trend: Prices likely to remain elevated due to:
UK's continued gas dependency
Global market volatility
Infrastructure investment costs
Policy costs (net-zero transition)

Energy Security

The crisis has accelerated the UK's push for:

Renewable energy expansion to reduce gas dependency
Nuclear power investment for baseload capacity
Energy storage (batteries) to balance intermittent renewables
Demand-side response technologies
Home insulation programs to reduce consumption

CONCLUSION

The 2021-2022 UK energy supplier crisis was the direct result of a perfect storm: surging global gas prices, inadequate supplier hedging, weak regulation, and a price cap that prevented cost recovery. The crisis fundamentally reshaped the UK energy market, consolidating power among larger, better-capitalized firms while costing consumers billions.

The core lesson: The UK's heavy reliance on gas for electricity generation creates vulnerability to global price shocks. Until the country transitions to a more diverse, domestically-sourced energy mix, similar crises remain possible.

Looking ahead: While the acute crisis has passed, wholesale gas prices remain elevated, and the market remains fragile. The transition to renewable energy is now seen not just as an environmental imperative but as essential for energy security and price stability.

Why Tomato Energy Went Bust and What It Means for You

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 08:31:55 GMT

Why Tomato Energy Went Bust and What It Means for You

Tomato Energy is no longer trading. After several months spent trying to secure new financial backing, the company has decided to stop operating and has now moved into administration. Around 23,000 customers, made up of households and businesses, will be moved to a different supplier under Ofgem’s Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR).

Ofgem has put its customer protection measures into action, which means no one will lose access to gas or electricity during the switch from Tomato to Ofgem's appointed supplier. All customer accounts will also be transferred automatically to the replacement supplier, and any credit that customers have built up will be fully protected, so there is no need to panic .

Whilst you wait, it is advisable that you…

1. Take a picture of your meter reading for both gas and electricity as soon as you can.

2. Refrain from switching suppliers until Ofgem can appoint a new supplier under its Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) process.

3. Wait for Ofgem to get in contact with you regarding your energy supply and next steps. Be sure to stay on the lookout for an email or letter.

What are you protected by under ofgem's SoLR?

Undisturbed Energy Supply:

Your energy supply will not be interrupted with the switch to a new supplier covered by the SoLR.

Protected Credit Balance:

Domestic: Your account credit is protected under Ofgem rules and will typically just be transferred to your new supplier. But it's always best to check this once you have access to your new account under the new supplier.

Commercial: Your Credit balances are not protected

Energy Contract:

You will automatically be transferred over to British Gas. This is all handled by Ofgem and its administrators. Therefore, you do not need to do anything. Once the switch has been done, You will be moved onto deemed energy prices or a out of contract rate. We would advise that you get a quick quote and compare with British Gas too.

What happened with Tomato Energy?

Tomato Energy had a number of financial problems that became too difficult to manage.

The company already had around £3 million of debt. On top of that, they had to pay a £1.5 million redress order from Ofgem for service and compliance issues. This left them with very little money to keep operating.

Energy supply in the UK is expensive and risky. Suppliers must keep enough funds to deal with changing wholesale prices, support customer credit balances and follow strict regulations. Tomato Energy did not have enough capital to cope with these pressures which is why they have now gone into liquidation.

Things to consider

Smaller suppliers that are not part of the Big Six can still be an excellent choice. Many offer attractive prices and strong customer service. When you are browsing your options, it is worth considering researching how long the supplier has been in business and whether they have a solid financial background, along with a whole host of other factors.

Ofgem has introduced stronger rules and protections to make sure customers are kept safe if a supplier fails, and that you are fully protected throughout the process. Even with these protections in place, it is still wise to choose a reliable supplier from the start. Having some knowledge about the energy market can go a long way in helping you select a company with a strong track record and pricing that suits your business needs.

How Can Purely Energy Help?

If you are a Tomato Energy customer and have any questions about what you should do next or dont want to pay additional out of contract charges. Don't hesitate to get in touch!

Contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, you can get a quick quote by filling in the box below.

Written by Harvey Rowlinson and Faith Labong at Purely Energy

The Government to Regulate Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs)

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:30:53 GMT

The Government to Regulate Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs)

Many businesses in the UK will be familiar with using an energy broker to manage their commercial energy. As a business owner, you may be handling multiple business-related tasks and managing your energy bills takes time that few owners can give! Your broker is trusted to secure fair and competitive energy contracts for your business. But how can you know that you're always receiving a professional and honest service? The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has recently published its official response to last year’s consultation on regulating Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs), including energy brokers, consultants, and any businesses that support customers in securing energy procurement contracts or information.

For some context, let’s go back to November 2024, when the government launched a consultation to discuss the prospects of regulating TPIs. This came about because the government saw that businesses, specifically small to medium-sized enterprises and charities, were being taken advantage of when securing energy contracts through TPIs.

Main Consultation Feedback:

The main points from DESNZ’s consultation feedback show that there were too many instances where businesses found:

Hidden commission and a lack of fee transparency
Brokers favouring certain suppliers
Mis-selling and deceptive practices
Poor complaints handling and limited access to redress
Sales to vulnerable or poorly informed customers

With DESNZ’s recent official response, the hope is that moving forward this will level the playing field for both good energy brokers and customers, preventing consumers from being taken advantage of and helping to restore trust again.

Next Steps

DESNZ published its feedback from last year’s consultation this month, on 23rd October 2025. They’ve appointed Ofgem (the energy regulator in Great Britain) to begin the process of regulating TPIs. Although it will take some time to regulate this subsection of the market, Ofgem will carry out a detailed market survey, which is set to begin in the first half of 2026. This will help them gain a more in-depth understanding of how the TPI sector is currently operating in order to put fairer regulations in place.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Authorisation

Once Ofgem starts putting the regulations in place, they will open a registration/authorisation window where already existing TPIs operating in the market will have a 12-18 month “sunrise period” to register. However, after that, failure to get authorised means you will not be allowed to trade.

2. Rules on Behaviour

With the consultation feedback, it is clear that Ofgem will have to set out clear rules around how brokers and other third-party intermediaries will in future sell contracts, break down pricing to consumers, and interact with customers. By putting strict rules in place, it will filter out businesses that practise hiding commission on prices, pressure selling to customers and providing misleading quotes.

3. Accountability

Ofgem will have the power to fine brokers, suspend them, or ban them from the market if they break the rules. They’ll also be able to take action against senior people in a business, not just “the company”.

4. Protection for Customers

If a broker has behaved unfairly, Ofgem will be able to order compensation so that the customer doesn't have to fight it themselves.

5. Ongoing Monitoring

Ofgem will collect data from brokers and keep a register of who is authorised. That means customers will be able to see who is compliant and who isn't.

Why this matters:

Ultimately customers should see more transparency and cleaner pricing
It should become much harder for bad actors to operate
Customers will know they are dealing with an approved partner.

In Summary

The government knows that many brokers provide real value for businesses. The new regulation will help stop bad practices and make it easier for SMEs to get the right energy deals while saving time and money. These reforms aim to create a fairer market, rebuild trust, and support good brokers who put customers first. If you would like to know more information about the government's full response, please click here .

Get in touch

At Purely Energy, we’ve always put our customers first, working with openness and honesty so you can rest assured that you’ll always receive fair, competitive rates from us.

If you're looking for a quick quote, fill in the box below, and we’ll be in touch with you soon.

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy

Nuclear RAB Levy

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 11:45:36 GMT

What you need to know about the new Nuclear RAB Levy

Let’s talk a little about nuclear energy. We've been generating nuclear energy for over 70 years now in the UK, and it remains an important part of our energy mix. Alongside renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, nuclear energy is a low-carbon option that can support the UK in achieving its net-zero target by 2050. While there are differences between green and clean energy , there is no doubt that nuclear energy plays a significant role in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.

So, what’s new? With a major push towards a greener and cleaner future, the government has introduced schemes that appear on our electricity bills as levies under the non-commodity section. You may have noticed charges such as the Renewables Obligation (RO) or the Feed-in Tariff/Solar Export Guarantee . These are examples of schemes designed to encourage and fund the generation of additional green energy to the grid.

In this case it’s the same story for the new Nuclear RAB Levy.

What is the Nuclear RAB Levy?

The Nuclear Regulated Asset Base (RAB) Levy is a new government charge that will be added to everyone's electricity bill come 1st November 2025. The main reason for this charge is to fund new nuclear power stations and unfortunately, they aren't cheap. Only companies that qualify under the Energy Intensive Industries (EII) scheme are exempt from this charge. Businesses holding a valid EII certificate will not be required to pay the Nuclear RAB Levy.

Previously, large nuclear developments were financed through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) model. Under this approach, developers carried the financial risk and therefore negotiated a “high strike" price for the electricity produced. As a result, consumers ended up paying a higher price for electricity to compensate developers for the risks involved in building and operating the projects.

The Nuclear RAB Levy balances this risk and opens the pool up to more investors, as now it’s not only a selection of developers with strong financial backing that can fund these projects. This is particularly interesting, as investors and consumers will now also play a part in the construction and operational costs.

In short, the government estimates that consumers will save anywhere between £30 billion and £80 billion over the plant's potential 60-year lifespan. With older nuclear power stations nearing the end of their lifespan, it’s important that new power stations get built in order for the UK to meet electricity demand and manage low carbon emissions.

How will the new levy be regulated?

The new levy will be regulated by Ofgem, the energy regulator, and will be administered by the LCCC (Low Carbon Contracts Company).

Key elements to note:

The Interim Levy Rate (ILR) : This is the main charge you will see and will start at £3.455/MWh (0.3455p/kWh) from 1st November 2025.

The Operational Costs Levy (OCL): This is a small additional annual cost at £0.0028/MWh

Suppliers will bill based on their forecast each quarter, with adjustments to payments made after. If any suppliers default, meaning they fail to meet their contractual obligations, other suppliers have no choice but to cover the shortfall. They would resolve this by passing the charges over to the customers.

How much will this cost businesses?

The Nuclear RAB Levy is currently estimated at 0.35p/kWh of electricity used. For example, if you own a small office that uses 10,000 kWh per year, you will need to pay an extra £35 annually on top of your electricity bills. However, depending on the size of your business and energy usage, it will affect you differently.

Contract types

Pass-Through Contract: You will see this charge automatically after 1st November 2025. Look out for ‘RAB Nuclear Levy’ or something worded similarly.

Fixed Contracts: It is always worth reading over your contract to see if you are covered from price changes when government levies take place.

Get in touch with us!

When arranging future energy contracts, we will ensure that the RAB Levy is included in the prices quoted to you. However, it is always advisable to double-check with your supplier or broker, as not all quotes will automatically include these charges.

For a quick quote, fill in the box below, and we’ll be in touch with you soon.

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy

What is the Gas Safe Register?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:45:04 GMT

What is the Gas Safe Register?

Gas is used for a number of appliances found around a home or business, such as ovens, stoves and heating systems. This has been the case for over 200 years in the UK, but over time users have acknowledged the serious health and safety issues surrounding managing a gas supply incorrectly. If your gas supply requires work or a safety check, you need someone who knows what they're doing and can avoid causing potential harm, such as gas leaks or fires. The Gas Safe Register is the official authoritative body in the UK that allows you to verify whether a business, engineer or gas installer is legally licensed to handle your gas appliances. By law, anyone who handles gas work should be on the Gas Safe Register.

Every engineer on the register has been trained and assessed to ensure that they meet safety standards. They also have to renew their licence every year to make sure that they continue to comply with regulations. By choosing someone from the register, you can mitigate any serious consequences of your gas supply being mishandled.

How to find a Gas Safe Engineer?

Finding an engineer in your area is pretty simple. All you need to do is go on their website, Gas Safe Register . From there, you enter your postcode and select if you are a domestic or commercial property. A list of businesses within your area will show up along with their services, engineers and contact information.

To check if the business or engineer you are working with is licensed, you can simply do a quick search online for their business on the Gas Safe Register website. Every engineer should have an ID number that they can show to you to check their credentials.

What does the Gas Safe Register do?

The Gas Safe Register is the only official body responsible for registering gas businesses and engineers in the UK. They monitor competence and safety regularly to ensure the safety of the public.

They are responsible for handling complaints made against anyone on the register. This means that if in their investigation they find that a business or engineer breaches any rules, they will face serious repercussions. They also have the authority to investigate any reports of work that was done under an unlicensed engineer.

What's the importance of a licensed Gas Safe Engineer?

If you’re looking to service anything from pipework to your boiler (anything gas-related), you must get a licensed Gas Safe engineer to do these jobs. Getting any of these jobs done by an unlicensed engineer puts your homes and businesses at risk of gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning or fires. This type of work is regulated, meaning only professionals should be handling gas work. Allowing someone other than a Gas Safe engineer to carry out these services leaves you vulnerable. Not only is it illegal, but if something were to happen, your insurance may not cover you for the damages and could leave you in a far worse position.

A checklist for businesses about Gas Safe rules

If you're thinking about starting a business, there are a few things you should know when it comes to gas. Below is a brief checklist that you should follow in order to keep your workers safe.

Gas Checklist:

Use a Gas Safe-registered engineer
Get an annual gas safety check
Get a gas safety certificate annually
Keep appliances safe and in good working condition.
Handle any unsafe appliances immediately.

Purely Energy works with a number of gas safe engineers across the UK and can assist you in recommending the best person for the job. If you are opening a new business or looking for help with ongoing work, we can assist with gas meter installations , relocations, new connections and more!

Let us help you navigate the energy market

If you’d like to compare business gas prices or business electricity , get in touch with Purely!

For a quick quote, fill in the box below, and we’ll be in touch with you soon.

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy

Understanding the UK's Energy Market

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 09:01:04 GMT

Understanding the UK's Energy Market

The energy market involves a lot of moving parts and can be quite difficult to understand. In this blog, we will break down how energy is bought in the UK and the reasons why prices often fluctuate.

The wholesale and retail market makes up the UK’s energy market. Basically, when energy companies buy gas and electricity from generators, they are buying the energy from the wholesale market. They are then able to sell this energy to consumers through the retail market. The wholesale price depends on several factors, which include supply, demand, and global events. In contrast, the retail prices come with extra costs from network fees, taxes and other supplier margins.

Does the wholesale market affect the retail market?

Suppliers tend to buy energy in bulk and in advance to mitigate the risks of when wholesale prices increase. If wholesale prices increase, it directly affects the retail market, causing retail prices to rise pretty quickly too. On the other hand, if wholesale prices drop, it takes longer for customers to see the savings due to their contract type and supplier risk management.

The retail energy market structure

The retail energy market structure can be broken down into three steps. The basic process is as follows:

Energy Generation: In order to sell energy, it needs to be generated first. In the UK, we generate electricity in a couple of different ways, the most common being through fossil fuels and the other through renewable energy. With the push to achieve net zero by 2050, there has been a significant uplift in the production of green energy in the last decade. Currently, renewable energy accounts for 54.4% of the UK’s electricity generation, the highest it’s ever been. With the UK pushing for greener energy, it also comes with the implementation of taxes to fund these projects. Read about the levies attached to your electricity bill here .

Energy Transportation: The next step is to transport the energy through a distribution network so that it can power up your homes and businesses.

Things to note:

The National Grid is the electricity and transmission network that transports electricity from power stations across Great Britain to your house and businesses.
The Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are companies that own and operate the electricity cables and maintenance of the network that transports your energy to your buildings. They fix issues like power cuts, provide grid connection and more. For example, if you live in Manchester and you experience a power cut, you would get in contact with SP Electricity North West. There are different DNOs depending on your region, so in the future, if you have a power shortage you know who to get in touch with.

Buying your energy: The final step is to buy your energy. Once the suppliers have bought the energy, they can then sell it through the retail market for consumers to buy. The rates will vary depending on your contract type and location.

If you generate your own energy through renewable sources such as solar panels, this could be an effective way to reduce your energy bills as you no longer solely rely on the grid to power your building. If you have solar panels your excess energy generated can also be sold back into the grid which suppliers will pay for through the Solar Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme .

How is energy sold and what costs are included?

Energy supply is sold in the retail market. When suppliers buy the energy at the wholesale rate, several costs are added to make up the retail rate paid by consumers.

The final rate is determined by the suppliers once all the various costs have been added together. Ultimately, the rates depend on the type of contract a household or business chooses, based on what best suits their needs.

Who ensures that the energy market is being regulated properly?

There are a few organisations that make sure that the energy market is fair and secure. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the National Energy System Operator (NESO), the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and Ofgem who regulates the energy market to protect consumers and support the shift to greener energy.

Get in touch with Purely

If you'd like more information or need help lowering your energy bills, why not get in touch?

For a quick quote, fill in the box below and we’ll be in touch with you soon.

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy

B-Corp Certificate

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:28:13 GMT

Purely Energy proudly announces B Corp Certification

Exciting News...

Something exciting has been happening behind the scenes at Purely. Our team recently completed a rigorous assessment by a globally recognised organisation… and we passed!

Gaining our B Corp certification means that we have joined a global community dedicated to meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Our company’s goal has always been to create a positive impact on our workforce, community, and customers by driving sustainable and ethical business practices. Becoming B Corp certified is a testament to our commitment to this cause.

What is B Corp?

The purpose of B Corp is in the name. It stands for a Benefit for all Corporation. Certifying as a B Corp means that we are benefiting all stakeholders of Purely Energy equally, including workers, customers, suppliers, and regulators, as well as our community and environment. B Corp is awarded to companies whose intentions, unlike traditional businesses, are not to profit at the expense of others or the planet.

How did we do it?

June 2024 - We began our B Corp journey. We reviewed 166 questions on our company’s key areas and began reflecting on company policies, actions, and documentation.

December 2024 - We submitted our B Corp responses and undertook an initial validation of certain areas with a B Corp member.

June 2025 - We underwent our validation interview, during which specific aspects of our company values and actions were reviewed. A few weeks later, we received our ‘pass’ and accreditation.

Achieving B Corp certification was no small feat. All departments across the company played an active part in developing aspects surrounding the assessment. We needed a pass rate of 80 or abov e and successfully achieved 87.6, which is 72% higher than the average business!

Check out how we did below, across all five key areas.

Purely Energy Impact Score

See our full report here

It’s not over yet. Achieving our B Corp certification marks an important first step in our journey towards becoming a true advocate for sustainability. Since the company started in 2021, this has been an aspirational achievement. To find out more about where it all started for us, check out our blog post here . There is still plenty of progress to be made, and we’ll be reassessed for recertification every three years to ensure we are continuously improving.

Join and connect with us!

You may be a B Corporation business yourself, looking to partner with a like-minded company on your energy consultancy, or a business owner looking to make greener choices with their energy. When using Purely Energy, you can be certain that you are working with a company that shares similar values for a sustainable future. We have access to multiple renewable energy products across various energy suppliers. If you’d like to know more about the options available to you, check out our blog post here.

We’d love to connect with like-minded businesses. Whether you’re looking for a quote or aiming to reduce your energy usage with our energy monitoring software, we’re here to help and advise you on the best energy deals for your business.

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy

A Business Guide to Green Energy

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:29:43 GMT

A Business Guide to Green Energy

Let’s talk about energy. There are two main types: green and brown. Green energy comes from natural sources like the sun, wind, and water. Brown energy comes from fossil fuels, which emit a lot of CO2 when extracted. This is harmful due to the excess amount of carbon emissions being put out into the atmosphere.

For example, if you run any type of business and you’re on a brown energy contract, for every 1,000 kilowatts of energy used, you are producing around 225 kg of CO2 which directly goes into the atmosphere.

What is the difference between green and clean energy?

When you hear 'clean energy', you might think it means the same as 'green energy'. However, there are slight differences and if you know what they are, it may help with your next sustainable decision.

Green energy comes from natural renewable sources such as solar, wind, etc. It doesn’t emit any greenhouse gases and is not harmful for the environment.

Clean energy also produces zero greenhouse gases. However, the difference is that the source of the energy comes from non-renewable materials. For example, nuclear energy is considered clean energy, as it does not produce carbon emissions during operation but relies on finite resources such as uranium and can produce radioactive waste.

Both green and clean energy are good alternatives to fossil fuels and can help us move towards a more sustainable future. The main takeaway is understanding the energy source.

Green Energy Tariff

When it comes to green energy tariffs, there are two main ways that it is supplied.

Fully renewable supply. This is when providers ensure that all energy is 100% from renewable sources (green energy only).
Hybrid. This is when providers use a mix of renewable energy and fossil fuels to meet supply demand.

Ofgem issues certificates called Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO). In simple terms, this confirms that the energy comes from renewable sources.

Why should businesses switch to green contracts?

There are many benefits for businesses to switch from a brown energy contract to a green one. It shows your business is aware of the social climate and supports the UK’s goal of reaching net zero by 2050.

Appeal to Environmentally Friendly Customers – Using green energy can attract customers who look for eco-friendly businesses. Showing your green initiatives lets people see your values and connects you with like-minded customers.

Government Incentives – Switching to green energy keeps your business in line with future regulations placed by the government to reduce carbon emissions. The government also offers incentives, like grants for using renewable energy, which can save your business money whilst helping the environment.

Need help choosing the right supplier?

We provide bespoke energy contracts tailored to your needs, whether it's brown, clean, or green. As a B Corp organisation, we always encourage our customers to choose the greener option if possible. For a quick quote, fill in the box below and we’ll be in touch with you soon.

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy

How will the new TNUoS tariffs affect your business in 2026?

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:24:47 GMT

How will the new TNUoS changes affect your business in 2026?

How will the new TNUoS changes affect your business?

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) recently published its five-year view on TNUoS tariffs for 2026/27, and the result is simple. Electricity standing charges for businesses will have a substantial increase come April 2026, with a continuous incline for the following years shown in the forecast.

This increase is primarily due to the scale required to invest in upgrading the grid to support the increased use of renewable energy sources. The TNUoS charges currently account for around 10% of electricity costs, and with the forecast rising to 94% from 2025/26 to 2026/27, this could significantly impact businesses' operational costs.

Contract Type:

Pass-through contract: If you are on a pass-through contract, you will see the breakdown of the commodity and non-commodity costs, meaning when these charges start to take effect, you will be the first to know exactly the difference in the new cost.

Fixed Contract: If you are in a fixed contract, you will not be able to forecast your total electricity usage until your first bill after the tariff comes into place.

What to look out for

You may think that being on a fixed contract protects you from the TNUoS tariff changes due in April 2026. However, most suppliers do not fix their TNUoS costs, so your standing charge will likely rise in line with the new changes.

If your contract runs until or beyond April 2026, make sure you read your terms and conditions carefully to check whether your supplier can reopen your fixed contract to reflect the updated TNUoS tariff .

What should businesses do before the new charges come into play?

Make note of the following dates:

The final tariffs will be published by 31st January 2026.
The new updated TNUoS tariffs forecast will be released on 30th November 2025.

Now is also a good time to think about whether on-site renewable energy, like solar panels, could work for your business. Generating some of your own power could help you cut down on peak transmission charges and soften the impact of rising grid costs.

With the new tariffs coming into play in April 2026, there is no getting around it. The only thing you can do is time your contracts right and secure the most competitive rates. Staying ahead is really important if you want to minimise the risk of soaring high electricity bills.

How Purely can help

We can help review your contracts, confirm the type you have, and provide you with figures as to how much your site may face in April 2026.

Need quotes for the upcoming TNUoS changes or support with your energy bills? Get in touch!

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy

Plan to scrap VAT and Environmental Levies on bills

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:08:17 GMT

Scrapping VAT on household energy: what it could mean for your bill

There’s talks in Westminster that the Chancellor is exploring a temporary reduction of VAT on domestic gas and electricity from 5% to 0%, with the idea appearing in pre-Budget briefings as a quick way to give households some headroom on costs.

This would show up directly on bills as a small but immediate saving, and it would sit on top of whatever Ofgem sets each quarter through the energy price cap.

An overview to the proposal

What’s being considered?

A cut in VAT on household energy to 0%. HM Treasury would need to legislate, and suppliers would pass the change through to customers’ bills.

How big is the saving?

Roughly £88 a year for a “typical” user at today’s cap, using Ofgem’s typical domestic consumption values as the yardstick; your actual saving scales with your own usage profile and tariff.

Who’s covered?

Households only. Business bills aren’t affected by a domestic VAT change, so companies should continue to focus on procurement strategy and usage reduction.

What else is on the table?

Ministers are also said to be looking at shifting some policy/green costs off bills, which could be worth around £200+ a year for an average household, but this would require decisions across HM Treasury and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and may come with fiscal trade-offs flagged by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

Why this matters now

Bills are lower than the 2023 peak but, as Ofgem’s cap updates keep reminding us, they’re still materially higher than pre-crisis levels, and arrears remain elevated according to charities such as Citizens Advice and think tanks like the Resolution Foundation.

A VAT cut is one of the fastest levers the Government can pull because it requires minimal system change from suppliers and creates a visible reduction that consumers can understand without decoding complex tariff mechanics, in short a 5% discount from what they were paying prior.

On the below image , the £88 VAT , would be cleared completely from invoices, it is also worth noting the £198 worth of policky per annum set by the government which could also be cut heavily to reduce bills. Graph from Energy UK

How your savings would really work

Ofgem’s cap is built using its Typical Domestic Consumption Values (TDCVs) to illustrate what a “typical” household might pay, but no one is truly “typical.” If you use less than the TDCV, your saving would be less than £86; if you use more, it would be more.

Importantly, unless the Government also reforms standing charges, which Ofgem regulates and which network operators and policy costs feed into.

You should expect the VAT change to apply only to the unit-rate and standing-charge VAT elements as they exist today, rather than a wholesale redesign of what you’re charged.

What wouldn’t change (at least for now)

Even if VAT is cut to zero, the price cap will still move quarterly as Ofgem reflects wholesale markets, policy costs and network charges.

The energy market design, overseen by Ofgem and, where relevant, the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA). Would carry on as is, so any relief from VAT would sit alongside whatever the next cap calculation brings.

Business tariffs would be unchanged by a domestic VAT change, and any reform of standing charges or socialised policy costs would require a broader decision across DESNZ, Ofgem and network companies, plus a funding route endorsed by HM Treasury and scrutinised by the OBR.

Pros and cons

Pros: quick to deliver, easy to understand, and it helps every home immediately without complex eligibility tests.

Cons: costly for the public finances, not targeted at those in the deepest difficulty, and it doesn’t fix structural drivers like network costs, volatility in wholesale gas, or how standing charges impact low-usage, lower-income households.

What to do next

Households: keep readings up to date, use your supplier’s usage tools, and attack easy wins - heating schedules, insulation, LEDs, and appliance run-times.

Businesses: a domestic VAT cut won’t touch your bills unless you are providing energy for domestic end users, Business would be - Charities, Care Homes, Schools and Hospitals where they are currently paying 5% on VAT, rather than the 20%.

Work with Purely Energy

If you want a clear, numbers-first plan. Whether you’re a multi-site group or an SME, we’ll map your contracts, consumption and standing charges against Ofgem’s latest methodology and design a route to lower costs and lower risk - along with Why you should pick Purely Energy

Get in touch below and we’ll start with a short no jargon plan of action to save you the most amount of money across your multi site bills

Understanding the Taxes on your Energy Bill

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:21:59 GMT

Are the government taxing your electricity too? - Updated 2025/26

At the end of every month, when you receive your energy invoice, you may feel overwhelmed by all of the different costs. You may glance at the total, pay it, and move on, but actually, you don’t really know what you're paying for. Most people don't understand what levies are included in their energy bills, but most importantly, how quickly these are increasing each year.

This guide will break down the meaning behind the taxes on your energy bills so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Fixed vs. Pass-Through Contracts

If you only see the energy price on your bills and not seven other charges, you are likely on a fixed contract.

On the other hand, if you’re on a pass-through contract, your bill is more transparent. You’ll see both the commodity element and the non-commodity charges. The non-commodity includes all of the government charges.

Electricity levies imposed by the government:

Below is a breakdown of the different government taxes you may come across on your invoices:

Climate Change Levy (CCL)

Paid to HMRC. This mandatory tax applies to all UK businesses and is designed to push companies to reduce their energy consumption.

Contracts for Difference (CfD)

Paid to HMRC. It is designed to support large-scale low-carbon generation projects, offering financial stability for the UK to transition to Net Zero. For example, the projects that the CfD would support are offshore wind farms.

The Feed-in Tariff (FIT)

Paid to Ofgem, the government regulator. This scheme was introduced to pay individuals and organisations for generating their own renewable electricity. However, in January 2020, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) was introduced, and the FIT has been slowly phased out, which enables businesses with renewable energy systems to export excess electricity back to the grid and receive payment from their supplier.

Renewable Obligation (RO)

Paid to Ofgem. It is a government scheme that requires electricity suppliers to source a proportion of their supply from renewable energy. Businesses must comply with the criteria set out by the government and meet the right amount of sourced renewable energy.

Gas Levies imposed by the government:

There are not as many gas levies compared to electricity. However, the ones to look out for would be the following:

Green Gas Levy (GGL)
Introduced in November 2021, this quarterly levy helps fund the Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS) . Its goal is to boost the proportion of biomethane (a renewable alternative to fossil fuel gas) entering the grid. Both homes and businesses contribute.

Climate Change Levy (CCL)
Like electricity, gas is also subject to the CCL. The CCL is a carbon tax on energy and is calculated per kilowatt-hour of energy consumed. The rate for gas is currently 0.007p kWh and is set to rise to 0.008p kWh from April 2026.

Why It Matters

If you have a pass-through contract, it may benefit you, as the supplier is clear with their billing structure and does not include any risk premiums in the price, which is often seen on fixed prices.

Next time your bill comes in, don’t just focus on the total cost but understand what each charge is. Doing so could help you anticipate future levy increases and foresee future expenses when it comes to your energy bills.

If you have any questions or want help lowering energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk. Alternatively, you can get a quick quote.

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy.

Smart Export Guarantee - Which UK supplier pay the best rates?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:13:48 GMT

Which UK Supplier Pays the Best on Solar Export? (SEG)

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) was launched in January 2020. The initiative was created to push businesses and households to move towards renewable energy. SEG took over from the Feed in Tariff.

The SEG manages your excess electricity which you don't need and circulates it back to the national grid, which allows for energy to be bought by an energy supplier, and sold to someone else, such as your neighbour who doesn't have solar.

Why did the government end the FiT Scheme?

The FiT scheme was a government programme that closed from 31st March 2019. It was designed to promote the uptake of renewable generation like solar panels.

Those signed up to the FiT scheme receive quarterly payments from the government for the electricity their installation generated and exported back to the grid.

The key issues with the FiT scheme were that:

FiT payments were funded by additional costs being added to household / businesses energy bills - today this cost is 0.8 p/kWh, or around £80 per household.
Raised electricity prices for all customers, including low-income households who couldn’t afford the £4,000 - £10,000 cost on installation of panels and get the benefits.
Lots of people felt it was a “regressive subsidy.”

How does Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) work?

Once your renewable system is in place, such as a solar panel or battery, the electricity you use is managed so that any excess can be put back into the grid.

You could also charge a large battery at night, such as your electric car - and sell the energy back to the grid during peak times. In turn, your energy supplier will pay you for the excess energy that gets put back.

Payments are based on an agreed tariff, and the rates vary among suppliers. This means your business not only benefits from generating its own clean energy but can also earn extra income from any unused electricity.

Steps to get started with SEG

1. To begin with, is there renewable energy already installed on site? This might be anything such as solar, wind, hydro, anaerobic digestion (AD), or micro-combined heat and power.

2. The second would be to install a smart meter. This would essentially monitor how much electricity you export to the grid, usually in half-hourly intervals.

3. You will be required to possess an MCS certificate. The certificate ensures that the energy installation company and its products are of acceptable quality and are safe.

4. Compare the different SEG tariffs offered by energy companies and select the best export rates per kWh for your business.

5. Finally, receive payment. Once all the setup is done, your supplier will approximate how much electricity you have supplied and pay accordingly.

Why does SEG matter for businesses?

With energy costs rising, generating and exporting renewable power has never been more valuable. The SEG provides businesses a chance to lower their energy bills while also helping the UK get one step closer to reaching its sustainability goals.

Benefits of the Smart Export Guarantee

Helps contribute to lower green house gases - Every time you send electricity back to the grid, you help build a greener future.
Reduces energy costs - Make your business more cost-efficient by lowering energy consumption. By participating in the SEG, you can effectively recycle your energy.
Earn money from excess energy - With rising energy bills, exporting surplus electricity provides extra income for your business - have a look above to select the best one.

If you have any questions or want help lowering energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk. Alternatively, you can get a quick quote.

Written by Faith Labong at Purely Energy.

Verbal Business Energy Contracts

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 14:12:47 GMT

Verbal Business Energy Contracts

In today's fast-paced world, business owners must juggle many financial tasks, such as cash flow projections, stock intakes, sales targets, etc. So, when organising the business' utility services, customers constantly look for speed and efficiency, which is why 'over the phone' energy contracts are not uncommon. In one short call, clients can agree to a change of supplier, a new tariff, or even a multi-year commitment. These are known as verbal energy contracts - agreements made orally between a consumer and an energy supplier or TPI. These conversations are typically recorded and may legally bind both parties to the terms discussed, even without a physical signature or written confirmation.

While convenient, verbal contracts can be a legal grey area for many consumers. Here's what you should know about how they work, the risks involved, and how to protect yourself.

Are Verbal Contracts Legally Binding?

Yes, verbal energy contracts are legally binding in the UK, providing they have not been mis-sold. This means that the sales agent on the phone should have provided you with:

A Clear Offer

The sales agent setting up your contract over the phone should provide you with a clearly outlined offer and not give any false or misleading information about the contract you agree to.

Transparent terms

All information, such as contract length, exit fees, and rates, should be communicated over the call before agreeing to the terms of the contract. At this point, you should also ask any questions you have on the contract, and the sales agent should be able to answer these honestly and clearly so that you have full clarity before entering into the agreement.

Time to consider

The agent on the call should not pressure the customer to agree to the contract on the spot or within that one call.

Clear Acceptance

The customer should provide clear acceptance over the phone that they agree to the contract, instigated by a sentence from the agent such as 'Do you agree to these contract terms?'

Written confirmation or call recordings

After the call, the supplier or TPI should provide you with written confirmation that you have entered into a verbal agreement. Alternatively, the call should be recorded as evidence of the agreement and terms accepted.

Common Problems with Verbal Contracts

Misunderstanding- All information relating to a legally binding contract is received verbally, which does not always guarantee that the customer has understood all of the facts before agreeing. The sales agent could also be at fault if they have not relayed all important information on the call or have done so in a confusing manner.

Feeling pressure- Naturally, in a verbal conversation, the customer may feel more pressured to respond quickly compared to being presented with written information that they can peruse and respond to in their own time.

Problematic on an organisational level- Although verbal contracts are viewed as a quick solution, they can cause time-consuming complications if more than one board member or authoritative person is required to sign off on agreements. If an organisation finds out that one team member has verbally agreed to a contract without wider consent, it can take some time to reconcile these issues with the supplier.

Lack of evidence of the agreement- If a customer does feel that they have been mis-sold a verbal agreement, it can be challenging to present proof of this claim. OFGEM requirements outline that only the 'scripted interaction between the seller and buyer' should be recorded, which means that suppliers are not legally obliged to record the entire call. This can be problematic, as often most of the mis-selling occurs in the lead up to the 'contract script'.

What should I do if I've been mis-sold a verbal energy contract?

If you feel that you have been mis-sold a verbal business energy contract, Purely Energy may be able to assist in evidencing your case to the supplier. We will endeavour to rectify the mis-selling of any energy agreement with any supplier and provide you with new, cost-effective and non-obligatory quotes.

If your case for your mis-sold verbal energy contract needs to be escalated further, the Energy Ombudsman is a free and easy-to-use dispute resolution service for consumers in the energy sector. You can raise a complaint with them on their website, or by calling 0330 440 1624.

If you have questions about verbal energy contracts or need help lowering your energy costs, contact us on 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk .

Alternatively, you can get a quick quote.

Helen Ryan at Purely Energy wrote this article. If you have any suggestions or questions, please get in touch with us.

How Credit Scores Can Affect Securing a Business Energy Contract

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:22:35 GMT

How Credit Scores Can Affect Securing a Business Energy Contract

Running a business involves juggling many priorities, and managing energy costs is a significant one. Whether you're a small startup or a well-established enterprise, one factor you may not immediately notice when shopping for a business energy contract is your company's credit score. Just like individuals, businesses are assessed on their credit, and this score can heavily influence the kind of energy deals they are offered.

What Is A Business Credit Score?

A business credit score is a number ranging from one to one hundred. The higher your business credit score, the better your credit is. The energy contracts offered to your business will depend on your business credit score. If it is bad then you may find it difficult to find a good supplier offering good rates, however if you have a good business credit score then you have nothing to worry about!

How Suppliers Assess Risk

In the business energy market, suppliers are keen to minimise risk. That means before entering into a contract, energy providers typically assess your business's financial health to determine whether you're likely to meet your payments. The outcome of this check often rests on your credit score, and depending on how strong or weak it is, the terms and accessibility of energy contracts can vary drastically.

For many business owners, understanding the impact of credit scores on energy procurement can be confusing. You might wonder why your business energy contract costs more than you thought or why you've been asked to pay a security deposit. Often, it comes down to the results of a credit check, even if your usage or size is similar.

A good credit score signals that a business will likely pay its bills on time, while a low score could suggest financial instability or past defaults. Suppliers may offset this perceived risk by offering contracts with higher unit rates or upfront charges to protect themselves. In some cases, they may even decline to offer a contract altogether.

Unlike personal cr edit scores, which individuals often monitor closely, business credit profiles aren't something owners check regularly.

What Other Factors Do Energy Suppliers Consider?

Energy suppliers don’t look exclusively at your business credit score to determine risk factor. They also look at a multitude of other factors such as:

The size of your business
The industry it operates in (some industries such as pubs are considered high risk)
Your energy consumption
Location
Number of sites
Current supplier

What Factors Affect Your Business Credit Score?

Similar to personal credit scores, business credit scores are impacted by multiple factors.

Such as:

The size of your company (number of employees)
Payment of bills (If you struggle to keep up with bills you will have a lower credit score)
Finance Applications (How many times you’ve applied for finance and if they were successful or not)
Business location (If the area has a high rate of liquidation or debt then this can lower your rating)
Credit history of comp any directors (If the companies director is associated with insolvent companies then this can negatively affect your business’s credit score)

Challenges for New and Small Businesses

Startups and newly formed businesses are often the most vulnerable in this process. Since credit histories are built over time, these companies might have little or no credit data for energy suppliers to review. This can lead to more expensive contracts or limitations on the deals available. In some cases, new businesses may only qualify for prepayment tariffs or short-term rolling contracts, which are generally more costly and less secure.

It’s not all bad news..

Benefits for Established Companies

Established businesses with a solid financial track record typically find it easier to secure competitive rates. Their strong credit scores reassure suppliers that payments will be made reliably and on time. This often translates into better pricing, longer fixed-term deals, and more flexibility in contract options.

Improving Your Business Credit Score

Businesses with poor or non-existent credit histories can take steps to improve their standing over time. This includes maintaining timely payments on existing bills, reducing debts, and filing company accounts promptly. These actions can slowly improve a credit profile and lead to better energy contract options in the future.

Support from Business Energy Brokers

For businesses that need energy services immediately, working with a business energy broker can provide access to suppliers who are more flexible with credit requirements. Some brokers specialise in helping businesses with less-than-perfect credit find suitable contracts.

Not All Suppliers Take the Same Approach

It's also worth noting that some energy suppliers are more risk-averse than others. Just because one provider declines a contract doesn't mean every supplier will take the same approach. Shopping around or using a reputable broker can offer alternative options that go unnoticed.

As a business becomes more established and financially stable, its credit score will likely improve. This opens up the possibility of renegotiating energy contracts. It's always worth reviewing energy contracts regularly and checking whether your credit profile has improved enough to unlock more competitive deals.

How Can Purely Energy Help?

While it may seem like just another financial detail, your business's credit score has a direct and tangible impact on your ability to secure a suitable energy contract, Purely Energy can help you assess what energy suppliers are best for your business based on your credit.

If you have questions about business credit scores and energy contracts or want help lowering energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, you can get a quick quote.

Megan Glover of Purely Energy wrote this article. If you have any suggestions or ques tions, please contact us.

Auto-renewals | The In’s And Out’s

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:33:03 GMT

Auto-Renewals | The In's and Out's of Business Energy Contracts

Understanding business energy contracts can be more complicated than most businesses realise. Hidden within the fine print are often terms and conditions that can significantly impact your operational costs and long-term flexibility. One clause that usually causes confusion is the auto-renewal clause. If not managed carefully, this can lead to businesses being tied into contracts that no longer serve their interests. This guide explains everything you need to know about how auto-renewals work, what they mean for your business, and how to take control of your energy procurement.

What Are Auto-Renewals in Energy Contracts?

Auto-renewals are clauses written into many business energy contracts that stipulate the contract will automatically renew for a further fixed term if the customer takes no action before the agreement's expiry date. This means that if a business doesn't actively terminate or renegotiate its current deal within a set notice period, it could find itself locked into a new contract (often at less competitive rates).

Many businesses, especially smaller firms that may not have a dedicated procurement or facilities team, can easily overlook this clause. Energy suppliers are legally allowed to include these clauses, and unless the contract is cancelled or renegotiated in time, the auto-renewal becomes binding. This can result in being stuck with outdated pricing structures and potentially higher rates, undermining your cost-saving efforts.

Why Do Suppliers and Some Brokers Use Auto-Renewals?

From a supplier's perspective, auto-renewals offer continuity and reduce the administrative burden of chasing expiring contracts. It allows suppliers to keep customers and helps maintain a predictable cash flow.

Many businesses are surprised to find that their contracts have been renewed automatically, particularly if they assumed their energy supply would continue on a rolling or variable rate. Instead, suppliers often lock them into fixed terms that can be difficult or expensive to exit.

How to Avoid Getting Locked In

Avoiding an unwanted auto-renewal starts with awareness. The first and most crucial step is to understand the specific terms of your current energy contract. Know your contract end date and the notice period required for termination. This notice period can vary by supplier, but it is usually between 30 and 90 days before the end date.

Once you know your key dates, set reminders well in advance. Some businesses set automated calendar alerts six months before their contract ends to give themselves plenty of time to review new offers, explore the market, and decide about renewal or switching.

Another effective tactic is appointing a third-party energy consultant or broker like Purely Energy to monitor your contract and act on your behalf. We will ensure you're not rolled into a renewal without your knowledge and can help secure more favourable terms with alternative suppliers.

Microbusinesses and Their Protections

While larger organisations may have more resources to manage their contracts, microbusinesses have been given some regulatory protections in recent years. These include clearer communication from suppliers regarding renewal terms, contract end dates, and a slightly more flexible termination process.

Even microbusinesses can fall victim to auto-renewals if they a ren't proactive. Don't assume your smaller size exempts you from the standard practices of the commercial energy market. The same diligence is required, regardless of your company's scale.

No Cooling-Off Period

It's important to note that business energy contracts, unlike domestic ones, do not come with a cooling-off period. Once you have agreed to a new contract through renewal or a fresh deal, you are typically bound by it for the full term. There is no grace period to change your mind, so any misstep in the renewal process can have long-term consequences. This makes it even more essential to get the timing and paperwork right.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If you miss the deadline your supplier will usually renew your contract under new terms. These might not be as competitive as your previous rates and are often set in favour of the supplier. Some businesses pay significantly more for the same service simply because they missed a date or failed to read the small print.

Suppliers may sometimes switch the business onto "deemed rates" or " out-of-contract rates ," which are usually among the highest on the market. This often occurs if a termination notice is served but no new contract is secured before the old one expires. These elevated rates can severely impact your bottom line, especially for high-usage businesses.

Taking Back Control

The best way to protect your business is to treat energy contracts with the same scrutiny as any other key supplier agreement. Stay organised, mark key dates, and ensure all renewal and termination decisions are made strategically.

Make contract management part o f your operational review process, particularly if you are approaching your renewal window. Don't rely on your supplier to remind you of what's best for your business. Their goals may not align with yours. Instead, take the initiative, shop around, and consider leveraging professional support to handle the finer details. If you're a Purely Energy customer then we can take all this administrative burden from you.

How can Purely Energy Help?

Auto-renewals in business energy contracts can be both a convenience and a costly trap. While they offer continuity for suppliers, they often lead to inflexibility and inflated costs for customers who aren't paying close attention. Purely Energy will never auto-renew you into a contract, we will always let you know that your renewal is due and leave the choice to you!

By understanding how these clauses work, keeping a close eye on renewal dates, and proactively managing your termination process, your business can avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure that your energy contracts work in your favour—not against you.

If you're ready to take control of your energy bills, now is the time to compare quotes and find a tariff that suits your needs.

If you have questions about auto-renewal energy contracts or want help lowering energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, you can get a quick quote .

Megan Glover of Purely Energy wrote this article. If you h ave any suggestions or questions, please get in touch with us.

Everything You Need to Know About Fixed Price Energy Tariffs

Fri, 30 May 2025 17:37:11 GMT

Everything You Need to Know About Fixed Price Energy Tariffs

Whether you're managing a household budget or running a business, the idea of shielding yourself from volatile market rates is appealing. But how do fixed tariffs work, and are they the best option for you?

Understanding Fixed Price Energy Tariffs

A fixed price energy tariff means that the rate you pay per unit of gas or electricity and any standing charges remains the same for the duration of your contract. This could be 12 months, 24 months, or even longer, depending on the deal you agree to. The main point is that no matter how the wholesale market shifts during that period, your rate stays the same.

It's important to clarify a common misconception here. A fixed tariff does not mean your total monthly bill will always be the same. Your energy costs will still vary depending on how much you use. For example, if your business has a busy winter period that demands high energy usage, your bill for that month will still be higher than in quieter months, even though the price per unit is unchanged.

Fixed tariffs does offer protection from market instability. In periods when energy prices are rising sharply due to global events, supply chain issues, or changes in government policy, those on a fixed deal can relax knowing that their rates are protected.

Is A Fixed Energy Tariff Best For Your Business?

For business owners, fixed price energy tariffs are particularly valuable tools for budget management. Knowing your energy costs ahead of time allows for more accurate financial planning, which can be essential for managing cash flow.

Businesses often have tighter operating margins and less tolerance for unexpected cost increases. Locking in a fixed energy rate can prevent financial stress during periods of market volatility. This is especially true in sectors where energy is a significant cost, such as manufacturing, hospitality, and retail.

Businesses that fail to renew their tariff or switch suppliers before the end of their fixed contract are often moved to expensive standard variable rates automatically. These rates can be significantly higher and come with fewer protections. That's why it's vital for businesses to track their contract end dates closely and plan ahead. If you're a customer of Purely Energy, we will do this for you and let you know when your contract is up for renewal so you can avoid the higher out-of-contract rates.

One of the features of fixed price energy tariffs is the flexibility in contract lengths . Consumers can often choose from contract lengths ranging from six months to five years. Shorter contracts may allow you to reassess the market regularly. Longer deals offer more long-term security but carry the risk of missing out if market prices fall during that time.

For businesses that are expanding or changing, a shorter-term contract might be more suitable, as it provides the flexibility needed to adapt. Meanwhile, stable businesses might benefit more from a longer-term fixed rate, as it guarantees stability.

It's worth noting that not all fixed tariffs are created equal. Some may fix only the unit rate, leaving the standing charges variable. Other 'fixed' energy contracts may only be fixed for a limited time during the contract and then be reviewed halfway through.

Before committing to a fixed energy tariff, it's a good idea to shop around. At Purely Energy, we work with over 30 suppliers, and each offers its own range of deals tailored to different needs. Working with a broker or comparison service can help you navigate these options and find the best tariff for your situation. If you would like help navigating the market to find the best deal for you, then Get A Quote.

How Can Purely Energy Help?

If you're ready to take control of your energy bills, now is the time to compare quotes and find a tariff that suits your needs, whether you're locking in a rate for a year or securing stability for the next three.

If you have questions about fixed energy contracts or want help lowering energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, you can get a quick quote .

Megan Glover of Purely Energy wrote this article. If you have any suggestions or questions, please get in touch with us.

Explaining the Purely Energy Process

Fri, 23 May 2025 13:20:17 GMT

Explaining the Purely Energy Process

Choosing the right energy contract for your business can often feel overwhelming. With hundreds of tariffs, suppliers and contract terms, comparing energy deals alone can be time-consuming and confusing. That's where Purely Energy comes in.

We handle the heavy lifting by managing all the administrative legwork for you, ensuring you get the most competitive rates available without sacrificing your valuable time. Our process is transparent, efficient, and designed to help your business save both money and time.

How Our Energy Procurement Process Works

If you've never worked with an energy broker, you may be unsure how it all works. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to help you understand the Purely Energy process:

Step 1: Signing the Letter of Authority (LOA)

The first step is to sign a Letter of Authority. This document authorises us to speak to energy suppliers and request contract information on your behalf. It allows us to:

Access your current contract details (end date, annual consumption, unit rates, etc.)
Request copies of past bills
Begin price negotiations directly with suppliers.

Important: This letter does not give us the authority to sign a contract for you.

Step 2: Gathering Your Usage and Contact Information

We need your current usage data and contract information to secure the best quotes. The fastest way to do this is to provide a recent copy of your energy bill. If that's not possible, we'll request the information from your supplier using the signed Letter of Authority (LOA) . Be aware that this process can take up to five business days, so sending a bill directly is always the fastest route.

Step 3: Comparing the Market

Once we have your current contract information, we contact over 30 trusted suppliers to collect quotes. Thanks to our strong relationships with all our suppliers, we can often access exclusive rates that are not available to the general public.

Our pricing specialists will then thoroughly analyse all the options and present the quotes most suited to your business needs and budget.

Step 4: Finalising Your Contract

Once you're happy with a quote, we'll prepare the contract and send it for your signature. Please note that the energy market is a live market. This means energy prices can change daily, so contracts must be signed and returned by 4:30 PM on the same day the quote is issued so that we can successfully lock in the energy contract for you. Once the contract has been signed we will send the contract to the supplier to secure your new energy plan.

Why Choose Purely Energy?

We're more than just a price comparison service. Here are additional services we offer to support your business energy needs:

Change of Tenancy Services

We have a dedicated team to manage change of tenancies. This service is completely free of charge for Purely customers. We handle all the necessary paperwork to ensure smooth transitions when you move into or out of a property.

New Meter Installations & Connections

Are you starting from scratch or upgrading your infrastructure? We can manage new energy connections, meter installations, and ensure all technical requirements are handled promptly and efficiently.

KVA Reviews & Reductions

If you're unsure whether your current KVA (agreed capacity) is right for your usage, we'll help conduct a KVA analysis. If you're paying for more capacity than you need, we can help reduce your standing charges, lowering your overall energy costs.

Meter Upgrades & Multi-Site Management

We coordinate multi-site energy contracts, ensuring every location gets the best deal whilst consolidating your admin tasks.

Real-Time Energy Monitoring: INSIGHTS

Purely Energy's INSIGHTS software gives you real-time access to your energy data, helping you track consumption, identify inefficiencies, and make smarter energy decisions. It's perfect for businesses looking to reduce carbon footprints, improve sustainability, and save on energy bills.

Dedicated Account Management

You're never alone in the process. Each Purely Energy customer gets a dedicated account manager who is available for queries, troubleshooting, and ongoing support throughout the entire duration of your contract.

How Can Purely Energy Help?

At Purely Energy, we pride ourselves on being transparent, customer-focused, and results-driven. Whether you're a small business or managing a large portfolio of sites, we're here to help you make better energy decisions.

If you have questions about Purely Energy's procurement process or want help lowering energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, you can get a quick quote.

Megan Glover of Purely Energy wrote this article. If you have any suggestions or questions, please get in touch with us.

Why Timing is Crucial When Renewing Your Energy Contract

Fri, 23 May 2025 10:20:50 GMT

Why Timing is Crucial When Renewing Your Energy Contract

Whether you're a household looking to manage your bills or a business looking to reduce operational costs, knowing when to renew your contract is just as important as knowing which contract to choose.

In the UK's dynamic energy market, prices are influenced by many factors, such as global politics and seasonal demand. Understanding the optimal renewal period can help you avoid unnecessary costs and secure the best rates. This guide will help you navigate the key timing considerations when renewing your energy contract.

The Importance of Timing in the Energy Market

The UK energy market is extremely volatile. Prices can fluctuate based on various factors, including seasonal usage patterns, global supply and demand changes and geopolitical instability. The seasonal demand cycle is one of the most significant factors affecting short-term energy pricing.

Energy consumption in the UK generally increases during winter when heating systems are in higher use, and decreases in summer. Energy prices will typically change in line with consumption patterns.

Timing your contract renewal aro und these seasonal patterns is not just about beating price spikes. It's about making intelligent, data-driven decisions that align with your energy usage and financial goals.

When Should You Start Thinking About Renewing?

The ideal time to review your energy options is typically six to nine months before your contract expires. Larger businesses or those with complex energy needs should start looking even earlier.

This proactive approach provides plenty of time to monitor market trends, assess your energy usage, and explore a variety of suppliers and tariffs without the pressure of an approaching contract end date.

Why should I start looking at my contract renewal early?

Looking at your business energy contract early has many benefits. You are more likely to get a competitive price, avoid any last-minute stress, and plan for future costs more efficiently.

Market Observation and Trend Analysis

Energy prices are fluid and can shift significantly in a short period. Watching market trends over a few months lets you identify patterns and potential opportunities. This insight can help you lock in a favourable rate at the right time. When tendering a supply with Purely Energy, we will do this for you!

Room for Supplier Negotiation

Suppliers are often more motivated to secure your business well before your contract's end date. By shopping around in advance, you can gain access to preferential rates, exclusive offers, or bundled services that wouldn't be available to last-minute switchers.

Avoiding Expensive Default Tariffs

Failing to renew or switch before your contract expires can result in your account defaulting to a standard variable or deemed rate tariff . These tariffs tend to be more expensive therefore acting in advance ensures lower costs and bigger savings.

Time for Administrative Processing

Switching suppliers or renegotiating a contract often involves administrative paperwork and verification steps. Looking for energy deals earlier gives you more time to find the best contract for your business without any stress or delays.

The energy market has become even more unpredictable in recent years due to supply chain disturbances and geopolitical tensions. This has caused wholesale energy prices to sometimes swing by as much as 10% in a day. If you're considering a long-term fixed-rate contract (typically 3 to 5 years), it becomes even more critical to lock in your rate at the right tim e. Doing so can protect your business or household from future price spikes.

How Can Purely Energy Help?

At Purely Energy, we specialise in helping UK businesses navigate the energy market with confidence. Whether you're looking to reduce costs, understand your options, or get a better deal on your next contract, we're here to help.

Our services include:

Business energy contract renewals
Supplier comparisons and tendering
Wholesale market tracking and insights
Energy usage audits and reduction strategies

If your energy contract is coming up for renewal (or even if it isn't), it's never too early to start planning. Being informed, proactive, and strategic is the best way to protect your bottom line and avoid being caught out by market surprises.

If you want to know more about renewing your energy contract or help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Could Your Business Benefit from a KVA Review?

Fri, 16 May 2025 15:32:10 GMT

Could Your Business Benefit from a KVA Review?

Rising energy costs and increasing sustainability targets mean that many businesses are taking a closer look at how they consume electricity. One term that often comes up is KVA (kilovolt-amperes). Understanding and reviewing your business's KVA usage could lead to substantial cost savings, better efficiency, and improved growth planning.

What is KVA?

KVA stands for kilovolt-ampere, a unit of apparent power. KVA includes both real power (kw) and reactive power. Reactive power is the energy used to maintain the electric and magnetic fields required by some equipment, like motors and transformers.

In simpler terms, think of KVA as the total energy your equipment draws from the grid, whereas kw is the energy it uses to perform tasks. The difference between the two is due to system inefficiencies, expressed through the power factor (PUE). The closer your power factor is to 1 (or 100%), the more efficient your electrical system is.

Understanding your KVA usage is important because electricity suppliers often base your charges not just on how much electricity you consume (kWh), but on the maximum capacity you require to be available at any given time.

Who Does This Apply To?

KVA reviews apply to commercial and industrial customers, especially those on half-hourly metering contracts or larger maximum demand tariffs.

Where Do I Find My KVA On My Electricity Bill?

Finding your KVA information on your electricity bill can be tricky because it's not always labelled clearly. However, most commercial electricity bills will include a section showing Maximum demand (in KVA) or Agreed Supply Capacity (also in KVA)

This information is typically located in the bill's breakdown. If you can't find it, contact your supplier—they're required to provide it upon request.

How Do I Know What KVA I'm Hitting?

To determine the KVA level your business is using, you need access to half-hourly data from your electricity meter. This data shows your peak demand throughout the day and helps you identify when and how often you hit high usage levels.

There are several ways to access this data:

Through Your Supplier: Most suppliers offer an online portal or data service that allows you to download half-hourly usage reports.
Smart Meter Reports: You can monitor your demand in real time if you have a smart meter or advanced metering system.
Energy Management Systems: An EMS can track demand and kw levels in real time for larger sites, alerting you when you're nearing or exceeding your capacity threshold.
Consulting with Purely Energy: We can help analyse your historical data to determine peak demand periods and compare them to your agreed capacity.

If your recorded maximum demand is regularly below your agreed capacity, you could be paying for more capacity than you need. If your maximum demand exceeds your agreed capacity, you may incur excess capacity charges, often charged at a premium rate.

How to Reduce Your KVA

Reducing your KVA, or reducing the capacity you need to be available, can lead to massive savings for your business.

Here are a few changes your business can make to reduce your KVA:

Improve Power Factor

If your power factor is low, you're using electricity inefficiently. By installing power factor correction equipment (such as capacitors), you can reduce the amount of reactive power drawn from the grid, which lowers your overall KVA demand. This is one of the most effective and common strategies used in industrial settings.

Stagger Equipment Start-Up

Starting several large machines or HVAC systems simultaneously causes a sharp spike in demand. Implementing soft start systems or staggering start times helps to reduce peak load and smooth out energy usage.

Shift Load to Off-Peak Hours

Operating energy-intensive equipment during off-peak periods can avoid adding to your maximum demand during peak times. Some tariffs reward you for shifting demand outside of peak hours.

Install Energy-Efficient Equipment

Modern equipment often consumes less power and operates more efficiently. Replacing outdated motors, lighting, or heating systems can lower kw and KVA requirements.

Undertake a KVA Review

The most direct way to reduce your supply capacity is to request a formal KVA review from your supplier. You can reduce your contract level if your historical data supports a lower agreed capacity. This lowers your standing charges but if your demand spikes above the new limit, you'll face charges again.

Benefits of a KVA Review

A KVA review is a focused analysis of your business's electricity usage patterns, especially peak demand periods. It involves comparing your maximum demand to your agreed-upon supply capacity and identifying opportunities to reduce costs.

Financial Efficiency: You could be paying for capacity you don't use.

Risk Mitigation: If you've changed operations (for example, shut down production lines or automated processes), your energy demand may have dropped, and your current contract may no longer be appropriate.

Operational Insight: Reviewing your KVA levels gives you a clearer understanding of your site's energy profile and how to manage it better.

Sustainability: Reducing wasteful electricity use contributes to your business' carbon reduction goals and overall energy efficiency strategy.

Many businesses unknowingly pay f or more electricity capacity than they need, or risk costly overage charges by underestimating their needs. A KVA review is a simple but powerful tool that can help you align your electricity contract with actual usage, reduce waste, and uncover opportunities for efficiency and savings.

How Can Purely Energy Help?

If you haven't reviewed your KVA in over a year or your operations have changed recently, now is the perfect time to act. Purely Energy can assist you in undertaking an investigation with your supplier and guide you through the KVA reduction process.

If you have questions about KVA reviews or want help lowering energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, you can get a quick quote.

Megan Glover of Purely Energy wrote this article. If you have any suggestions or questions, please get in touch with us.

How To Read Your Smart Meter

Fri, 09 May 2025 15:33:57 GMT

How To Read Your Smart Meter

If you have a Smart Meter, it usually sends automatic readings to your supplier. You may also receive a portable device called an 'in-home display', showing you how much money you spend on your energy. However, some scenarios may require you to read your smart meter manually. For example, if you've just switched suppliers, or your new supplier says they can't connect to your meter. You can submit your meter reading by ringing your supplier or using their website or app.

Electric Meter Types and how to read them

The way you will take a meter reading depends on the type of electricity smart meter you have.

If your meter has a keypad

Single rate tariff

Press 9 and wait until you see the letters ‘ IMP KWH’
You will then see numbers followed by KWH
Note the numbers down from left to right and ignore any 0’s at the beginning or after the decimal point.

Multi-rate tariff

Press 6 and wait until you see ‘IMP R01’ followed by numbers (This is usually your off-peak tariff).
Press 6 again and wait until you see ‘IMP R02’ followed by numbers (This is usually your peak tariff).
Note the numbers down from left to right and ignore any 0’s at the beginning or after the decimal point.

If you're not sure which figure is your day rate and which is your night rate, check your meter readings in the morning and then again later on that day. Whichever one increases is your peak / day rate.

If your meter has ‘A’ and ‘B’ buttons underneath the screen

Press the A button then press it again until you see ‘TOTAL ACT IMPORT’ and numbers followed by ‘KWH’.
Write down the number from left to right.
Ignore any 0’s at the beginning and any numbers after the decimal point.

If your meter has a green ‘A’ button next to the screen and a white ‘B’ button below

Single Rate Tariff

Press the white ‘B’ button to make the screen light up.
Wait until the screen says ‘Meter Boost’ then click the green ‘A’ button to select no.
You should now see numbers followed by ‘KWH’. Note these numbers down from left to right.
Ignore any 0’s at the beginning and any numbers after the decimal point.

Multi-rate tariff

Press the green ‘A’ button, then press it again until it says ‘Rate 01 Act Imp’ This is usually your off-peak tariff.
Press the green ‘A’ button again until it says ‘Rate 02 Act Imp’ This is usually your peak tariff.
You should now see numbers followed by ‘KWH’. Note these numbers down from left to right.
Ignore any 0’s at the beginning and any numbers after the decimal point.

If your meter has 3 buttons on the right of the screen.

Single rate tariff

Press the middle button.
Write down the number which is below ‘IMP’ from left to right.
Ignore any 0’s at the beginning and any numbers after the decimal point.

Multi-rate tariffs

Press the middle button (Labelled R1).
Write down the number below ‘IMP’ from left to right. This should be your off-peak reading.
Press the middle button again, it should now say R2.
Write down the number below ‘IMP’ from left to right. This should be your peak reading.
Press the middle button again. It should now say ‘T’.
This will now be showing your ‘total’ reading. Write down the number below ‘IMP’ from left to right. This should be your peak reading. (You will only need to take the total reading if your supplier specifically asks for it)
Ignore any 0’s at the beginning and any numbers after the decimal point.

If you have one orange button and two blue buttons.

Press the orange button.
Write down the numbers from left to right
Ignore any 0’s at the beginning and any numbers after the decimal point.

If you have two white buttons to the right of the screen

Note down the numbers before KWH
Ignore any 0’s and anything after the decimal point

If you have two buttons to the right of the screen. (One being labelled as ‘Reconnect’)

Click ‘Display Select’ until you see numbers followed by ‘KWH.
Write down the numbers from left to right.
Ignore any 0’s or numbers after the decimal point.

If your meter has 2 buttons to the right of the screen (a green 'A' and a grey 'B')

Note down the numbers left to right
Ignore any 0’s at the beginning and any numbers after the decimal place.

If your meter has two yellow buttons to the left of the screen

Single tariff

Click the right hand yellow button until you see ‘TOU’, ‘1’ and numbers followed by ‘KWH’.
Note the numbers down from left to right.
Ignore any 0’s at the beginning or numbers after the decimal point.

Multi-rate tariff

Use the same steps at the single rate tariff reading.
Repeat the steps. This time when you click the right hand yellow button you should see ‘TOU’, ‘2’

If your meter has one blue button and one orange button

Single Rate Tariff

Click the blue ‘A’ button, you should see the display light turn on.
Click the blue ‘A’ button again until it shows ‘Total active import kWh’.
Note the numbers down from left to right.
Ignore any 0’s at the beginning or numbers after the decimal point.

Multi-rate tariff

Copy the steps from the single rate tariff. This time when you click the blue button it should show ‘ TOU rate 1’.
Then repeat these steps. This time when you click the blue button you should see ‘TOU rate 2’
Note the numbers down from left to right.
Ignore any 0’s at the beginning or numbers after the decimal point.

Gas Meter Types and how to read them

If your meter has an ‘A’ and ‘B’ button underneath the screen

Press the ‘A’ button until you see ‘Meter Index’ and some numbers followed by ‘M3’.
Note down the numbers left to right.
Ignore any 0’s at the start and any numbers after the decimal place.

If your meter has 3 red buttons underneath the screen

Press the left button.
Write down the numbers left to right.
Ignore any 0’s at the start and any numbers after the decimal point.

If your meter has a button with two arrow buttons either side

Press the middle button.
Note down the number left to right.
Ignore any 0’s at the start and any numbers after the decimal point.

If your meter has a keypad

Click ‘9’. You should now see ‘VOLUME’ on the screen.
Wait until the screen changes. You should now see ‘M3’.
Note down the numbers from left to right.
Ignore any 0’s and numbers after the decimal place.

If your meter has an orange arrow and a blue arrow to the right.

Click the orange button until you see a number and ‘M3’.
Note down the number from left to right.
Ignore any 0’s at the start and any numbers after the decimal place.

If your meter has a button to the left and right of the screen

Press the button on the right until you see numbers and ‘M3’.
If there is a number such as ‘01’ at the start of the screen, ignore this.
Note down the numbers from left to right.
Ignore any 0’s at the start and any numbers after the decimal point.

How can Purely Energy help?

If you have a standard electric meter and want to find out what meter you have and how to take a manual reading, we have also compiled a guide for reading standard gas and electric meters.

If you have any questions about smart meters or want help lowering energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, you can get a quick quote.

Megan Glover of Purely Energy wrote this article. If you have any suggestions or questions, please contact us.

Could you benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee?

Fri, 02 May 2025 15:30:03 GMT

Could you benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee?

As energy prices fluctuate and the demand for clean energy increases, many UK households and small businesses turn to renewable energy solutions. While these systems can help reduce reliance on the national grid and lower energy bills, many users generate more electricity than they consume. So, what happens to the excess energy?

What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?

The UK government introduced the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) in January 2020. The scheme allows small-scale electricity generators to receive payments for the excess electricity they export back to the grid. The initiative replaced the older Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme and is designed to encourage more people to invest in renewable technologies. Unlike the Feed-in Tariff, the Smart Export Guarantee does not include fixed payments set by the government. Instead, energy suppliers set tariffs for exported electricity, meaning customers must shop around to find the most competitive rates.

How Does the Smart Export Guarantee Work?

If you generate electricity using an approved renewable energy system and your home or business does not use all of it, the excess energy can be sent back to the National Grid. Under the Smart Export Guarantee, energy suppliers pay you for each unit of electricity you export. These payments are calculated based on a tariff set by the supplier - usually expressed in pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

Unlike the Feed-in Tariff, which included both generation and export payments, the Smart Export Guarantee focuses solely on electricity exported to the grid.

Tariff rates under the Smart Export Guarantee can vary widely between suppliers. While some suppliers offer rates as low as 1p per kWh, others provide more generous rates, sometimes in the range of 5p to 15p per kWh. It is important to understand that the government does not fix these rates, so you are encouraged to compare offers and switch suppliers if necessary to maximise your return.

Who Is Eligible for The Smart Export Guarantee?

The Smart Export Guarantee is particularly beneficial for individuals or businesses that already generate their own renewable electricity or are considering doing so soon.

Eligibility for the SEG requires that your installation meets a few specific conditions:

The system must not exceed the maximum capacity of 5 MW (or 50 kW for micro-CHP systems).
It must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or an equivalent standard.
You must have a smart or export meter capable of recording half-hourly readings.

Is the Smart Export Guarantee Worthwhile?

Whether the Smart Export Guarantee is worth your while depends on several factors, including how much surplus electricity you generate, the tariff rates available, and how much electricity you use directly within your home or business. While the payments under the Smart Export Guarantee are not massive, they can still make a meaningful difference over time.

However, it is important to manage your expectations. Smart Export Guarantee payments are unlikely to result in a large income stream. The main benefit of a renewable energy system still comes from the energy savings achieved by consuming your power.

Things To Consider

Suppliers set their rates, which can change over time. You should stay informed and be willing to switch suppliers if a better rate becomes available. Some suppliers offer fixed-rate Smart Export Guarantee tariffs, while others offer variable rates that fluctuate with market conditions.

Battery storage systems can also complicate things. Not all Smart Export Guarantee licensees are willing to pay for exported electricity that has first been stored in a battery. Therefore, if you have or are planning to install battery storage, check the terms and conditions of your chosen tariff.

Setting up a system that qualifies for the Smart Export Guarantee can require upfront investment. While costs have decreased recently, the initial outlay is still expensive for many. It’s essential to carry out a detailed cost-benefit analysis before proceeding.

How Much Can You Make Through The Smart Export Guarantee?

As of now, Smart Export Guarantee tariffs range broadly. Some suppliers offer as little as 1p per kWh, while others may offer more competitive rates of up to 15p per kWh. The variability depends on market conditions, your supplier’s policies, and whether you opt for a fixed or variable tariff.

Suppose you have a standard 4 kW solar PV system, a common size for UK households. Over a year, this system might generate around 3,800 to 4,200 kWh of electricity, depending on your location and weather conditions. If you consume around 50% of this energy in your home and export the remaining 50% back to the grid, you could export about 2,000 kWh annually.

At an export rate of 5p per kWh, that would earn you:

2,000 kWh × £0.05 = £100 per year

At a higher rate of 10p per kWh, your annual earnings would double:

2,000 kWh × £0.10 = £200 per year

If you’re with a supplier offering one of the more generous SEG tariffs at 15p per kWh:

2,000 kWh × £0.15 = £300 per year.

It’s also worth noting that these earnings are not taxable for most domestic users, provided the generation is primarily for personal use and not part of a commercial operation.

While you may not become wealthy selling energy back to the grid, the Smart Export Guarantee provides a reliable and risk-free way to monetise energy that would otherwise go unused.

How can Purely Energy help?

If you want to know more about the Smart Export Guarantee or help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Why Longer Term Business Energy Deals Offer The Best Value

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 11:03:39 GMT

Why Longer Term Business Energy Deals Offer The Best Value

It can be hard for businesses to decide whether to sign up for a short or long-term energy contract. There is a common misconception that securing a longer contract is risky and that, in the long term, you will be paying more. From our observations, this couldn't be further from the truth. A one-year deal, for instance, might offer competitive rates today, but there's no guarantee that prices will remain favourable when it's time to renew.

We have compiled a few reasons why long-term energy contracts are much more cost-effective than short-term energy contracts. However, this may not apply to all businesses, so you should assess your business's needs before deciding. If you need help figuring out what type of energy contract is best for your business then contact us on 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk and we will gladly assist.

Long-term Savings

One of the most significant concerns for businesses regarding energy costs is volatility. Energy markets are subject to constant change. Global economic conditions, supply chain fluctuations, weather patterns, and geopolitical conflicts can all lead to shifts in energy prices.

By locking in a longer-term contract, your business can avoid price hikes and inflation on your energy bills for as long as the contract is valid. For example, if electricity prices rise by 10% next year, companies on short-term deals will be immediately exposed to those increases when their contracts expire. However, businesses that secured a longer contract will continue to benefit from cheaper rates. This is also why we recommend businesses start shopping around for their energy contracts early (around 6 months before their current contract end date).

Reduced Administrative Hassle

Renewing your energy contract can be quite a long and stressful process at times and involves researching options, comparing suppliers, negotiating rates, and managing paperwork. This can be time-consuming and distract decision-makers from focusing on core business operations.

Longer energy contracts minimise the administrative workload by reducing the frequency of contract renewals. Instead of going through this process annually, businesses can secure a stable rate for an extended period without worrying about the administrative burden of managing their energy contracts.

Budget Certainty and Cash Flow Planning

Fluctuating energy costs can make managing your cash flow difficult. A long-term fixed-rate contract provides a consistent cost for better financial planning. You'll know exactly how much you're paying month-to-month, making it easier to allocate budgets, manage forecasts, and avoid surprises. Stable energy costs can even contribute to stronger credit profiles and financial statements.

Energy Prices in 2025: What to Expect

Multiple factors influence the cost of energy, such as global supply and demand, government legislation, and geopolitical tensions. According to online statistics electricity prices are expected to rise by around 8-12% on average, and gas prices are expected to rise by around 5-15% on average. However, as the UK shifts towards our net-zero goal, we will most likely start to see renewable energy options become more competitive.

Why You Should Fix Your Prices For Longer

Long-term fixed business energy deals are a strategic approach to financial planning. By securing a long-term contract, you can protect yourself from price hikes, lock in great rates for longer and reduce administrative burdens. Exploring three-year deals could be the smartest move for long-term stability and value if your business is considering an energy contract renewal.

How can Purely Energy help?

If you want to know more about longer-term energy contracts or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

The Greenest Cities in the UK

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:07:20 GMT

The Greenest Cities in the UK

The landscape of urban living is changing across the United Kingdom. With sustainability now a central focus in city planning, more councils are embracing green infrastructure, cleaner air, and nature-first approaches. More cities now have expanded public parks, investment in low-emission public transport, and renewable energy integration.

What Makes a City Green?

A green city is more than just its parks. The UK's top green cities will include clean and accessible transport, climate resilience, energy-efficient housing, biodiversity, and engaged communities.

In 2025, these ten cities stand out for their leadership in making city life more green:

1. Edinburgh

Edinburgh leads the pack as the UK's greenest city in 2025. Almost 50% of the city is composed of green space. Residents and visitors enjoy direct access to nature through parks like Holyrood Park, the Meadows, and Princes Street Gardens. The city has embraced promoting active transport through cycling and walking routes and is on course to meet its net-zero carbon target by 2030.

2. Glasgow

As of 2025, around 32% of the city is green space, and major projects have focused on rehabilitating former industrial land into green corridors and recreational parks. Glasgow Green and Pollok Country Park are vibrant green spaces that showcase the city's environmental efforts. Glasgow has also heavily invested in sustainable transport, such as electric buses and a growing number of cycle paths. Glasgow's environmental status was also boosted after hosting the COP26 summit.

3. Bristol

In 2015, Bristol was named the UK's first European Green Capital. Bristol is targeting carbon neutrality by 2030. Cycling is central to the city's transport culture, with miles of bike paths and dedicated lanes. Community-led programs in urban farming, green business support, and sustainable housing development show that environmental responsibility in Bristol runs deeper than policy—it's a lifestyle embraced across the city.

4. Sheffield

Sheffield is often called "The Outdoor City," and with good reason. Over 61% of its landscape is green space, and the city is home to more than 250 parks and woodland areas. Its closeness to the Peak District National Park enhances outdoor culture and access to nature. Sheffield also boasts around 4.5 million trees (more trees per person than any other European city).The local council supports green building standards, biodiversity and clean air.

5. Greater London

Despite being the UK's most densely populated city, Greater London has made commendable progress in sustainability. Roughly 23% of the city is classified as green space, a figure made impressive by the city's massive scale. London is reimagining how green infrastructure can exist in megacities, from Royal Parks like Hyde Park and Richmond Park to new urban greening projects and community gardens. Policies like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) have significantly dropped nitrogen dioxide levels. London's mayoral office is also pushing for all new buildings to meet strict energy-efficiency standards as part of the city's 2030 zero-carbon target.

6. Leeds

Leeds has become a standout for green urban innovation in Northern England. The city offers nearly 22% of its green space, including one of Europe's largest urban parks, Roundhay Park. Leeds has implemented a Clean Air Zone, investing in electric public transport and cycle lanes to support sustainable travel. Leeds engages private and public sectors in cutting emissions through its Climate Commission. It also retrofits old housing stock to improve energy efficiency and combat fuel poverty, proving that climate action and social equity can go hand in hand.

7. Nottingham

Nottingham has become one of the most ambitious cities in the UK regarding climate policy, aiming to become carbon neutral by 2028. It has already cut emissions by over 40% since 2005. Approximately 21% of the city is green space and includes high-quality urban parks such as Wollaton Hall and Arboretum Park. The city's commitment to clean energy is evident in its public housing developments, which now include solar panels and ground-source heat pumps. The extensive electric bus fleet further reduces emissions while modernising public transport.

8. Cardiff

Around 14.6% of Cardiff's total area is designated as green space, and Bute Park, one of the largest city parks in the UK, lies right in the city centre. Cardiff is pushing forward with its One Planet Cardiff strategy to achieve net zero by 2030. Residents benefit from clean air initiatives, improved cycling routes, and a growing number of eco-conscious businesses. The residents also help make the city more environmentally friendly by having strong recycling rates and investing in offshore wind and other renewable energy sources.

9. Cambridge

Around 14.2% of Cambridge is green space, and it's home to a vast network of cycling trails and nature reserves. Over 25% of journeys are made by bike, making Cambridge the UK's most cycling-friendly city. The local government supports innovation through smart city tech that tracks real-time pollution, waste, and energy use. Its university-led research also places Cambridge at the lead in green technology.

10. Oxford

Oxford has embraced the green transition with an impressive heritage preservation and technological innovation mix. Just under 20% of the city is green space, with popular outdoor destinations like University Parks and Port Meadow. In 2023, Oxford introduced the UK's first city-centre Zero Emission Zone, a policy restricting access to fossil fuel-powered vehicles. As of 2025, Oxford has rolled out 159 electric buses, the highest per capita in the country. The city is also encouraging green development in housing, with new builds required to meet high environmental standards.

Honorable Mentions

Cities like Manchester, Brighton, and Newcastle are making impressive strides in green development. Manchester's Bee Network will introduce over 300 electric buses by 2027. Brighton is known for community-led sustainability, with plastic-free shops and eco-conscious restaurants throughout the city. Newcastle is expanding its solar energy infrastructure and retrofitting housing to reduce emissions.

How can Purely Energy help?

If you want to know more about the greenest cities in the UK or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk. Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) Switch Off

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 10:22:20 GMT

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) Switch off

What is the Radio Teleswitch Service?

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) uses longwave radio signals to tell electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. It also controls hot water and heating that is powered by electricity (including electric storage systems, panel heaters, or immersion heaters in water tanks). In the UK, there are just over 900,000 RTS meters.

What is the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch off?

RTS was introduced in the 1980s and has now reached the end of its natural operational life. Technology has advanced significantly since RTS was introduced, therefore it will no longer be supported or maintained from June 2025. After the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) ends your meter's timings might not work as they used to, and your hot water supply and heating could be affected. To avoid any disruption to your electricity supply, arrange for your RTS meter to be replaced with a smart meter. You can arrange this with your current supplier or give us a call, and we would be happy to assist.

What are electricity suppliers doing to help?

All suppliers have already contacted any of their customers who currently have an RTS meter (customers should have been notified before December 2024). If you currently have an RTS meter, then your supplier can install a smart meter for you free of charge.

How do I know if I have an RTS meter?

There are a few ways to find out if you have an RTS meter. Firstly, if your hot water and heating are powered by electricity or storage heaters, then you most likely have an RTS meter. Likewise, if there is no gas supply to your property at all (such properties in rural areas), then you likely have an RTS meter.

You should also be able to tell if you have an RTS meter by having a look at your meter. Check if there is a separate switch box near your meter with a radio teleswitch label on it.

If you get cheaper energy at off-peak times (and don't have a Half-Hourly meter), then you may have an RTS meter (e.g. economy 7, economy 10 or total heat total control tariffs)

If you're still unsure whether you have an RTS meter, contact your electricity supplier, who should be able to confirm if you do.

Can I stay on the same tariff I am on now?

If you contact your supplier, they will be able to tell you what tariffs are available for your supply. Most of the big energy suppliers in the UK have confirmed that the tariffs will remain the same or only have a slight difference. The main difference you may notice is slight changes to the timings of the peak / off-peak tariffs.

What happens if I decide not to upgrade the RTS meter?

If you have an RTS meter and choose not to install a replacement smart meter, you could end up with higher energy bills and potentially lose heating and hot water supply. Your hot water and heating can remain continually on or off and charge up at the wrong time of day. Due to the inaccurate measurement of what times of day energy is used, your supplier could bill you wrongly for peak and off-peak usage. Additionally, fewer suppliers will be able to provide quotes for RTS meters. To avoid complications, you should arrange with your current supplier to replace your RTS meter.

What happens if I am unable to upgrade my RTS meter?

Some areas can't support smart meters due to weak mobile signals. If you are in this situation, your supplier will contact you to discuss your options. One of these options may be the installation of a type of smart meter that doesn't need to connect to the smart meter network. These types of smart meters are pre-set with the times for switching from off-peak tariffs to peak tariffs.

How can Purely Energy help?

If you think you may be affected by the radio teleswitch service switch off and have any queries, or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Rebel Energy Has Gone Bust - What's Next For Customers?

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:31:42 GMT

Rebel Energy Has Gone Bust - What's Next For Customers?

Who is Rebel Energy?

Rebel Energy is a UK energy supplier based in Bedford. It was founded in 2019 by Dan Bates. Rebel Energy has around 80,000 domestic and 10,000 commercial customers. Bates "had a vision for an energy company with strong moral foundations, that cared about society and the people within it, and created sustainable profits by helping people and the environment."

What did the CEO, Dan Bates say:

When did Rebel Energy go bust?

Rebel Energy went bust on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, the same day as the average household bill rose by £111 due to the energy price cap.

Why did Rebel Energy go bust?

Founder Dan Bates said in a social media post "Rebel Energy has been facing a perfect storm of rising wholesale costs during January and February together with the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis." Rebel Energy could not raise enough capital to recover and secure the business's future.

What's next for current Rebel Energy customers?

Director for markets at OFGEM , Tim Jarvis, told customers: "Rebel Energy customers do not need to worry. I want to reassure them that they will not see any disruption to their energy supply, and any credit they may have on their accounts remains protected under Ofgem's rules."

OFGEM has appointed British Gas to be the new supplier for Rebel Energy customers. There will be no interruption to your gas or electricity supply whilst this supplier switch takes place. Once you have switched to British Gas you will be moved to their variable tariffs, which are much higher than a fixed-rate tariff . Once your transfer has gone through, you are now free to move to whatever supplier you wish. If you are already in the switching process, this will go forward normally. If you were in the process of switching to Rebel Energy, the switch would still go ahead as normal, just to British Gas instead of Rebel Energy.

You should make sure that you are not caught out by the newly appointed supplier's variable tariffs and make switching a priority. Start shopping around for the cheapest fixed rates on the market - Get a Quick Quote.

What do you need to do if you are a Rebel Energy customer?

Take meter readings - To ensure the new supplier bills you correctly, you should take a picture of your meter readings. If you have a smart meter and the new supplier does not support it, you will also have to take a manual meter reading. Make sure you also have a copy of any recent bills from Rebel Energy to prepare for any possible future billing discrepancies.

Don't worry about your credit - If you are in credit, this will be protected. If you are currently in credit with Rebel Energy, then this will be refunded to you by your British Gas. Make sure you have a copy of a bill or a screenshot of your account to show where it says you are in credit. If you are currently in the process of switching to a different supplier, then British Gas will be in touch to arrange the refund, even if this is not your new chosen supplier. If you are currently in debt with Rebel Energy, this will still need to be paid by either Rebel Energy or British Gas. British Gas will be in touch to arrange this once the new supplier has been announced.

There is no need to cancel your direct debit - British Gas will be in touch to explain how your account will be taken over, including details about direct debit payments. If you have already cancelled your direct debit, then there is no need to set it up again. British Gas will let you know what you need to do. If you don't currently have a direct debit set up, you should prioritise getting new energy quotes. You will be moved onto the British Gas' standard credit tariff, which is normally much higher than fixed direct debit tariffs.

How can Pu rely Energy help?

If you are a Rebel Energy customer and have any queries about what you should do next or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This Article was written by Harvey Rowlinson & Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

10 Ways To Reduce Your Business Energy Usage

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:44:23 GMT

10 Ways To Reduce Your Business Energy Usage

Rising Energy costs are affecting many businesses all around the UK. With energy prices still continuing to rise this April, we thought you may benefit from some useful tips and tricks on how to reduce your energy consumption and keep your energy costs low.

How Can You Reduce Your Usage?

Adjust boiler temperature

Turning down your boiler flow could reduce the average gas bill by 9%. Turning your boiler flow temperature down to 60 degrees can improve your boiler's efficiency by up to 4%, meaning less gas is used because your boiler does not have to work as hard. However, you should consider that how much money you will save can depend on numerous factors, such as the temperature your boiler was set to prior to the adjustment.

Heat the right places at the right time

Firstly, to get the most out of your radiators, you should ensure that radiators aren't covered by large furniture to allow the heat to circulate in the room. Fitting radiator reflector panels will also help heat the room more efficiently. You should ensure that any radiators located in rooms that aren't in use are turned down.

Check office equipment

Inefficient office and work equipment can be one of the leading causes of high energy usage. The settings you use on your monitors can affect energy usage. For example, if your brightness is on the highest setting, then this will use more energy. You should optimise the brightness settings of your monitors and ensure that power-saving settings have been activated for all devices.

Equipment such as printers should be switched off when not in use. You can select an option on your printer to automatically turn it off when it is not in use.

You should also think about how you're lighting the workplace. Are you using LED bulbs? Do you have lighting sensors?

Workplace kitchen equipment can easily be overlooked and is one of the simplest places to save on energy consumption. You should ensure that the kitchen equipment in the workplace such as fridges, kettles, coffee machines and microwaves are energy efficient.

Charge and use devices in off-peak times

Your business premises may have a multi-rate tariff. This means you will pay less for your energy in off-peak times - such as at night, evenings or weekends. If this is the case, you should use multi-rate tariffs to your full advantage. By charging any equipment during the times when your energy is at its cheapest, not only are you reducing strain on the grid, but you will also be reducing your energy costs.

If you want more information about multi-rate tariffs or how to get one for your business premises, please get in touch with us on 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, get a quick quote .

Educate your staff

One of the most important methods of saving energy usage is ensuring staff aren't wasting energy. Encourage energy-saving strategies inside the workplace. Making minor adjustments can help save a lot on energy bills!

Here are a few minor adjustments staff can make to save a lot of energy:

At the end of the day, ensure staff are switching off equipment.
Don't fill the kettle up with more water than is needed.
Switch lights off in rooms which aren't in use.

Invest in energy monitoring software

Energy monitoring software provides users with information on their energy patterns. You can use this information to help identify where energy is being wasted, when energy is being wasted, and how to reduce your energy waste. Using energy monitoring software can significantly reduce your energy usage and save up to 30% on your energy bills. Purely Energy has our very own energy monitoring software - Purely Insights . This is a free service on offer to all Purely Energy customers.

If you would like more information on Purely Insights then please call 0161 521 3400 or email Info@purelyenergy.co.uk to get in contact with one of our energy experts.

Adopt hybrid working where possible

Hybrid or remote working policies are a great way to reduce energy costs and lessen your environmental impact. Not only does hybrid and remote working minimise energy consumption and costs, but it has also been proven to improve employee satisfaction, reduce absences, and improve retention rates. It should be noted that remote or hybrid working won't be ideal for all businesses. Remote working requires reliable digital equipment and effective communication methods.

Review renewable energy options

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs, you should consider reviewing renewable energy options. Installing energy-efficient equipment such as solar panels can significantly reduce your energy usage and costs. You should consider government grants for which your business may be eligible, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) grant allows businesses to receive payments for excess electricity generated by renewable energy systems (such as solar panels).

Reduce heat loss

A building's insulation and windows are key factors in efficient energy use. Invest in high-quality insulation, seal air leaks, and consider energy-efficient windows. These upgrades will help keep the building warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. By reducing heat loss, you can significantly improve your business's energy efficiency and reduce the cost of your energy bills.

You should:

Make sure unused doors and windows are properly sealed.
Insulate hot water tanks, boilers and pipes.
Install heating reflectors behind radiators.

Perform Regular Maintenance on HVAC Systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are important for maintaining a comfortable working environment but they can consume a lot of energy. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems, such as changing filters and cleaning ducts, can significantly reduce energy consumption. If HVAC systems are not properly maintained, this will increase energy waste and raise your energy bills.

Honourable Mention

Review your energy Tariff

Even if you use all these energy-saving tips and tricks, if you are on the wrong energy tariff, your energy bills will still be expensive. To guarantee low-cost energy bills, you should review your energy tariff. The easiest way to do this is by requesting a quote . We will compare quotes from over 30 energy suppliers to ensure we find you the best deals on the market.

How can Purely Energy help?

If you have any queries about reducing your energy usage or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

The Purely Energy Story

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:19:14 GMT

The Purely Energy Story

Purely Energy was established in 2021 when Harvey, our company director, noticed that many energy brokers were tied to one supplier, which meant that customers were unable to achieve the lowest overall cost. Harvey then decided to establish his own energy brokering business, which put low-cost energy at the centre of the company's priorities. At Purely Energy, we work with over 30 different suppliers to allow a full scope of the energy market so we can get you the cheapest rates available for your business. We have a strict rule of only recommending the lowest price to the client, which is why we win 85% of any contract tendered for.

Our Journey So Far

Purely Energy started as a small shop front with four employees in the heart of Warrington. After looking around different areas and deciding where to base our new business, Warrington was the best candidate. Warrington has many transport links, cheaper rent than city centres (such as Liverpool and Manchester), and a large labour pool.

In February 2024, we moved into our new office on Rylands Street, which allowed us to accommodate our fast-growing team. A year ago, there were only five of us. Now, we have nine staff members and the capital to grow our headcount to 18. We aim to hire two new employees per month and we are so excited to see our Purely Energy team expand.

Some of our staff members are fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, which has created wider accessibility for customers with language barriers. Our sales team continued to reach new successes, and we soon had a large influx of clients that we are proud to support in their energy journeys.

As Purely Energy expanded and our client base grew, we soon realised that our customers needed support in additional areas with their energy, not just securing low-cost contracts. We also help customers with change of tenancies, billing queries and meter installations. Due to this, our dedicated admin team was created to ensure we always provide resourceful and efficient services to our customers in all aspects of their energy journey.

Purely Energy now operates nationwide, with our furthest customer located in the Shetland Isles, Scotland (600 miles away!). We are proud to cater to such a wide variety of businesses, from local businesses in the Warrington area to larger blue-chip companies based in London.

Our Achievements

Purely Energy is in the process of becoming a certified B-Corporation, which acknowledges companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

We are also proud to sponsor the NEA (National Energy Action) charity. National Energy Action is a national charity working to end fuel poverty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. National Energy Action (NEA) campaign to ensure that everyone can afford to live in a warm, safe and healthy home.

We recently developed our own energy monitoring software, Purely Insights. This has allowed us to help our customers cut costs through energy management strategies. We can provide the data so you can easily identify where energy is being wasted. If used correctly, real-time energy monitoring has the potential to cut your energy bills by as much as 20%—30%.

Comments from the team:

A message from our director - Harvey Rowlinson:

You can contact us at 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Managing a Business from home - Is a Business Energy Contract Right for You?

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:22:24 GMT

Managing a Business from home - Is a Business Energy Contract Right for You?

As the number of people working from home continues to rise, so do the challenges of managing energy costs. According to ONS reports, 11.7% of the national workforce (or 3,403,000 people) work from home,with this number only increasing. Working from home guarantees shorter commutes and increased flexibility, not to mention the decrease in costs for the business. But what does this mean for their energy management?

You may have noticed your energy bills creeping up. But what if there was a way to manage your energy use more effectively and save money in the process? In this blog, we’ll walk you through how working from home affects your energy bills and how to ensure you're on the right energy plan for your business needs.

Can I get a business energy contract when working at home?

To qualify for a business energy tariff, you must be registered officially as a business or have business rates documents or other proof that your company exists. You must also be able to prove that a high proportion, (usually 50% or more), of your energy use is for commercial purposes. This may sound like a lot. However, the lighting, heating, and electricity to run your office equipment will most likely equate to at least 50%. You can measure how much energy is used in your home for your business by taking meter readings at the beginning and end of your work day, then working out what chunk of your energy bills is used for your business. Appliances running regardless of your business location, such as a freezer or fridge, would not be included in this.

Can I get a business energy contract when working from home if I’m a sole trader?

If you’re a sole trader and work from home there is still a chance you can benefit from a business energy contract. If you are classed as a microbusiness, you will also receive more protection from energy suppliers than if you were a larger business. If you manage your business from home as a sole trader, you should contact us or request a quick quote to see how much we can save you on your energy bills.

Should you get a business energy deal whilst working from home?

If multiple people in your household work from home, your energy consumption will be much higher than if you worked from commercial properties. Running a business requires energy to power computers, laptops, extra screens, lighting, and cooking/drinking equipment (kettle/coffee machine), which leads to higher energy bills. If this is the case, you should switch your energy supply from domestic to business. Business energy contracts come with some great benefits! Businesses get special access to a wider range of suppliers, who bring cheaper unit rates and standing charges.

Businesses can access longer fixed contracts, which means your prices are secure for longer and you will avoid price inflation for as long as your contract is signed for. You can use our inflation calculator to see how much you could save if you were to fix your rates for longer.

There are however some downsides to consider. If you do decide to sign a fixed term contract, there are usually early exit fees or cancellation fees associated. Business energy contracts are often cheaper because once your energy contract is agreed, the supplier will then buy your estimated annual usage in bulk. This then means if you were to exit your fixed contract early, the supplier is then left having to resell this energy, often at a loss. So to cover their backs, suppliers charge early exit fees or cancellation fees.

There is no price cap on commercial energy contracts, meaning that if you find yourself out-of-contract, prices are much higher than domestic out of contract rates. But don't worry, if you agree to a contract with Purely Energy, we’ll let you know when it’s nearing the end and contact you to see if you want renewal quotes, so you won’t find yourself having to pay high out-of-contract rates.

Is business energy cheaper than domestic energy?

When considering unit rates, business energy is more often cheaper than domestic energy. The bigger the business, the bigger the consumption, the bigger the discount. However, businesses also have to pay CCL and higher VAT. On domestic energy contracts VAT is only 5%, but on business energy contracts it is 20%. However, if your business meets certain criteria then you can still pay the discounted 5% VAT and be CCL exempt on your business energy bills.

What will happen to my energy deal if my workplace is empty?

If your business premises are empty, you will still be billed unless your contract has no standing charge. This is because your energy bills are made up of two separate charges.

Unit charge: The price you pay for the energy you consume, measured in kWh.

Standing Charge: A charge to cover the cost of transporting energy to your premises and maintaining the national grid. This is charged daily regardless of whether you consume any energy or not.

This means you will still be charged for unoccupied premises through the standing charge, even if you aren’t consuming any energy. If the premises will be unoccupied for an extended period, it may be worth switching to a contract with a low/no-standing charge. Usually with low/no standing charge contracts, the unit rates are higher than usual so before deciding you should arrange a call with one of our energy experts and we will be able to advise you on what type of contract will be most cost-effective for your business premises.

How can Purely Energy help?

Have you noticed an increase in your energy bills since working from home? If you have any queries about managing your business from home or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Dealing with objections to your business energy supply switch

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:13:34 GMT

Dealing with objections to your business energy supply switch

Switching energy suppliers can be a great way to cut costs for your business. By navigating the market when your current contracts come to an end, you can ensure that you are always finding the best deal out there for your energy supplies, which your current supplier is not always guaranteed to provide you with. Once you've made the decision to switch, it's common to experience a setback, known in the energy world as an 'objection', before your supplies can successfully move over.

What is an objection?

An energy switch objection means that your current energy supplier has rejected the transfer of your energy supply to a new supplier.

Objections help energy suppliers to manage any risks associated with the switch, ensuring that the switching process complies with their existing terms and conditions.

Why has my energy switch been objected to?

Energy suppliers can object to an energy switch for multiple reasons. These are the most common reasons:

Outstanding debt on the account: You may have outstanding debt on the account with your current supplier. If this is the case, they will not allow you to switch suppliers until this has been paid off.

Fixed-term contracts : You may already be part of a fixed-term contract that has yet to reach its end date. If you need help finding out when your contract ends, you can either check your most recent energy bill or contact us, and we will be more than happy to help.

Customer request: Someone (yourself or someone else who manages the energy contracts) may have contacted the supplier to block the switch.

Erroneous transfers: An error, such as incorrect meter details, may have been detected during the switch.

Related meter points: If your property has multiple associated supply numbers, they must be sold together. If they are not included in the switch, then the switch will be objected to, and you will need to renegotiate a new energy contract agreement.

My switch has been objected to. What's next?

Here is how the objection process typically works:

1. Customer signs contract: You have agreed to a new business energy contract. The switching process has started.

2. Switch request submission: Your new supplier will now submit a registration request to transfer your old account information to themselves.

3. The current supplier is notified: Your current supplier is notified about the pending switch.

4. Objection review window: Your current supplier will review your account to determine whether an objection is needed. Your current supplier must object within a specific deadline (7 working days for gas and six working days for electricity).

5. Objection raised: If your current supplier decides an objection is necessary, it will now be raised.

6. You and your new supplier will be notified: You can resolve the objection by working with your current supplier to determine why the switch has been objected to.

Can you switch suppliers if you have debt on your account?

If you have been in debt with your supplier for over 28 days, you can only switch once the debt is paid off. This does not stop you from comparing energy deals once you are in the renewal window for your current contract, usually six or fewer months before your contract end date.

How to resolve energy switch objections

Find out why the switch was objected to. Your current supplier is required to tell you the reason for the objection. The most common reasons are debt on the account or fixed-term contracts that have not yet ended. You should firstly take action, for example if the switch was objected to because of debt on the account, then clear any unpaid balances. Once you have taken action, inform your supplier of the action taken and ask them to remove the objection.

Suppliers must only give valid reasons for the objection. These are outlined in their supply licence. Suppliers are also obligated to tell you the reason for the objection and to tell you how to resolve it. If you think you have received an unfair objection, you should file a complaint with your supplier's complaint team. If you have tried this and the issue is still unresolved, you should contact the energy ombudsman.

How can I switch suppliers?

The simplest way for business owners to switch their supply and get the best energy prices is by contacting our team of energy experts, who can provide you with the lowest prices on the market. All you need to do is get a quote , and a team member will contact you to talk you through the process and provide you with your quotes. Our dedicated admin team will be on hand throughout the process to handle any incoming objections, liaising with yourself and the supplier to get these resolved promptly and provide you with a stress-free switch.

What happens if you fail to pay your energy bills?

If you don't pay your energy bills, you will get into debt with your supplier. Your account could then be handed over to a debt recovery agency, and your energy supply may be cut off. Disconnection is usually the last resort for suppliers, which could occur if you do not work out a way to deal with the debt within 30 days of your missed payment. Not only will your supply be disconnected, but there is usually a disconnection charge and then another reconnection charge when your supply gets reconnected. If you think your energy bills are wrong, don't hesitate to contact us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk or call us on 0161 521 3400 , and we will gladly look into this for you.

How can Purely Energy help?

If you have any queries about energy switch objections or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, get a quick quote .

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Sub-meters for Businesses and Landlords

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:28:17 GMT

Sub-meters for Businesses and Landlords

What is an electrical sub-meter?

Electrical sub-meters are devices associated with a main electrical meter. They record the precise amount of electricity consumed by specific areas in the building. Electrical sub-meters are usually installed as part of an energy optimisation strategy. Having a sub-meter encourages efficient management of devices and building better consumption habits.

What does a Sub-meter do?

A sub-meter can assist you with billing purposes by measuring the usage, impact, and efficiency of equipment processes and individual tenants. Sub-meters allow landlords and property managers to charge individual tenants directly based on their electricity consumption. Tenants pay only for their usage, meaning landlords can avoid overcharging or undercharging.

Types of Sub-meters

Single-phase or three-phase sub-meter:

Electricity sub-meters can be single-phase or three-phase. The initial configuration of your electrical installation dictates this.

Communicating sub-meters:

Smart submeters use different communication technologies (wired or wireless) to transmit data automatically in real-time. Some smart submeters can identify consumption trends, anomalies, and peaks in demand.

Wired communication (Modbus):

Wired communication protocols are used to gather electricity consumption data. Modbus RTU is the most popular protocol for wired solutions.

The Internet of Things (IoT):

Other electricity sub-meters are equipped with IoT (internet of things) functionalities. They can transmit data directly to application servers and communicate with other connected equipment. The dialogue is made possible by a wireless communication protocol, one of the most common of which is the LoRaWAN protocol. LoRaWAN can operate over long distances and consumes less energy. LoRaWAN is particularly useful when installing new equipment in existing buildings.

Why Should You Install an Electricity Sub-meter?

A sub-meter allows a business to monitor energy consumption on individual sites. This lets the landlord or property manager know of faulty or inefficient equipment. Business owners and property managers can reduce financial or environmental risks by spotting these issues.

Sub-metering also allows businesses to compare their energy consumption with competitors and their sites. Staying ahead of the competition can help companies to become sustainable quickly while cutting costs and providing opportunities to broaden their client base.

'Greener' businesses hold a significant advantage over the competition. Customers prefer to work with more sustainable companies to reduce their energy consumption. By reporting energy data through sub-metering, energy and sustainability managers can see how their sustainability targets are measured against competition.

As the UK aims to meet net-zero targets, staying sustainable is essential to all businesses. Sub-metering allows you to identify any areas of inefficiency to target this consumption. You are also lessening your impact on the environment. Any money saved from cutting out these overheads can be invested in the company elsewhere.

Installing an electricity sub-meter can help your business save money, increase efficiency, and promote sustainability in your commercial property.

How long will it take to change my electricity meter?

The completion time for moving/changing your electricity meter depends on the complexity of the project. Our standard timescale for completion is roughly 6-12 weeks. Once you are assigned a dedicated account manager, they will work with you and all involved parties to arrange a suitable time to begin your meter relocation or installation.

How much will a new electricity meter cost?

Deciding the cost of acquiring a new electricity meter depends on several factors, including the scale and layout of your premises. We always prioritise delivering top-tier meters quickly and within your budget. If you are interested in installing a new electricity meter, please contact us today at 0161 521 3400 , and we are more than happy to arrange a tailored quote.

What is a gas sub-meter?

A gas sub-meter is installed on the gas line that feeds a specific unit within a building. The submeter measures the gas consumption of that unit and transmits the data to a submetering system. The submetering system can then bill tenants accurately based on their usage.

Benefits of gas sub-metering:

Fair Billing

Tenants are only charged for the gas they use

Property Value

Sub-metered properties can attract more potential buyers or renters.

Maintenance and Leak Detection

Sub-meters can help identify leaks or abnormal usage patterns, allowing for quicker maintenance and repairs.

What is an ultrasonic water submeter?

Accuracy

Ultrasonic technology provides highly accurate flow rate measurements.

Durability

No moving parts mean less wear and tear, leading to longer-lasting devices and less maintenance required.

Data Transmission

Many ultrasonic submeters offer wireless data transmission capabilities for easy monitoring and management.

How can Purely Energy help?

If you have any queries about sub-meters or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk. Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

How to Read Your Electric and Gas Meters

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:04:07 GMT

How to Read Your Electric or Gas Meter

Why Are Meter Readings Important?

Some suppliers require frequent meter readings to ensure accurate billing. If you fail to submit your meter readings, your supplier will bill you based on estimated usage. If you are being billed on estimated usage, you could be paying for more than you are actually using or get a big back-bill for energy you have not yet paid for.

Who Is Responsible For Reading My Meters?

As the customer, you are responsible for taking and submitting meter readings to your supplier. If you fail to do so, you could be charged for estimated readings, which could result in you paying for more energy than you have used. If you have a smart meter, readings will automatically be sent to your supplier.

How Often Should I Provide Meter Readings?

You should provide meter readings to your supplier at least once a month to ensure accurate billing.

What Are The Different Types Of Electricity Meters?

Single Rate Electricity Meters

Write down the first five numbers from left to right, and ignore any numbers after.

In this example, the meter reading would be 75085

Two Ra te Digital Meters

The cheaper rate reading will be shown on the top bar if you get cheaper electric rates at certain times.

The second bar will show the 'normal' or 'day' rates.

You read these meters like a single-rate digital meter: Write down the first five numbers from left to right and ignore any numbers after.

In this example, the cheaper rate meter reading would be 25404.

The 'day/regular' rate reading would be 54250.

Two Rate Single Display Meters

Some dual rate meters have a single display meter. They either flash up the different readings in a cycle or have a button you have to press to make the display show the different readings for each cycle. Most meters have a label on them that tells you if the reading is for 'low / night' rates or 'high /standard' rates. If there is a 'N' label, it will stand for normal and not night.

To read this type of meter, read the numbers from left to right and take down both meter readings.

If you are not sure which one is for day and which is for night, then check it before night time and again in the morning. The one that went up overnight will be your night meter.

The meter reading for this one would be 75085 and 46806.

Dial Meters

Electricity Dial Meters have five dials, each numbered 0 - 9. You might have a sixth dial that is in red or with a 1/10 next to it; you can ignore this dial.

Each dial turns in the opposite direction to the one next to it. You should check which way each dial turns before reading your meter.

Read the number of the first five dials from left to right. If a pointer is between 2 numbers, choose the lower number. If the pointer lands between 9 and 0, then select 9. Look at the following number if the pointer lands directly on a number. If the following number lands between 9 and 0, reduce the number you read by 1. The meter reading for the dial meter above would be 15649.

What Are The Different Types Of Gas Meters?

Digital Metric Meters

Read the numbers from left to right, and ignore any numbers in red or after the decimal point.

This meter reading would be 00544.

Digital Imperial Meters

Read the numbers from left to right, ignoring any numbers in red.

The meter reading for this would be 1860.

Dial Meters

Gas dial meters have four or more dials. Each dial points towards a number between 0 - 9.

Each dial moves in the opposite direction to the one next to it. (e.g. anticlockwise, clockwise, anticlockwise, clockwise) You need to check the direction of the dials before taking your meter reading.
Firstly, read the dials from left to right. Ignore any dials that are large or red. If the pointer is between two numbers, write down the lower number. If the pointer is between 9 and 0, write down 0.

If the pointer directly points to a number, then write down that number.

The meter reading for this one would be 7241.

How can Purely Energy help?

If you have any queries about meter readings or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk. Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Domestic Energy vs Business Energy

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:55:06 GMT

Domestic energy vs Business energy:

A Complete Guide

What is the difference between domestic energy and business energy?

Although energy for domestic and commercial premises comes from the same source and even sometimes from the same supplier, there are many differences between the two. This means that comparing business energy quotes isn't as simple as comparing quotes for domestic energy. Here's everything you need to know.

What are the differences between domestic and commercial energy contracts?

Different rates and charges: Domestic and commercial bills differ depending on numerous factors such as location and annual consumption. However, business energy consumers may have to pay additional charges, such as VAT and climate change levies . Some businesses can access discounted VAT and exemption from climate change levy. If you think you might be eligible, contact us, and we can advise you on your next steps.

Long-term fixed rates: Most domestic energy contracts last for a year, with an option to leave early. However, commercial energy deals can be locked in for two, three or four years, which means if the price for energy increases, your energy costs will be protected for the duration of your contract.

Longer switching windows: If you want to switch suppliers at the end of your domestic fixed-rate contract, you can typically only arrange this 49 days or less before the contract end date without incurring fees. However, commercial energy deals tend to offer a standard switching window of 6 months, with some suppliers offering up to 12 months and further. If you are in the renewal window, request a quote from us, and our team of energy experts will help you find the best possible prices.

Fuel flexibility: Business gas and electricity are sold separately. Even if you have the same supplier, they will be two separate contracts, potentially with two separate end dates to remember. We can find you the best prices and arrange for your gas and electricity to have the same contract end date to make the process easier.

No price cap on business energy: The energy price cap was introduced in 2019 to help with rising energy prices. However, this is only protected by domestic standard variable rate contracts. Businesses are not protected from out-of-contract rates because there is no price cap for commercial energy prices.

Why is comparing business and domestic energy quotes so different?

Business energy is much more complicated than domestic energy. Domestic energy is pretty straightforward; most people use energy around similar times and for similar reasons. The only difference is that some households use more energy than others. Businesses, however, can massively differ in their usage, consumption patterns, and reasons for consumption. For example, a cafe and a bar may have similar usage, but the ways and times the energy is used will be completely different.

Additionally, risk factors need to be accounted for in business energy. When securing an energy contract, a business may sign a 3-year contract. In this scenario, the supplier will purchase the entire contract's worth of energy from the wholesaler. However, if that business goes bust 18 months into the contract, then the supplier has lost money on the contract. This is why volume tolerance charges were introduced, and credit checks are necessary for business energy contracts.

What is the best way to get quotes for my business?

We recommend comparing rates from multiple suppliers to ensure you navigate the market thoroughly. However, this can be a long process, and realistically, you will have better things to do with your time than ringing up 20 different suppliers. But that's why we're here! Using a service like Purely Energy, you can compare quotes from up to 30 suppliers and sort your contract out that same day. Not only can we access quotes from all suppliers quicker than if you were to go directly to them all, but we can also unlock cheaper rates due to our good relationships with the suppliers.

How can Purely Energy help?

If you have any queries about commercial energy or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk. Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

VAT for Private Schools: The Latest Updates

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:43:06 GMT

VAT & CCL Charges for Private Schools: The Latest Updates

What is VAT?

VAT or Value Added Tax is paid on most goods and services at a standard rate of 20%. Before Labour's new legislation, Private (or independent) schools were eligible for VAT exemption.

New VAT rules for private schools

Initially, all schools classed as education providers under the Education Act were exempt from VAT. However, Labour leaders recently confirmed that from 1 January, private (independent) schools will have to pay the full 20% tax rate. This also applies to any pre-paid fees from 29 July 2024 that cover costs after 1 January 2025.

Why has this been introduced?

According to the treasury, the new tax policy is expected to raise 1.725 billion annually. The Labour government says this money will be invested in improving education in state schools and hiring around 6,500 new teachers.

Will this cause school fees to rise by 20%?

Private schools are not expected to raise their fees by 20%. They don't have to reflect the VAT charge on the amount fee payers are charged. However, fees are predicted to increase by around 10%.

What will be liable for VAT?

Although private schools will now be charged 20% VAT on school fees and boarding services, it will not be a blanket charge covering every aspect of private school costs. The draft legislation specifically states that "other closely related" goods and services other than boarding (i.e. goods and services that are provided by a private school for the direct use of their pupils and that are necessary for delivering the education to their pupils) will remain exempt from VAT."

Currently, costs that could be classified as 'closely related' will not be subjected to tax.

This includes:

School meals
Transport
Examination fees
Books and stationery
Wrap-around care, such as breakfast / non-educational holiday clubs

It should be noted that although breakfast clubs and holiday clubs are not affected by the new 20% tax for private schools policy, educational after-school clubs and holiday clubs, such as fees for extra tutoring, will be.

Is your school eligible for relief of VAT & CCL?

If your private / independent school is classed as a charity, which approximately 50% of independent schools are, you may be entitled to relief from a number of taxes. Charities and non-profit organisations are entitled to a 20% down to 5% VAT reduction on energy used for 'non-business purposes', in addition to being exempt from Climate Change Levy charges (CCL). A recent study showed that over a third of charities (37%) were unaware that they could claim a reduced rate of VAT and CCL exemption.

Assisting you one step further..

Once your energy charges are amended, your school will be able to reap the rewards of a lower energy bill each month, but keeping track of your energy usage could be another great way to keep costs low. Whether your school is made up of one or more buildings and departments, tracking energy usage across the site can be tricky and it's difficult to target problem areas of unnecessarily high energy usage.

Purely Energy is offering free energy software management for all customers - INSIGHT. Your account manager will work closely with you to develop long-term energy saving strategies. Purely Energy will help deliver bespoke services that generate long-term savings, ensuring your school has the financial security and educational excellence it deserves.

If you have any queries about how the latest updates on VAT for private schools or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk . Alternatively, Get a Quick Quote.

This article was written by Megan Glover and Harvey Rowlinson of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us. *This document is not tax advice, please consult with your school bursar for further information.

Energy Contracts for Micro-Businesses

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:40:40 GMT

Energy Contracts for Micro-Businesses

When starting a new business, the list of tasks to get you up and running can seem endless, so managing your energy bills might not be viewed as a priority. However, securing the best energy contract for your new business is crucial. If you are stuck on out-of-contract rates, your energy bills can be up to 3x more expensive, meaning your monthly expenses can increase massively!

What Is a Micro-Business?

A microbusiness is a business which employs less than ten people and turns over less than £1.8 million annually. Additionally, if your company employs more than ten people, it could still be counted as a microbusiness - if you use less than 100,000 kWh of electricity per year or less than 293,000 kWh of gas per year.

If you’re unsure how much energy you use in a year, you can find out by contacting your supplier, checking your bill or asking us - our energy experts will be more than happy to help.

There are currently 5.2 million micro businesses throughout the UK. Qualifying as a micro business gains you access to a wider range of business energy providers, some familiar household names such as EDF and others less known to those outside of the business industry.

How Are Energy Contracts Different for Micro-businesses?

Greater Transparency: Your energy suppliers must be completely upfront with you about all the key terms of your energy contract, including any third-party costs and broker fees. This is to ensure that you know the exact prices you will be paying.

Termination Notice: For most SMEs, you can’t shop around for other contracts until approximately six months before the end of your current contract, although we have a selection of suppliers that will allow you to secure your tariff up to 12 months in advance. Suppliers can no longer insist on a 30-day notice period to end an energy contract for microbusinesses. The only exception to this is if a commercial deal expires and you are put on out-of-contract rates.

Back Billing: If your supplier has erroneously invoiced you, you may receive surprisingly large energy bills. Energy companies can only back-date bills for the past 12 months. You should provide your supplier with frequent meter readings (around one a month) to ensure your business is correctly billed.

Unique Products and Services: Micro-businesses have access to a surplus of services compared to larger businesses. They can access renewable energy, efficiency services, and special government grants/schemes. This is especially ideal for micro businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy bills.

Better information on the energy market and your rights: Citizens Advice offers microbusinesses free access to up-to-date guidance and advice on consumer rights and how the market operates.

What should you look for once a contract has been arranged?

If you run a microbusiness, you’ll receive the following information from your energy supplier when you agree to a new contract:

The key terms of the plan before you sign up for it. This information should be provided whether you use a broker or purchase directly from the supplier.

The terms and conditions for the contract should include renewal terms for fixed-term plans. You should receive this within ten days of signing a new contract.

Information regarding the contract end date and the latest date you can give notice to terminate a fixed-term contract (if applicable).

When your energy contract is due for renewal, you should be provided with the following information:

A renewal reminder explaining what your options are. You should receive this around 60 days before your contract ends. This includes your current rates, annual consumption, and any new rates the supplier wishes to offer for your next contract. It is best to shop around for other prices before deciding whether you want to renew with your current supplier, as it is rare for the renewal rates being offered to be the cheapest on the market. If you would like help finding the most affordable prices, Get a Quick Quote

Types of Tariffs

Fixed tariffs - A fixed business tariff allows you to lock in your unit rates and standing charge with your supplier for a fixed amount of time. Fixed tariffs are usually cheaper than other ones, but you should always get a price comparison before agreeing to a contract to ensure you get the best prices on the market. If you would like help doing this, then Get a Quote.

Out-of-contract rates - If your fixed contract ends without a new one being arranged, your supplier will place you on out-of-contract rates. These are usually more expensive than rates offered on a fixed tariff, but you can switch suppliers anytime. If you are on out-of-contract rates and want to save money on a fixed tariff, contact us.

Deemed rate tariff —Deemed rates are similar to out-of-contract rates but only apply to customers who have moved into new premises or have processed a change of tenancy and have not yet agreed to a new contract. Deemed rates are also often more expensive than fixed tariffs, so if you think you are on deemed rates, you should arrange a price comparison.

Rolling contract: A rolling contract rolls you onto a new, year-long contract at higher rates when your contract ends. Before signing an energy agreement, you should ensure you are not agreeing to a rolling contract, although it isn’t as common as it used to be.

How Can My Micro-Business Secure The Best Energy Prices?

To ensure you get the best energy prices, you should run a price comparison to ensure you get the best rates on the market. Purely Energy can help you with this. Understanding your energy usage can also make a huge difference in saving on your energy bills. Purely Energy has now released our new energy management software- Insights. Track your usage in real-time to identify any inefficient equipment or to find out where energy is being wasted as it is happening. If your business classifies as a micro business, you could be eligible for government grants or schemes, such as VAT reduction or CCL exemption .

How can Purely Energy help?

If you would like us to help you secure the best rates on the market for your micro business, contact us. Alternatively, get a quick quote.

If you have any queries about microbusinesses or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or Info@purelyenergy.co.uk.

Megan Glover of Purely Energy wrote this article. If you have any suggestions or questions, please get in touch with us.

What is PUE and DCIE?

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:07:36 GMT

What is PUE and DCIE?

What is PUE?

Power Usage Efficiency (PUE) is a metric used to calculate a data centre's energy efficiency. Data centres require a lot of energy to run, so ensuring your data centre's PUE score is low is crucial. The Green Grid created PUE in 2007, which has since become a global standard for measuring energy efficiency for data centres.

What is DCIE?

DCiE (Data Centre Infrastructure Efficiency) is the reciprocal of PUE, but expressed as a percentage rather than a ratio. The formula for DCIE is 1/PUE X 100. The higher the DCIE the more efficient the data centre. E.g. A PUE of 1.2 would mean a DCIE of 83% which is very efficient.

How to calculate PUE

PUE is calculated by dividing the total amount of power entering the power system by the power used to run the I.T. equipment in the data system.

Total power entering / Power used to run I.T. equipment = PUE

For example, if a data system uses 50,000kwh of total power and 40,000kwh is used by the IT equipment, then the PUE would be 1.25. The remaining 10,000kwh will be used on other non-IT equipment, such as cooling systems.

What is classed as a 'good' PUE score?

The closer to 1, the more energy efficient the data centre is. The Average data centre's PUE is around 1.58. If your PUE score is higher than this then you should make efforts to decrease it. Data centres built after 2027 must achieve a PUE score of 1.3 or under. If you need help reducing your PUE score then please contact us and our energy experts will advise you on how this can be done.

How to reduce PUE / DCIE

Reducing a data centre can be difficult. However, reducing your PUE score can reduce costs and improve the company's carbon footprint. You can reduce your PUE score by:

Improving cooling systems—Data centres require cooling systems to prevent overheating. However, refrigerant-based cooling systems use a large amount of energy. Improving cooling systems or reducing your reliance on them can help decrease PUE.
Virtualise Servers - Having virtualised servers means they can run their own workloads, which saves space and reduces energy consumption.
Replace inefficient equipment - The quality of I.T. equipment deteriorates over time. Checking for inefficient equipment and replacing it with more energy-efficient equipment can help decrease your PUE.
Use an energy-efficient UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) - Using a UPS will reduce the power supply's run time, decreasing PUE scores.

If you have any queries about PUE or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk. Alternatively, get a quick quote .

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Energy Broker Commissions

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 08:52:47 GMT

Energy Broker Commission - Explained

What is an energy broker?

Energy Brokers are a third-party intermediary between a business and energy suppliers. Energy brokers help businesses secure the best possible prices for their energy bills. The energy broker will set up a contract between your business and the chosen energy supplier.

What do energy brokers do?

Energy brokers assess your businesses' energy requirements (e.g. energy consumption, start date, etc.) and use this information to navigate the energy market and secure the lowest prices. Energy brokers can access cheaper rates than if you were to go to the supplier directly. A good energy broker will have developed excellent relationships with their suppliers. In return for gathering a large volume of customers for the energy supplier, the energy supplier will provide cheaper prices.

How do energy brokers earn commission?

Energy brokers will add an uplift to the supplier's price. For example, if a supplier had quoted an electricity price of 26p / kWh, the energy broker could then add an extra 0.5p / kWh, making the total price 26.5p / kWh.

The customer usually pays their bills, and the energy supplier is responsible for paying the energy broker.

Previously, there were no laws surrounding energy brokers not disclosing their uplifts to customers, so many immoral brokers were mis-selling overly expensive energy contracts. OFGEM had to get involved in 2024 and made it a legal requirement for brokers to disclose their uplifts to customers.

If you think you have been mis-sold an energy contract and need help determining your next steps, contact us. We will be happy to assist you.

Why use an energy broker?

Some energy brokers provide services other than securing cheaper energy prices, which could be very handy for your business.

Expert Advice – Get professional guidance to decide which energy contract best suits your business's needs.
Time Savings – Save time navigating the energy market and contacting suppliers. Let us do all the hard work for you.
Competitive rates – Unlock the most competitive rates on the market.
Help with switching – Get help switching suppliers and dealing with any objections or issues which may prolong the process
Account monitoring— Stay on top of your energy contracts. We will manage your contracts for you and let you know when one is due for renewal, so you don't find yourself stuck with expensive out-of-contract rates.
Energy Software Management – Purely Energy has released our new energy management software – Purely Insights. Get real-time data on your energy consumption.

How do I know which broker is right for me?

Some energy brokers can be dodgy! Hidden fees and commissions can leave you paying more than you thought you agreed to. Here are some key things to look for in a broker;

Check their credentials. Accreditation by a relevant government agency or industry association is now a requirement for all energy brokers.
Do they have a good reputation? Make sure the energy broker has good reviews, e.g. on Trustpilot .
Ask about fees and charges. A good broker will always be open and honest about any fees or charges for their service.
Check if they offer any other services. Some other brokers, such as Purely Insight , offer additional services in addition to securing good energy prices.

How can Purely Energy help?

If you think you have been mis-sold a contract or would like help securing the best rates on the market with an energy broker you can trust, then contact us.

If you have any queries about how commission works for energy brokers or would like help lowering your energy costs, contact us at 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk. Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Electricity Market Reform Costs

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 12:45:52 GMT

Electricity Market Reform Costs: Why am I Being Charged For It?

What is the Electricity Market Reform?

Electricity Market Reform (EMR) is a government initiative which aims to 'transform the UK's electricity system to ensure that our future electricity supply is secure, low-carbon and affordable' - basically, a tax that will help the UK build better energy infrastructure.

Around 20% of the UK's existing electricity generators are due to shut down in the next 15 years, as many of them are powered by gas, which is not environmentally friendly.

Therefore, EMR helps the UK's government make investments to generate enough electricity to meet demand in the future.

Is Electricity Market Reform a supplier cost or end user cost?

The Electricity Market Reform costs are a cost that is given to the supplier, some suppliers, such as DRAX and Pozitive, pass this cost on the end user, which might make your original quote look much cheaper than it is.

For example, if your business uses 300,000 kWh of electricity per year, you would face excess fees of £5,259.75 which may have been excluded from your original quote.

In 2024, here were the costs associated to energy suppliers and misfortunate end users.

The main components of the Electricity Market Reform are:

1. Contracts for Difference (CfD ) - Contracts for Difference (CfD) is a scheme to motivate investments in new, low-carbon electricity generation. CfD is a long-term contract between a government-led Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) and large-scale renewable electricity generators (such as large wind farms).

2. Capacity Market (CM) - The Capacity Market (CM) aims to ensure that there is enough electricity to meet peak demand, protecting the UK against risks of future blackouts, for example, during periods of low wind generation and high demand.

How does the Electricity Market Reform affect customers?

Some suppliers, such as Drax and Pozitive Energy (PE), include EMR charges separately in their energy bills and may not mention it clearly on their original quote.

If you have a half-hourly meter, your EMR charges will be listed under the 'Taxes, Levies and Other Statutory Obligations' section of your energy bill.

Taxes, levies and other statutory obligation charges include:

HCfD Operational Levy: Covers the cost of administrating CfD.

CfD Interim Levy Rate: This rate covers the operational components of Contracts for Difference (CfD) and the Capacity Market (CM).

CM Settlement Costs: Recovers the costs of the Capacity Market administration. Suppliers will recover this charge from their customers based on their energy consumption in periods of high demand (4pm - 7pm on working days, from November – February)

CM Supplier Levy: This is the main CM charge, which is passed to capacity providers operating the scheme. It is used to pay capacity providers for a delivery year. CM Supplier Levy charges are calculated based on Half-Hourly consumption between 4pm - 7pm from November to February (Monday through Friday only).

If you have a non-half-hourly meter, the 'Taxes, levies and other statutory obligations' charge will be simplified into one line.

I need more help understanding Electric Market Reform

We have a team of energy experts who can advise you on any questions you may have around the electricity market reform, or the costs linked to it.

f you have any queries about Electric Market Reform or would like help lowering your energy costs contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk. Alternatively, get a quick quote here

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Guide to Change of Tenancies

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 09:59:22 GMT

Guide to Change of Tenancies

A Change of Tenancy request needs to be submitted to your energy supplier when you move in or out of a premises. As the tenant or owner, this process is important to avoid issues such as incorrect billing or supplies being cut off.

At Purely Energy, we want to ensure that your move is as easy as possible, so we handle the whole process for you when you acquire a contract through us. Please don't hesitate to call us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk if you have any queries about a Change of Tenancy.

What should I do when I'm moving into a new premises?

You should contact the energy suppliers of the premises you are moving into to inform them that you are the new tenant. You can call or email us to find out who your new supplier is, and we will be more than happy to find out for you and assist you with your move.

If you fail to inform the current energy supplier of your move, you may be incorrectly billed for a period of time that the previous tenant was liable for. It is also common to be placed onto deemed rates when you first move into a new premises, which can be up to 80% more expensive than a fixed tariff. Here at Purely Energy, we can find the cheapest rates and secure the best possible contracts for your energy supply. Get a quick quote.

What should I do when I'm moving out of a property?

You must let your supplier know if you are changing premises, preferably at least 30 days before you move, so there is time for your change of tenancy to be processed. This will ensure that you receive a correct closing bill, dated up to when you leave the premises, so that you are not incorrectly charged for the energy used after you leave. A submitted meter reading taken when you leave the premises will also help with this, if you are responsible for taking readings manually.

When reaching out to your energy supplier, they are likely to request the following information:

Details of the property such as address, moving in/out date and supply numbers.
A lease to show you have moved in or a lease surrender to show you have moved out. (For new owners, suppliers may request a copy of the land registry, title deeds, a TR1 form or sales agreement).
Business rates or insurance documents if you are operating a new business at the premises.
Meter readings (if these are not taken automatically).
Some suppliers may also ask for forms of ID, proof of address, pictures of the premises and food hygiene certificates, if applicable.

Can tenants switch suppliers?

Yes, if you are a new tenant or owner that is responsible for your own energy bills, you can get in touch with us to set up a contract with your desired supplier. You are not obligated to stay with the property’s current energy supplier and we will deal with all pesky paperwork for your change of tenancy. If your landlord is responsible for your property’s energy contracts, they will follow a similar process, providing they are not already in contract at the property.

Do I have to pay any charges to my supplier when changing tenancies?

Most people are cautious of early exit fees when they are in a fixed contract, but this is rarely applicable when it comes to change of tenancies. Whether you are in a fixed or variable contract, your supplier should allow you to exit the contract with no fees if you are leaving the premises, as long as the COT process is followed and evidence of the move is provided.

I need help with my change of tenancy. What should I do?

Purely Energy has a dedicated change of tenancy team who are happy to assist you throughout the Change of Tenancy process. All you need to do is get in contact with us or request a quick quote and we will sort the rest for you.

We will gladly assist you if you have any other queries about change of tenancies or would like help lowering your energy costs.

Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk , and we will advise you on your next steps to ensure you can attain the lowest energy bills possible.

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Non-Commodity Costs Explained

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 13:33:55 GMT

Non Commodity Costs Explained

What are Non Commodity Costs?

Non commodity costs are additional charges on a business electricity bill. These charges cover the distribution of electricity, maintenance of the grid, and other network costs. Non-commodity costs are usually included in your standing charge (if not stated elsewhere on your electricity bill). Non-commodity costs can be up to 16% of your total electricity bill, therefore, it is important that you fully understand them

How do Suppliers Purchase Electricity?

There are multiple ways suppliers can purchase electricity, the main ways suppliers do this are:

From wholesale markets,
Direct power purchase agreements,
Spot market purchases.

Suppliers frequently purchase electricity through all the above methods, which allows suppliers to hedge the energy market and secure competitive energy prices.

Energy suppliers are charged by the National Transmission Network, Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), and independent DNOs responsible for delivering the electricity to consumer premises.

What are Transmission Networks?

Transmission networks provide an even distribution of energy around the UK. Transmission networks are high-voltage power lines and infrastructure that move electricity from power plants to DNOs. You may recognise electricity pylons scattered around. These are transmission networks. You can also get underground lines. These Pylons and underground lines are managed by the national grid all around the UK and make sure that energy is distributed over long distances to meet the country's energy demand.

What are DUoS Charges?

DUoS (Distribution Use of System) is an energy charge implemented as a result of TCR (Targeted Charging Review).

DUoS cover the cost of maintaining and upgrading the grid. They also cover general costs of operating the infrastructure required to distribute electricity from the transmission network to consumers.

How are DUoS Charges Calculated?

DUoS charges are calculated based on the following:

Availability Charge: Also known as Agreed Supply Capacity (ASC). This charge covers the kVA capacity available for your electricity meter. This is billed as £/kVA
Excess Availability Charge: This charge applies only if you surpass your agreed supply capacity (ASC). To avoid these charges, you should check that your kVA is correct.
Reactive Power Charge: This is for non-working power used by equipment such as transformers and motors. It is only charged if it exceeds your DNO's limits. To mitigate these costs, we recommend that you install power factor-correcting equipment.
Standing Charge: This is a fixed daily charge set by your supplier to cover the costs of distributing energy and maintaining the grid.
Unit Rates: This is the price of your electricity consumption, charged in P/kWh by your supplier.

What are TNUoS Charges?

TNUoS (Transmission Network Use of System) are charges incurred on your energy bill by the transmission network to cover the costs of maintaining and operating the high-voltage transmission network which transports electricity from power stations to local distribution networks. Generators also must pay these charges, not just consumers.

How are TNUoS calculated?

In March every year, the National Grid identifies three half-hour periods with the highest energy demand from November to February. The National Grid will then create an average of your energy consumption during these peak periods, which is known as the Triad. This figure is then doubled to reflect a full hour's usage and multiplied by your regional TNUoS rate to calculate the final annual charge. If you use your energy strategically during the assessment periods, then you can lower your TNUoS charges.

TNUoS costs have recently increased due to an increase in transmission network costs. This cost increase was caused by the need to upgrade old infrastructure and create more renewable energy sources.

Extra Charges for High Voltage Assets

High-voltage assets are equipment and infrastructure required in the transmission of electricity at high voltages. This includes but is not limited to, transformers, high-voltage power lines, and substations.

Businesses connected to high-voltage networks may be charged the 'extra-high-voltage distribution charging methodology' (EDCM). EDCM is used to calculate DUoS charges for large energy consumers connected to the distribution network at higher voltages.

How can businesses reduce their non-commodity costs?

Tracking your energy usage is an excellent start for managing your energy costs. You should monitor how much energy is being wasted and energy which is being used during peak times that could be used during non-peak times instead (such as charging devices). Purely Energy have invested in a software to identify where energy is getting lost and how you can reduce your energy consumption, which will then lower your non-commodity costs. If you would like more details, please contact us, and we would be happy to assist you.

Reducing DUoS Charges

Energy Audits: Conducting regular energy audits can help identify inefficiencies and point out opportunities for savings.
Shift Operations: Move high consumption activities to off-peak periods, such as charging necessary equipment.
Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-saving strategies and ensure that staff are up to date with the new energy efficiency protocols. This will reduce overall consumption.
Load management: Using an energy management system to monitor your energy consumption patterns.
Flexible Contracts: If your energy consumption changes, you may get caught up by volume tolerance charges. To avoid volume tolerance charges, negotiate a flexible contract with your supplier, which has no volume tolerance. If you are not already in a flexible contract, let your supplier know as soon as possible about the potential energy consumption changes to see if they can do anything about it. If you are still struggling with deciding if your energy consumption will change or how to secure a contract with no volume tolerance , then contact us, and we will be happy to sort it out for you.
Renewable energy sources: Some renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can reduce your dependence on the national grid at peak times.
Capacity Planning and Reviews: By reviewing your current agreed kVA and comparing it with how much kVA you need, you could potentially get a kVA reduction, which will lower your banding, leading to lower charges. If you think your business will benefit from a free kVA analysis, then contact us, and we will be happy to carry one out for you.

Reducing TNUoS Charges

To minimise the TNUoS Charges, you can do the following:

Demand Response: Reduce energy demand during peak times.
Location Optimisation: Consider the location of your business sites and how energy can be more expensive in one area than another. (E.G., Northern Scotland is around 2 pence more expensive than Southern Scotland)
Monitor Future Trends in the Energy Market: The energy market is constantly evolving, making it difficult to predict exactly what will happen in the future. However, we can predict what is likely to happen, which gives us at least some insights into the future. An increase in renewable energy sources, advances in smart grid technology, and implemented government schemes will shape the future of the energy market.

Due to the rollout of half-hourly meters and smart meters, businesses can expect more accurate energy data readings. More accurate meter readings mean that your business will not be charged for any energy you don't use. If your energy consumption is currently based on estimated meter reads, then you could be getting charged for energy that you don't use.

How can Purely Energy Help?

Purely Energy can monitor your usage patterns, ensure you don't fall into higher out-of-contract rates, and manage your energy contracts for you.

We can provide you with a free kVA analysis and organise a kVA reduction to reduce your energy bills further.

We have a team of energy experts who can advise you on current government schemes, such as the Climate Change Levy (CCL) exemption and VAT reduction. Read more about reduced VAT and CCL here.

We will gladly assist you if you have any queries about non-commodity costs or would like help lowering your energy costs. Get a quick quote here

Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk for any queries, and we will advise you on your next steps to ensure you can attain the lowest energy bills possible.

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

What are MPAN and MPRN Numbers?

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 10:44:06 GMT

What are MPAN and MPRN Numbers?

What is an MPAN number?

An MPAN is a 13-digit number which identifies an electricity meter. Your electricity bills will include an MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) number, which may also be called the supply number.

Where to find an MPAN number?

Most energy bills show this number at the bottom of the page, but this is only the case for some suppliers. If you switch suppliers, your MPAN will remain the same. For more help understanding your energy bill, click here to access our guide.

How do I find my MPAN without a bill?

You can contact your local distribution network operator (DNO) if you cannot access your previous energy bill. If you’re unsure who the DNO is in your area, click here . Alternatively, you can contact Citizens Advice to access this information. All you need is your postcode.

What does an MPAN look like?

- Profile Class (S03 in the above example)

Your profile class can be anything from 00 – 08. A profile class splits consumers into different categories based on their energy consumption.

00 - Half-hourly meters. Peak load usage is over 100 KW

01 - Domestic supply. Most households have a 01 profile class.

02 - Households with a multi-rate (economy 7) meter will have this profile class. This means they have access to cheaper electricity during the night.

03 - Businesses that consume a smaller amount of energy. Most small businesses fall into this profile class.

04 - Businesses with a multi-rate meter. This means they have access to cheaper electricity during the night.

05 - Business maximum demand with a peak load factor of less than 20%

06 - Business maximum demand with a peak load factor between 20% and 30%

07 - Business maximum demand with a peak load factor between 30% and 40%

08 - Business maximum demand with a peak load factor over 40%

Due to the P272 legislation, businesses with a meter profile class of 05, 06, 07, or 08 are legally required to switch to a half-hourly meter (00).

- Meter Time Switch Code (123 in the above example)

The next three digits refer to the number of registers your electricity meter has. These could be either dials or sets of meter numbers and the times they operate. This information is for your supplier and the networks, so you don’t have to pay attention to it.

- Line Loss Factor (456 in the above example)

The remaining three digits on the top line of your MPAN display the expected costs that the distribution company will charge your energy supplier to use the cables and networks in your area. It additionally indicates to your energy supplier the potential charges incurred due to the loss of electricity while getting to your property or business. This is mainly for your energy supplier, so you don’t have to pay attention.

- Distributor ID (12 in the above example)

These are the first two digits in the bottom line of the MPAN (12 in the above example). It refers to the region in which your property or business is located. The areas and their corresponding codes are as follows.

10 – Eastern England

11 – East Midlands

12 – London

13 – Merseyside and North Wales

14 – West Midlands

15 – North Eastern England

16 – North Western England

17 – Northern Scotland

18 – Southern Scotland

19 – South Eastern England

20 – Southern England

21 – Southern Wales

22 – South Western England

23 – Yorkshire

23 - 35 Are what we call IDNO's. These are private network operators

- Meter Point ID (3456 7890 in the above example)

These are the following eight numbers. Each is a unique number within your distribution area and is used to identify the metering point.

- Check Digit (987 in the above example)

The final three numbers are based on the meter point ID and distributor ID. Check digit verifies both of these numbers.

What is an MPRN?

An MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) is a unique identifying number for your gas supply. This is the equivalent of an MPAN number for domestic and commercial gas consumers. Like an MPAN number, this does not change if you switch suppliers. MPRNs are shorter than MPANs, containing six to ten numbers and no letters. Getting your account number and MPRN mixed up is easy, but these are entirely different.

Where to find my MPRN?

Unlike MPANs, MPRNs are sometimes stamped onto the meter itself, so if this is the case for you, you can find your MPRN on your gas meter. If your MPRN is not stamped onto your gas meter, it can be found on your most recent gas bill. If you still can’t find your MPRN number, visit this website and enter your postcode and address.

Frequently Asked Questions:

If you need help understanding your MPAN or MPRN, please call us on 0161 521 3005. We would be more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk for any queries, and we will advise you on your next steps to ensure you can attain the lowest energy bills possible. Alternatively, get a quick quote.

This article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Commercial Solar Export

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 10:06:00 GMT

Commercial Solar Export Rates (p/kWh)

UK's Energy Titans: A Closer Look (The Big Six Energy Suppliers)

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 12:28:05 GMT

The UK's Energy Titans: A Closer Look

(The Big 6... and more)

In the UK's dynamic energy market, six major suppliers dominate the scene. They're not only giants due to their size; each brings their own unique selling points to the table. Let's dive into who these big players are, their customer base, and what sets them apart.

1. E.ON Next

E.ON Next is part of E.ON group, which supplies energy to over 30 countries around Europe. E.ON was originally one of the big six energy suppliers, but they re-branded into E.ON Next. This had no effect on their customer base. E.ON Next are basically the same as E.ON, but they only supply domestic meters or small/medium businesses. Npower (Link to Npower bit further down) who are powered by E.ON took on all Industrial and large business meters. E.ON Next currently supplies over 5.6 million gas and electric customers. They have 4.4 stars on trust pilot.

2. British Gas

With over 7 million domestic customers and over 500,000 commercial customers, British Gas is has the biggest market share out of all the suppliers at 27.8%. They stand out with their comprehensive home services, offering not merely energy but also boiler cover and smart home solutions. Their focus on customer service and innovative products like smart meters positions them as a market leader. They are rated 4.2 stars on trust pilot.

3. EDF Energy

EDF Energy has approximately 5 million customers, and their commitment to low-carbon energy is the crown jewel in their collection of selling points. A leader in sustainability, they're passionate about renewable energy, making them a go-to energy choice for eco-conscious consumers. They are rated 4.6 stars on trust pilot.

4. OVO Energy

After acquiring SSE Energy’s customer base in 2019, OVO Energy now has over 4.5 million customers. OVO Energy also took on Boost Energy’s customers in September 2024. Their green energy plans and tree-planting initiative make them a favourite energy source for the environmentally aware. In addition, their customer service and their continual investment in cutting-edge technology earn them high marks. They have 4.5 stars on trust pilot.

5. Scottish Power

Scottish Power has about 5 million customers. What sets them apart is that they are the first large UK energy company to generate 100% green electricity. Their 38 onshore windfarms in operation throughout the UK are a testament to their commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability. They are rated 4.3 stars on trust pilot.

6. Npower

With approximately 3 million customers, Npower is known for competitive pricing and a variety of tariff options. Npower is the biggest Industrial and Commercial supplier in the UK, catering to a broad range of customer needs, they focus on affordability without compromising on service. Npower are now ran by E.ON with 4.1 stars on trust pilot.

Honourable Mentions

There are 37 energy suppliers within the UK, which means there are many great suppliers worth considering which are missed from the big 6 list. Although you may not be familiar with some of these companies, they are definitely still worth considering.

1. Pozitive Energy

Pozitive Energy stands out with its bespoke business energy solutions. Pozitive have over 100,000 customers. They offer a personalized approach, ensuring businesses get the energy solutions best suited for their specific needs. They have 4.2 stars on trust pilot.

2. Yu Energy

Yu Energy is carving a niche in the business energy market as well. Yu Energy have around 45,000 customers around the UK. Their focus on tailored business services, along with their competitive pricing and excellent customer service, makes them a strong contender. They have 4.2 stars on trip advisor.

3. Tomato Energy (ceased to trade - 5th November 2025)

Tomato Energy, a newer entrant, with approximately 16,000 customers. (As of November 2025 Tomato Energy has exited the energy market ue to getting their financial forecasts wrong) Tomato focuses on simplicity and billing transparency. They’re gaining a foothold with their straightforward approach and commitment to making energy bills easier to understand. Tomato Energy has 4.2 stars on trust pilot.

4. Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy was founded in 2016 and has over 6.8 million customers. Octopus is known for its award-winning customer service, transparency, and fair prices. They have 4.8 stars on trust pilot.

The UK energy market is diverse and competitive. While the big six continue to lead, emerging companies like Pozitive Energy, Yu Energy, Tomato Energy and Octopus are bringing fresh perspectives and innovations. This industry promises to keep evolving, offering consumers a wide array of choices to suit their unique energy needs.

If you need help gathering prices for your new energy contract, we can provide you with quick quotes.

Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk for any queries, and we will advise you on your next steps to ensure you can attain the lowest energy bills possible.

This article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Volume Tolerance for Business Energy and Key Factors to Review

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:35:28 GMT

Volume Tolerance in Business Energy Contracts

What is Volume Tolerance?

Volume tolerance is a clause in the terms and conditions of your energy contract which states you must only use over or under a certain percentage of your estimated annual consumption; otherwise, you may be charged extra.

Most suppliers have this set at 80% / 120% (meaning you can go over or under your estimated annual consumption by 20% and not be charged extra).

For example, if your estimated annual consumption is 100,000 kWh , the least amount of energy you can use without being charged extra is 80,000 kWh, and the most you can use is 120,000 kWh.

Why does Volume Tolerance Exist?

The economic crash of 2009 was caused by an 8% fall in business electricity consumption, which left suppliers with a large amount of electricity left over. This left over electricity then had to be sold much cheaper than its original price. To protect suppliers from this happening again, volume tolerance was introduced. Volume Tolerance in energy contracts was found useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, where a large amount of businesses had to temporarily close their doors due to government legislations.

How does volume tolerance work?

What happens if you use more energy?

When your energy contract is agreed your supplier will use your estimated annual consumption to purchase a fixed amount of energy to supply you over a fixed amount of time. If your business suddenly starts using way above the estimated annual consumption , the supplier will need to purchase more energy from the national grid to be able to provide the extra energy your business is using. Due to inflation, when the supplier purchases more energy though the grid the price has increased. To cover the extra costs, the supplier then charges you a volume tolerance fee at the end of your contract.

What happens if you use less energy?

Alternatively, your energy contract is agreed and the supplier purchases a fixed amount of energy to provide to you over a fixed amount of time based on your annual consumption. However this time you are using significantly less energy than what was estimated. The supplier will then have to sell the energy which is left over at the end of your contract for a lower cost than what they bought it as. To cover the costs of this you will then be charged a volume tolerance fee at the end of your contract.

How can your business ensure volume tolerance charges do not hit them?

If you know you will be using significantly less or more energy than you estimated annual consumption, then discuss this with your supplier. If you are a customer of Purely Energy we can do this for you.

To avoid going over your estimated annual consumption you should make sure your business is saving energy where possible. Purely Energy has launched a usage monitoring software to identify where and when energy is being wasted. For more information, please contact us.

Submitting regular meter readings will ensure your energy usage is tracked as accurately as possible and help avoid estimated readings. Estimated meter readings could lead to you being charged for more energy than you are using. Smart meters and Energy Management Systems (EMS) can help you identify patterns in your energy consumption, so if you think you will go over your agreed volume tolerance you can detect where energy can be saved.

Different suppliers have different volume tolerances, however, most work at an 80% / 120% margin.

What happens if I leave my fixed energy contract early?

When you sign a fixed energy contract , these are usually for 12 or 24 months and is a legally binding contract. If you want to leave your fixed energy contract early, then you will have to pay an exit fee. We would recommend to start looking for new energy deals 6-12 months before your current contract end date to make the most out of the energy market.

Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk for any queries, and we will advise you on your next steps to ensure you can attain the lowest energy bills possible.

Click here if you would like a quick quote.

This article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Targeted Charging Review (TCR)

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 18:49:53 GMT

Targeted Charging Review (TCR)

What is The Targeted Charging Review (TCR)?

TCR (Targeted Charging Review) is was introduced by OFGEM (The regulator) that aims to ensure that businesses are charged fairly and transparently for the distribution of their energy and the maintenance of the grid.

The national grid has predicted that this will save them £300 million annually.

TCR came into full effect in April 2023. Due to TCR, DUoS (Distribution Use of Systems) and TNUoS (Transmission Network Use of Systems) have now been worked into your business energy bills. DUoS and TNUoS can make up to 16%-33% of your energy bill.

DUoS and TNUoS are linked to the Available Supply Capacity (ASC), which is the maximum amount of energy that a site can consume from the national grid at any given time - this is measured in KVA. Depending on your ASC, your business could face higher energy bills due to TCR.

Why has TCR been implemented?

Some business electricity consumers ensured their energy consumption was at its highest away from peak times, a practice known as load shifting.

This allowed these businesses to avoid paying expensive tariffs during peak times. However, load shifting has caused an imbalance. This means that some energy consumers were underpaying for network costs while other businesses had to cover the deficit. Targeted Charging Review (TCR) solves this issue by regulating how DUoS (Distribution) and TNUoS (Transmission) charges are applied to energy bills.

Are these costs fixed?

Around 90% of TNUoS and 50% of Duos costs will be fixed and included in your standing charge.

How have my TNUoS AND DUoS costs been decided?

You will be given a banding based on your location and the agreed supply capacity of your business premises. The higher the agreed capacity, the higher the TCR charges. Contact us if you need help finding your allocated banding, and we will be happy to help.

Before signing an energy contract, you should review your kVA and see if it can be reduced. Once you sign a contract, you will be stuck paying that standing charge, even if you get a kVA reduction during the contract. If your business would benefit from a kVA review, contact us. We are happy to provide you with a free kVA analysis.

Standing charge prices for your kVA ( Half Hourly businesses only )

Your standing charge will differ based on your location, business size and consumption. If you have a non-half hourly meter and would like an estimate on what you can expect your standing charge to be, please contact us, and we will be happy to find out for you or provide you with a quick quote.

What can you do to change your TCR Banding / High Standing Charge

If you think you are in the wrong band, then you may be able to change this by contacting your local distribution network. Find my Network Operator

We will gladly assist you if you want to know more about TCR.

Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk for any queries, and we will advise you on your next steps to ensure you can attain the lowest energy bills possible.

This article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

What is a Letter of Authority and Do I need to sign a Letter of Authority (LOA)

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:58:10 GMT

What is an Letter of Authority (LOA)?

Half-Hourly Electricity Meters Explained

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 13:50:33 GMT

Half-Hourly Electricity Meters Explained

What is a Half-Hourly meter (HH meter)

A half-hourly meter is a type of electricity meter used by businesses, typically those with high usage. It records the user’s energy consumption at half-hourly intervals 24/7. Usage data is automatically sent straight to the supplier, so you won’t need to take manual readings. A Half-Hourly Meter can handle a larger capacity than a standard meter, which is why it is typically used by businesses that consume more energy, such as factories or warehouses.

What does a Half-Hourly meter look like?

Below is what a half hourly meter looks like. You will also find a meter serial number on the front of the meter (we have crossed this out in red)

If you are unsure on if you have a half hourly meter or not here are three key identifiers:

Metal ring on the front of meter , this is for cell signal as all half hourly meters or have to be connected via a sim card to submit readings. (specifically, to hold the magnetised communication head when in operation).
Higher standing Charge , usually with Half Hourly meters, as they have a sim card included and read every half an hour. Your standing charge is typically higher due to this data collection and meter operational costs.
Meter Serial Number , on your electricity meter, you will have a meter serial number ( in red on image above ). If you send in your meter serial number we can identify if your meter is Half hourly and provide an estimate on your standing charge cost.

Are Half-Hourly meters more expensive?

Generally, HH meters come at higher costs than usual meters. Half-hourly meters are aimed at businesses that consume large amounts of energy, so the extra cost of having a half-hourly meter works out still being cheaper than not having a HH meter due to the accuracy of the readings.

There are two types of Half Hourly Meters:

Whole Current (WC) meters
Current Transformer (CT) meters

You will notice a Capacity Charge on your electricity bills if you have a CT meter. Capacity charge is a fee to reserve and allocate energy on the network for your energy supply.

All Half Hourly Meter customers must also pay Meter Operator (MOP) charges. Your Meter Operator is accountable for installing and sustaining your Half Hourly Meter. A MOP fee is a charge to cover the costs of any services provided by your meter operator. The charges are outlined in a MOP contract, which can be arranged through your supplier or independently.

Standing charges may also be higher if you have a Half-Hourly Meter. However, due to the reporting frequency, half-hourly meters allow for greater billing accuracy, ensuring you only pay for the energy that you use.

You should double-check your kVA usage because if you continuously use less than your kVA allowance, you could downgrade your meter, lowering your charges. Downgrading your meter can be expensive in the short term due to the manual labour involved, but in the long term, you will save money through cheaper energy bills. If you are still trying to figure out whether a downgrade would benefit your company, then contact us, and our team of experts will be more than happy to assist you.

Ways you can reduce your energy costs:

Reduce your kVA , fall down a banding in the Targeted Charging Review bands
Staggering breaks , fewer people working machinery all at once = less kVA used
Performing specific tasks overnight , e.g. charging forklifts and electric vehicles/equipment. If you plan on doing this, we recommend a two-rate meter (day/night) to make the most out of your cheaper night rates

Do I need a Half Hourly (HH) meter?

Legally, due to the P272 legislation introduced in 2015, you must have a Half Hourly meter installed if your business reaches 100kVA more than three times a year.

Customers with a ‘00’ profile (which can be found on the top line of your MPAN) indicates that they have a Half Hourly meter.

The P272 legislation was introduced to ensure the country’s energy needs are met. Companies that use a higher amount of energy were targeted first, as any changes or fluctuations in their energy usage will most affect demand.

Additionally, the introduction of MHHS (Market-wide half hourly settlement) means that there will be no escaping the half hourly meter roll outs being enforced by OFGEM.

What is Market-wide half-hourly settlement (MHHS)?

MHHS (Market-wide half-hourly settlement) is a government scheme that requires all UK energy suppliers to ensure all consumers have their meter readings monitored on a half-hourly basis by the end of 2026. Elexon oversees this change, which OFGEM financially sponsors.

Market-wide half-hourly settlement will remove the current meter types (Half Hourly / Non Half Hourly) and replace them with three new meter categories, which will be:

Smart metering
Advanced Metering
Unmetered supplies

Most consumers have a non half hourly (NHH) meter, which means because there are not as frequent meter readings, meter readings are not entirely accurate and as a result there will be an imbalance between supply and demand.

If a current meter is not HH, AMR, SMETS 1, or smart, it must be changed by March 2026. The timeline for these changes is:

2023/2025 - System integration testing.

April 2024 – All new connections should now be HH. No NHH metering will be allowed.

December 2024 – Suppliers expected to reduce mass agent appointments.

April 2024 / 2025 – This is the final time frame before migration begins. This may put time constraints on companies.

March 2026 – All sites are now either migrated, had their meters replaced, or converted.

We will gladly assist you if you have moved into a new premises and inherited a HH meter and would like help lowering your energy costs. Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk for any queries, and we will advise you on your next steps to ensure you can attain the lowest energy bills possible.

This Article was written by Megan Glover of Purely Energy. If there are any suggestions or questions - Please get in touch with us.

Has Business Energy Solutions Ltd (BES Utilities) closed down?

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 12:09:27 GMT

Has Business Energy Solutions Ltd (BES) closed down?

In short, BES has not closed down; they have rebranded to a new company called Ruby Energy. Ruby Energy still has the same company number as BES; it has just changed its trading name and director.

The Rebranding to Ruby Energy

BES decided to rebrand to Ruby Energy to distance themselves from BES's negative reputation and rebuild trust with customers. The rebranding follows a string of legal complications and issues regarding customer service. Ruby Energy aims to provide better customer service and cleaner energy, which can be seen as a fresh start for the company.

Controversy surrounding BES Utilities (Now Ruby Energy)

BES found themselves in quite a bit of controversy when the director (Andrew Pilley) was sentenced to 13 years in prison for fraud. As the judge handed Andrew his sentence, he described the company as "a salesforce of cold-calling liars and manipulators."

Andrew was found guilty of:

Two counts of fraudulent trading–including causing or allowing fraudulent mis-selling of energy supply contracts and concealing this from customers, Ofgem, and/or the Energy Ombudsman.
Being concerned in an arrangement which facilitates the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property by another – namely the proceeds of fraudulently mis-sold energy contracts.
Fraud by false representation based on posts on MondaySavingExpert.com and Ise.co.uk which falsely purported to be made by customers and contained fabricated content.

The fraud was carried out through a telesales operation run by companies that appeared to be independent but were controlled by Pilley and his sister, Michelle Davidson.

When it was time for businesses to renew their energy contracts, BES would trick them into signing an extremely long and expensive contract. One way in which BES would 'trick' customers into energy contracts is by providing misleading information regarding the length or costs of the contract to persuade businesses to secure their contracts with them

The customers would then be transferred to a sales representative who would verbally provide the terms and conditions of the contract and confirm the agreement. The customer would then be stuck in a legally binding contract.

What the National Trading Standards Said:

Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said:

"This was a sophisticated fraud that involved careful planning. Junior sales representatives would cold-call innocent businesses before passing over potential victims to senior sales agents. Cunning agents would then close the deal by telling lies. Once the customer had been persuaded to enter into the deal, they were told that the call would be recorded to go through a formal contract process. The lies which had induced customers to enter into the contract during the front-end call would then not be repeated as the binding verbal agreement was made."

Who Owns BES Utilities / Ruby Energy Now?

Due to the complexities of energy companies, along with all of the licenses they have to hold.

Many suppliers have multiple different companies for different departments of the business.

For the case of BES Utilities, they had 3 companies,

These were all owned by: Andrew (Andy) Pilley,

The three companies were:

BES COMMERCIAL ELECTRICITY LTD (06882734)
21 Apr 2009 - 06 Aug 2024
BES UTILITIES HOLDING LTD (10126191)
15 Apr 2016 - 06 Aug 2024
BUSINESS ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD (04408013)
02 Apr 2002 - 06 Aug 2024

These three companies have now became:

RUBY ELECTRICITY LTD (06882734)
07 Aug 2024 - Now
RUBY ENERGY HOLDINGS LTD (10126191)
07 Aug 2024 - Now
RUBY GAS LTD (04408013)
07 Aug 2024 - Now

These companies have remained with the same company number, although Andrew (Andy) Pilley has now resigned as a director and Jamie Pilley is now a director of all of the above companies.

BES Utilities / Ruby Energy Online Portal:
Yes, your previous account and password that was once with BES Utilities will be the same with Ruby Energy.

You will be able to log in to your online account using this link: https://account.rubyenergy.uk/

On the portal you will be able to view previous meter readings, view contract details and upload meter readings to Ruby Energy.

What does this mean for current customers and contracts?

For current customers of BES Utilities, Ruby Energy will now carry out the previously agreed contract under their name - meaning you are not free to leave your current contract. However, it is a good idea to check with Ruby Energy to see if there are any changes to the terms and conditions set out in your contract. There should be no immediate disruption to service. Ruby Energy aims to provide better customer service, meaning you may receive better support and a more supportive service than in the past.

If anything in this article affects you and you would like some advice, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our trustworthy team of energy experts would be more than happy to help. Or get a quote with us.

Lower unit rate or lower standing charge – which should you choose?

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 08:31:09 GMT

Lower unit rate or lower standing charge – which should you choose?

What is a unit rate?

The unit rate is the price you will pay for each kilo-watt of energy you use, weather it is gas or electricity.

If your unit rate is 20.67p per kWh, you will pay 20.67p for every kilowatt per hour of electricity you use.

Example -

You have a restaurant that has :

7 kWh Electric Boiler
5 kWh Large commercial Fridge/Freezer
2 KWh Induction Hob

If we combine all of these three together for the total amount of usage, then it totals: 14 kWh per hour. Lets say you run everything on the maximum setting continually for one hour. You will use the full 14 kWh.

I f your business uses a considerable amount of energy, having the lowest unit rate is ideal. Purely Energy, look on the national database to see how many KWh (annual consumption) you have used over the last 12 months and advise you what is best to do for your business.

What is a standing charge?

A standing charge is a fixed amount of money you are charged daily to cover the cost of delivering gas and electricity to your business, this is usually charged in pence per day. If you have a large commercial meter, you may be charged in £ per day. This price will stay the same regardless of how much energy you use.

Therefore, opting for a lower standing charge is best if you have a vacant premise. We have many 0 standing charge options, whilst your premises is empty.

You can read more about the best tariffs for a vacant property here.

What determines energy standing charges?

Location – Depending on where in the UK you are based, your standing charge energy prices will vary. This is dependent on the infrastructure that delivers power to your area.

Maintenance – Each energy supplier has costs for maintaining the energy supplier networks, pipes, and wires.

Government Payments – Suppliers contribute towards government goals to reduce CO2 emissions.

Meter readings – Each supplier ensures all customer meter readings are taken. This also costs the supplier more, which makes up some of your standing charge fees.

Size of Energy Meter and Supply – If you have a large half hourly supply with a lot of capacity you pay pay anywhere from £5 - £200 /Day in standing charges, you will be able to have this meter downgraded to reduce your standing charge if required.

Current Energy Market Condition – The cost of standing charges can change depending on the current state of the market.

Find out when is best to renew here

The type of energy used – Standing charges for gas and electricity can vary. This is because of the difference in network maintenance between gas and electricity.

The amount of energy used – A larger business will use more energy than a smaller business. Therefore, these larger businesses will demand more services required to supply their energy, leading to a higher standing charge.

Your business's energy deal – Each supplier's contracts and prices differ. Depending on your supplier and contract, this will affect your standing charge prices.

This information is correct as of 1st October 2024 and are subject to change. Business electricity rates are based on a two-year contract. Business electricity quotes may be impacted by meter type and business location.

Please also see our page on, Business Electricity or Business Gas for a more updated review

Gas Meter Installation & what size gas meter is required?

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 09:23:40 GMT

Gas Meter Installation & What size gas meter is required

If you require a new gas meter at your commercial or domestic property we are able to help.

We can help with the below and have case studies for all:

New Gas Connections
Gas installation following a meter removal / disconnection from a supplier
Replacing broken meters
Meter upgrades / Meter downgrades

If any of the above are applicable to you or your business then we will be able to assist you.

How our process works:

1. Understand your requirements and how much gas demand you will require,

depending on what industry you are in, whether that is a small hairdressers or factory will depend on what meter you require.

Here is a chart of all of the different sizes of meters available:

An average house in the UK will have a U6 meter. If you are only using your gas for a small boiler or kitchen then a U6 meter will be big enough. It is always worth checking how many Kilo-Watt hours your boiler uses or central heating.

Then from there you can work out what is required. It is unlikely you will be having everything on flat out all at once. If you were using a U6 Meter all year round, you would use 569,400 kWh, An average 2-3 bedroom home uses 11,500 kWh per year.

A U16 Meter would be useful if you are in a commercial setting and have a gas kitchen and main central heating.

If you are unsure of what meter you require, give the gas experts a call on: 0161 521 3400

2. We will then carry out a GT1 test,

to ensure you either require a new connection or a meter. A GT1 will help us to figure out if there is a current supply to the building or not. If there is already a supply we will be able to see what size meter you are able to have on site depending on what the pipework to the site is. If you require an upgrade we are able to assist.

3. Ensure you aren't overpaying for gas,

We would make sure that you aren't overpaying for the gas that your business or home is consuming. We would look at our charts and advise on the best time to renew and which supplier has the lowest prices for your requirements.

4. Book in a day with ourselves for your new meter .

Our average timeframe is 2 weeks if a GT1 test report is not required. If it is then the average time will be 3 weeks.

Understanding VAT & Climate Change Levy on Business Energy Bills

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 11:22:16 GMT

Understanding VAT & Climate Change Levy on business energy bills | VAT & CCL Exempt Form

I t is no secret that the UK's energy costs have skyrocketed.

VAT contributes to this cost, and some businesses are eligible for reduced VAT. If you want to know how you may decrease the amount of VAT your company pays, then you're in luck because we have put together a guide to help you determine whether you're eligible for reduced VAT.

Firstly what is VAT?

VAT (Value added tax) is a government tax on goods and services. VAT is charged at three different rates which are:

Standard rate of 20% - Majority of goods and services
5% - Some goods and services (Some health products, children's car seats, energy for selected businesses
0% - Most food and children's clothing or second hand goods

Does my business have to be VAT registered?

If your business has over £85,000 turnover, you must legally be VAT registered. You must ensure you are VAT registered within 30 days of exceeding the threshold. You can do this via the government website. Once you are VAT registered, you should receive a VAT certificate and details regarding when you must submit a VAT return.

On your VAT registration certificate, the following will be confirmed:

Your VAT number

Your effective date of registration (This is the date your business went over the £85,000 threshold or the day your company requested to be VAT registered).

When to submit your first VAT return and payment.

Your business can also be VAT registered if its turnover is less than £85,000; however, it is not a legal requirement.

It just means that you can charge VAT on invoices and claim it back on services, such as energy costs.

It is not always possible to claim VAT back, so before doing this, you should carefully consider your business's costs and decide whether this is right for your business.

What does it mean if my company is VAT-registered?

If your company is VAT registered, then most goods and services purchased from you will include 20% VAT in the price. Every three months, you will be required to pay this VAT to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Business gas and electricity are also subject to VAT, and if your business is VAT registered, you could recover that VAT as input tax on your business expenses, subject to normal VAT deduction regulations.

How much is VAT on business gas and electricity?

The standard VAT rate for business gas and electricity is 20%. However, some companies are eligible for a reduced VAT rate of 5%. The reduced VAT rate will not be automatically added to your energy bills if you qualify; you will need to apply for the discount separately.

Is my business eligible for a discounted VAT rate?

Your business may be eligible for a discounted VAT rate if:

You are a micro business, and at least 60% of your business's energy is used for residential accommodation or dwellings.
You are a charitable or non-profit organisation e.g. free schools, places of worship.
Your business uses less than 33kWh of electricity per day or 1000 kWh per month
Your business uses less than 145 kWh of gas per day or 4397 kWh per month
If you work from home and can prove that 60% or more of your energy is used commercially.

You will need a valid VAT certificate to receive a discounted VAT rate of 5% from your supplier.

If you have one and have submitted it to your supplier, then you should automatically be given the discounted VAT rate on your energy bills. (Purely Energy can do this for you)

If you think your business is eligible for a reduced VAT rate, you can apply for a partial refund for any VAT that has been overpaid, backdated up to 4 years.

It is also important to note that if your business is eligible for a reduced VAT rate, you will be automatically exempt from paying certain government levies (e.g., the Climate Change Levy).

You must contact your supplier and fill out a declaration form to make a claim.

If any of the following apply to your business, then you will need to contact multiple suppliers to receive the partial VAT refund:

You have switched energy suppliers in the past four years / for the period you claim for.
You have more than one energy supplier (e.g. different suppliers for gas and electric / multiple meters).
Your business has multiple sites which are eligible for the discounted VAT rate.

Below are the major business energy supplier VAT exemption or 5% forms, if you require help submitted feel free to contact us on, 0161 521 3400 or Email us at Info@Purelyenergy.co.uk

How do I find out how much VAT I am paying?

Your energy bills show the VAT rate you are charged. They should show the amount of VAT you have paid that month and the VAT rate you are paying. If you are struggling to find this information or are unsure of the details, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to assist you.

Do business energy quotes include VAT?

Business energy quotes do not include VAT. This is because some businesses pay the reduced 5% tax rate. If you are worrying about how much VAT you will be spending on your energy bills, then feel free to contact our team of experts, and we will be able to work out your business's specific VAT requirements.

What is Climate Change Levy (CCL)?
The climate change levy (CCL) is a tax to ensure sustainable business energy usage. The overall aim of CCL is to reduce the output of greenhouse gases. The more energy efficient your business is, the less CCL you will have to pay.

If your business qualifies for a reduced VAT rate, then your business will also be exempt from CCL charges.

How is Climate Change Levy(CCL) charged?

CCL is charged in two separate rates

The main levy rate – If your business pays a 20% VAT rate, then you will also be required to pay a CCL.
Carbon price support rate – This is paid by the owners of electricity generating stations and operators of combined heat and power (CHP). If you generate your own energy and then make money through a feed-in tariff or smart export guarantee, then it is unlikely you will have to pay this fee as you will be classed as a small generator.

Is VAT charged on CCL?

Yes, VAT is also added to the CCL rates at 20%.

Climate Change Levy Exemptions.

You may be exempt from paying CCL if any of the following apply to you.

You receive the discounted tax rate (5%)
You are a domestic energy user
You are a charity that is engaged in non-commercial activities.

How can I save further on my energy costs?

Energy bills have been skyrocketing lately, and here at Purely Energy, we understand that it can be challenging. That's why if you have any questions about how your business can save money on its energy costs, we would be more than happy to help. Please don't hesitate to contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk, and we will put you in touch with one of our energy experts.

Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) Made Easy

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 11:15:26 GMT

Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting (SECR) Compliance Guide - Made Easy

What is Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting?

Large UK companies must comply with the Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework introduced by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

This regulation mandates disclosing UK energy use and carbon emissions within the Directors' Report for eligible businesses.

What Should You Report?

1. Energy Use and Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Scope 1 (Direct Emissions):
Combustion of natural gas (through mains or bottled)
Fuel use from transport (journeys starting or ending in the UK)

Example: Fuel from burning fuel in companies fleet of vehicles (if they're not electrically powered) or where a site has a gas supply which is being used.

Scope 2 (Indirect Emissions):
Electricity purchased and used for operations

Example: The emissions from using electricity across all of the companies buildings

Scope 3 (Other Indirect Emissions, Voluntary):
Energy use and emissions from business travel in rental cars or employee-owned vehicles where the company is responsible for purchasing the fuel

Example: When a company buys uses and disposes of products from suppliers

2. Intensity Metric:

For example, Tonnes of CO2e per Full-Time Equivalent (FTE).

3. Supporting Narrative:

Methodologies used within the calculation.
Energy efficiency actions taken during the year.

*Voluntary Disclosures (Optional but Recommended):

Broader Scope 1 emissions, including other fuel use, refrigerants, and manufacturing emissions.
Scope 3 emissions, including upstream and downstream energy use comparison.

Steps to Ensure Compliance:

1.Define What to Report and Where:

Identify which parts of the company need to report emissions.
Decide which emissions should be included for each operation.
Address challenges in complex operations.

2.Set Up a Reporting System:

Identify where the data will come from and set up reliable processes.
Create a clear method for reporting carbon data.
Develop customised reporting tools for complex operations.

3.Reporting and Disclosure:

Establish internal guidelines for reporting.
Regularly review energy use and convert it to emissions data.
Ensure all reports comply with SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting) requirements.

Energy Procurement: Compliance with Green Energy

As an energy consultancy specialising in green electricity and green biogas, we provide more than just SECR compliance assistance. We help your business minimise its carbon footprint through the procurement of sustainable energy sources. By choosing green electricity and green biogas, your company can significantly reduce Scope 1, and 2 emissions, aligning your energy consumption with your sustainability goals.

Scope 1 & 2: Our green energy solutions help reduce direct and indirect emissions by powering your operations with renewable sources.

Scope 3: We support your broader sustainability initiatives, offering green energy solutions that minimise the environmental impact of business travel and other indirect activities.

Top Reasons to Locate Your Business in Warrington

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:32:31 GMT

Top Reasons to Locate Your Business in Warrington and why Purely Energy did

When Purely Energy was first established as a business in 2021, our business plan was to provide competitive energy prices for businesses. In 2021, with energy prices soaring, we saw an opportunity to create a business that helped other companies secure the lowest possible energy rates.

In order to achieve this, we must keep our fixed costs as low as possible. We have now helped hundreds of businesses save £100s or even £1000s.

Warrington was the best candidate after looking around for the perfect place to locate our new business. With plenty of transport links and easy access via multiple motorways, cheaper rent, and a platitude of support for new companies, basing Purely Energy in Warrington was a no-brainer.

Why is Warrington the best place for businesses to locate?

Warrington is in the centre of two major cities, Manchester and Liverpool. Due to its fantastic road links, including the M62, M6, and M56, Warrington is exceptionally easy to commute to. Approximately 3.5 million people are within a 30-minute drive and 6.2 million people are within a 45-minute drive.

So, Warrington has a large labour pool, which is massively important to new businesses.

Since Purely Energy was founded in 2021, as of August 2024, we have grown to a team of 8. We are now hiring a finance manager, and over the past 12 days, 56 people have applied for the role. Something in many counties and even cities would be extremely difficult to achieve.

It is a testament to the Town that Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, chose Warrington in 1987 to open his very first store in the United Kingdom.

Should you move your business to Warrington?

We found that the price of renting an office space in Liverpool or Manchester city centre could be double or even triple what it is here in Warrington. It is also cheaper for staff to park, with plenty of affordable parking spaces which can be as inexpensive as £2 per day. Purely Energy staff also have access to a free car park area. Affordable parking in other city centres can be a nightmare and many people turn down jobs without parking being avaliable.

Warrington also has excellent resources for new businesses. Firstly, 98% of Warrington has superfast broadband coverage.

In terms of recruitment, Purely Energy are looking to expand by hiring two (or more) team members a month, which is where the large pool of recruitment services within Warrington comes in handy.

The working-age population in Warrington is impressive, with a large percentage of candidates boasting higher education degrees and skilled accreditations, owing to the top level education that Warrington’s schools and colleges provides - Warrington Borough Council has 76 primary schools and 22 secondary schools. A recent addition to the town is University Centre Warrington.

Warrington & Co. also offer grants to help businesses expand. Purely Energy have been offered a grant to assist with the costs of training staff and I.T expenditure, which is an amazing opportunity for any new businesses to consider when locating in Warrington. Warrington is the 4th best town in the UK for the biggest job growth.

Leisure within Warrington is also impressive. Constant redevelopments in Warrington means that it is not just an ideal place for the company to be based, but also provides a platitude of social and leisure activities, plenty of coffee shops or restaurants to visit on your break, or shops which are open until till 6pm, 8 pm on Thursdays.

At Purely Energy we are extremely proud to call Warrington our base and look forward to our future here, hopefully as a major employer in the area.

Energy Jargon Buster - Keywords Made Easy

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 08:18:13 GMT

Business Energy Keywords: Made Simple

If you’re not already familiar with the energy industry, all the terms that are thrown at you can get very confusing.

At Purely Energy we want you to understand any information we relay to you and help you as much as we possibly can. That’s why we have created a Jargon Buster for you to familiarise yourself with any terms you may not already be familiar with.

If you need help finding out who your supplier is, you can use these websites:

- Find Your Gas Supplier

- Find Your Energy Supplier

Alternatively, you can ring us on 0161 521 3400 or email us on Info@purelyenergy.co.uk and our team of energy experts will be happy to help.

Automatic Meter Reading (AMR):

The term describes a metering system that gives automatic meter readings remotely. This system typically uses telecommunications technology to transfer the data from the meter to a central hub, used for billing or analysis purposes. Half-hourly metering is an example of AMR technology.

Capacity Charge:

This is a fee charged by suppliers to cover investment and maintenance of the electricity network. The fee is based on agreed capacity for the site and usually only charged for sites with an availability over 100 kVa.

Change Of Tenancy (COT):

It is the process of letting your provider know you are moving out of/into a property and, hence, required to either conclude or start a new contract for your energy supply.

Climate Change Levy (CCL):

CCL is a government tax used to encourage energy efficiency for business energy users. CCL is charged as units / kWH by energy suppliers. The chargeable rate is reviewed 1 ^st April every year, and to date has increased year on year since its introduction.

Data Aggregator (DA):

A Data Aggregator is an agent designated to aggregate the meter reading information and forward this data to your energy provider. Your DA is ordinarily the same organisation as your Data Collector, as numerous operators offer combined DCDA contracts.

Data Collector (DC):

The organisation which is responsible for deciding the amount of energy you've been provided to guarantee you are charged accurately. To do this, the DC visits your meter to take a manual read, or remotely gets the information through a secure network. Clients with half-hourly meters must designate a DC. By default, your commerce energy provider will likely act as your DC. However, companies can nominate an independent third party.

Distribution Network:

The network that carries lower voltage electricity which has been converted from the high voltage transmission network to industrial, commercial, and domestic consumers.

Distribution Network Operator (DNO):

A company authorised to distribute gas or electricity in the UK. These companies are responsible for the cables, towers and gas pipes that bring gas and electricity to homes and businesses.

Distribution Use of System Charges (DUoS):

These charges are the cost to deliver electricity from the grid to the customer’s site.

EAQ or EAC:

Your EAQ (Estimated Annual Quantity or Consumption) is how much, on average, electricity your house uses in kWh per year.

Energy Broker:

Energy brokers are experts in the energy industry.

Energy brokers work with businesses looking to save money on energy bills or get the right energy plan. An energy broker is a company that finds the best possible rates from energy suppliers for their commercial and industrial customers. Energy brokers typically get paid by the suppliers through the unit rates and negotiate with the suppliers to find lower energy prices.

Energy Supplier:

The business that presents you with your electricity and gas bills. Energy Suppliers buy energy in the wholesale market and sell it directly to consumers.

Fixed Rate Tariff:

Fixed Rate energy tariffs are a type of gas and electricity tariff that offer a locked-in rate per kWh for an assigned period (usually one year or more). These tariffs protect businesses from sudden energy price rises on the wholesale market.

Half-hourly Data (HHD):

The energy consumption data that is read directly from a half-hourly meter. Energy providers often analyse HHD to help them determine a customer's contract price.

Half-hourly (HH) meter:

Electricity or gas meters that read at half-hourly granularity. A half-hourly meter is a specialised type of business electricity meter that uses telecommunications technology to take and transmit meter readings every half hour.

Kilowatt (kW):

A unit of electrical power. 1 kW is proportionate to 1000 watts.

Kilowatt Hour (kWh):

A unit of gas and electricity proportionate to the energy required to run a 1,000-watt (1 kilowatt) appliance or gadget for an hour.

KVA:

A kVA is 1,000 volt-amps. It's what you get when you multiply the voltage (the force that moves electrons around a circuit) by the amps (electrical current). Kilovolt-amps measure what's called the 'apparent power' of a generator.

Letter Of Authority (LOA):

A signed letter approving another person or company to manage your energy accounts on your behalf. LOAs are commonly requested by third-parties e.g. Energy brokers, to allow them access to energy data from your Data Collector.

Maximum Demand:

Maximum demand is the highest peak of electricity usage in a half hour period, measured over a calendar month.

Maximum Demand Meter:

A maximum Demand Meter is an electricity meter usually found in businesses with mid-electricity consumption. If the meter profile (The first two numbers of an MPAN) is 05, 06, 07 or 08, then there is a maximum demand meter.

Mega Watt Hour (MWh):

One thousand kWh's.

Meter Asset Manager (MAM):

A company responsible for designing, installing, commissioning, maintaining, removing and disposing of gas supply meters. MAMs are the gas meter equivalent of an electricity meter operator (MOP).

Meter Operator (MOP):

A company that goes to a site, installs meters and provides any required ongoing meter maintenance. A MOP contract is a legal requirement for all half-hourly meters.

Metering Point Address Details (MPAD):

Information about the physical location of a meter. Also commonly known as the 'Site Address'.

Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN):

An MPAN is a 21-digit unique number utilised to distinguish electricity supply points. It is also sometimes called the 'Supply Number' or 'S Number.' You can find the MPAN on the physical electricity meter. An MPAN is commonly separated into two segments: the core and the top-line data. The core is the last 13 digits and is the unique identifier. The top-line data gives information regarding the supply's characteristics, which is the supplier's responsibility.

Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN):

A unique 6-10 digit code for a gas supply point which can be found on your gas bills. It can also be referred to as an 'M Number'.

Meter Serial Number (MSN):

A unique number that identifies a physical electricity or gas meter and can be found on the meter. If the meter is changed, your MSN will also change, but your MPAN or MPRN will stay the same.

National Grid:

All electricity and gas in the UK pass through the national grid systems. They are responsible for feeding electricity generated in the mainland UK to the distribution networks.

Non-half-hourly (NHH) meter:

Electricity or gas meters that don't read data at half-hourly granularity – usually smaller energy supplies.

Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM):

The government regulator for the electricity and gas markets in the UK. Their job is to shield consumers by working to provide a greener and moral energy system.

OOC Rates / Deemed Rates:

This means out-of-contract rates, which are typically more expensive than a fixed tariff.

Profile Class (PC):

A meter's Profile Class provides the electricity supplier with an expectation about how electricity will be consumed by the meter throughout the day. There are eight profile classes. The first two digits of a meter's MPAN represent its Profile Class.

Renewable Energy Tariff:

A tariff where 100% of your electricity is produced from renewable resources and, often, a portion of the gas provided is 'green gas'.

Smart Meter:

Smart meters can automatically send data about your energy consumption to your energy provider, disposing of the need for you to take and submit manual meter readings. They can also display your energy use on digital displays.

Standard Variable Tariff:

An energy deal in which the rate you pay for gas and electricity fluctuates. This type of tariff is regularly more costly than a fixed-rate tariff. If you've previously had a Fixed Rate Tariff and failed to switch after it expired, you likely will have been moved to your supplier's standard variable tariff. (OOC Rates)

Standing Charge:

The rate you pay your energy supplier which will remain the same regardless of how much energy you use. The standing charge covers the upkeep of your connection to the mains supply and servicing of your account.

Sub-metering:

The process of installing meters or data loggers downstream from a main utility meter. Basically, it is a way to measure the electricity consumption of individual appliances. You can use this data to determine how much each appliance costs you. The process applies to water meters, gas meters, or electricity meters.

Transmission Network :

The network of pylons and cables that transmit higher voltage electricity from power stations where it's produced, to areas where it's required all over the UK.

Transmission Use of Systems:

The cost to transmitting electricity across the National Grid from where it was generated to the local distribution company.

Unit Rate:

The price per unit of energy in kWh that a supplier charges.

If you are struggling to understand the difference been which is better for your business, a lower unit rate or standing charge, read our article here to find out more.

Deemed Contracts for Business Energy: Everything You Need to Know (Out of contract)

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 14:48:23 GMT

Deemed Contracts for Business Energy: Everything You Need to Know (Out of contract)

A deemed contract is a default contract put in place when a contract has not been negotiated with your supplier. Deemed contracts are rolling, meaning if you do not switch suppliers each month your energy bill payments could increase. These typically occur when a customer moves into a new premises and has not yet agreed on any terms with the property’s current supplier.

The supplier decides the prices of deemed contracts, meaning that prices can vary depending on your supplier. Deemed rates are often some of the most expensive energy rates and can be up to 80% more expensive, so it is crucial that you get off deemed rates as soon as possible. The Evening Standard recently reported that 10% of micro-businesses are on a deemed contract. Many businesses are currently being overcharged for their energy bills.

If you think you are being overcharged for your commercial energy bills, then contact us , and our expert team will be more than happy to find you a great energy deal.

Why are you on a deemed tariff?

Have you moved into a new premises?

If you move into a new premises, you may be placed on a deemed contract. To avoid being put on a deemed contract, contact the energy supplier responsible for the premises you are moving into as soon as possible.

Has your contract been cancelled?

If your contract is cancelled by either you or the supplier, you could be switched onto deemed rates, although this is rare. If your contract does not state what will happen after the contract is terminated, and you are still using energy, you will be moved onto a deemed contract.

Has your contract expired?

If you are not on a rollover energy contract, you will be moved to deemed rates for any energy you use once your contract ends This is why it is so important to know when your contract is due to be over, and you arrange a new contract as soon as possible.

Why Are Deemed Rates More Expensive?

The main reason these tariffs are deemed more expensive than others, is due to the lack of information that the supplier holds about your business and its energy consumption, which then automatically classes your business as a ‘high risk’. If you have not negotiated an agreement with your supplier, they will have no information on your consumption habits and will charge you more.

How Do Deemed Tariffs Affect Landlords?

If you are a commercial landlord and have a vacant premises, you may Receive a claim for payment based on a deemed rate contract.

This can still occur in other circumstances, where a lease still remains in place on the property and the tenant’s business has gone into administration, for example. It is important to stay up to date with meter readings and contact the energy supplier as soon as the property becomes vacant, to ensure that charges are accurately billed to the vacating tenant up to the point of moving out, and to negotiate a cheaper contract than ‘deemed rates’ once the property is vacant.

We have an article here to advise which contracts are best for an empty commercial site .

How Do You Tell If You’re On a Deemed Tariff?

Have you noticed a sharp increase in your energy bills? Then you may have been put on deemed rates, especially if you have just moved premises.

One in ten micro-businesses are currently on deemed rates, so it is essential that you check if you are, as it could save your business a lot of money.

Your supplier should contact you before moving you to a deemed contract and let you know about other available contracts. If your supplier has yet to contact you and has already moved you onto a deemed contract, you should contact them as quickly as possible.

What are My Rights on a Deemed Energy Tariff?

If your supplier has taken all the necessary steps to inform you about the deemed rate contract, then you legally must pay deemed rates. Your energy supplier must provide a copy of the total agreement with the complete breakdown of any charges and fees.

If your energy provider has failed to do any of the following, then you may be able to seek to terminate the contract:

Provide you with a copy of your entire contract when asked for it.
Contacted you before the end of your contract with complete information on other contract options and where to find more details about these different energy contracts.

Your supplier cannot:

Stop you from switching suppliers for any reason or at any time.
Ask for notice before terminating the deemed rates contract.
Charge you a termination fee.

How to Avoid Being Switched to a Deemed Energy Contract

If you are a micro-business, according to Ofgem regulations, your supplier must provide you with a renewal letter.

This renewal letter should include:

Your current prices
Renewal prices
Your current energy consumption

To avoid paying deemed rates, you should look to renew your current contract or sign a new contract to allow your new contract to start immediately after your current contract ends. The Purely Energy team are happy to assist you with this.

If you are a larger business, no regulations state that your supplier must contact you to provide this information. Therefore, it is essential for larger businesses to keep track of when their contracts are up for renewal and to arrange a new contract as soon as possible. Here at Purely Energy, we can track when your contract is due to end and find the best energy deals in the market to ensure you are not overcharged for your energy bills.

Can you Switch Energy Tariffs From a Deemed Contract?

Yes. With deemed energy contracts, you are free to terminate the contract at any time, provided you are switching to a new supplier. You will not be required to pay a termination fee when switching contracts. Here at Purely Energy, we aim to get you switched within one weeks of you contacting us and will ensure we contact you before your contract ends to remind you and help you avoid paying deemed rates.

The Most Common Questions About Business and Commercial Energy

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:08:06 GMT

Most Common Questions About Business Energy

What is the difference between business energy and domestic energy?

The main difference between business and domestic energy is how suppliers contract them. Business energy contracts tend to be for a fixed amount of time, where you are not free to cancel whenever you want.

Most household energy contracts last 12 months, whereas commercial energy contracts typically last 1-5 years. Fixed energy tariffs are also recommended for commercial energy usage as if a contract is signed whilst gas prices are low, that deal is locked in, even when energy prices rapidly hike.

How does business energy differ when comparing micro/small and medium/large businesses?

The main difference between micro, small, medium, and large companies is the different types of contracts available and how they are priced. For instance, SMEs commonly decide on fixed-rate tariff contracts, as these provide the maximum mixture of ease and affordability.

A fixed-rate agreement ensures that new businesses are protected from increasing energy tariffs, allowing them to keep track of their budgets seamlessly.

Larger companies may choose a flexible purchasing contract to enable them to buy and sell gas to optimise their revenue.

Different factors set micro businesses apart from other business types.

Micro-businesses can view their energy prices online using only their consumption information and postcode and cancel their contract closer to the end date.

Will I have to submit proof that my business is small?

Yes. You may need to provide sufficient evidence to your supplier to prove your company is a small business. This information includes the number of employees, the business’s annual turnover, and energy consumption.

How is my business protected when purchasing commercial energy?

Energy providers must follow a series of industry codes and the supply licence conditions. These conditions relate to how energy suppliers treat their customers and ensure that customers are protected. If you are unhappy with your commercial energy supplier, you can raise a compliant through with the Energy Ombudsman, please click here to start your complaint. Purely Energy can help assist you with your complaint if required

On average, how much do small businesses spend on energy bills?

The total cost of energy bills is dependent on a few factors. Firstly, how big is your business, and how much energy do you consume? Are you on a fixed-rate tariff – and, therefore, not subjected to energy bill increases/decreases?

On average, a small UK business will spend between £820 and £1458 a year on energy bills, with their average usage being between 15,000 and 30,000kWh.

How can small do businesses save money on energy bills?

Minor changes to your energy usage habits can significantly affect your energy bills.

Such as:

Ensuring all computers and lights are turned off when you are finished.

Only use what you need, for example, turning off any lights or plug sockets that are not required.

Insulate doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping. Window film is a cheap way to insulate your workspace by yourself, and it can be found in most hardware shops or online.

Radiator Reflector foil behind all of your raditors will ensure that excess heat isnt lost through the walls and instead is reflected back into the room.

Upgrading your lightbulbs can also reduce your electricity output by a significant percentage.

LED lightbulbs use tiny amounts of energy and are also long-lasting.

Installing a smart meter then using software that will help you graph where the consumption on which day and time the most amount of energy was used, we are big believers in trying to visualise your energy consumption.

What affects the price of commercial energy?

Several different factors affect the price of wholesale energy. Factors can include:

Weather
How the energy is stored
Crude oil prices
Wind generation
Flow and availability
Supply and demand

Supply and demand have arguably been the critical factor in determining energy prices over the past two years. We have seen supply shortages due to a prolonged winter in 2020/2021, which led to natural gas storage capabilities being drained.

Political conflicts also affect supply and demand, as the pipeline, which transports gas from Russia to Germany, and then to other destinations, was closed after the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Despite all these ongoing changes to gas prices, most businesses will not feel the strain of increasing prices due to having a fixed-price energy tariff. This is one reason why it is so crucial for companies to switch to a fixed-energy tariff whilst prices are low.

How will you know when your current energy contract is ending?

If you check your most recent energy bill, the end date should be in the section alongside your tariff name and account number. Otherwise, you can check the signed energy contract or contact your supplier.

What are out-of-contract or ‘deemed’ rates?

Out-of-contract rates are the default charges that an energy supplier will charge you when your contract ends, and you still need to sign into a new one.

Deemed rates can be considerably more expensive than contracted rates, so you should always be aware of when your current contract ends so that you can arrange a new contract as soon as the current one ends.

How long will it take to switch suppliers?

If you have no outstanding debt on your account, a successful supplier switch can be made in less than 5 working days.

Will I lose my energy supply whilst I am switching suppliers?

There’ll be no disruptions to your energy supply as the new energy will still come from the same grid. The only difference in suppliers is the billing and contracts.

What information will I need for the switch?

Typically, you must provide your company name, registered address, meter number, and site address. In addition, your new supplier will need information regarding the type of product you want and the date you want your contract to start.

What do I do if my current supplier has objected to switching?

Usually, this means there is an outstanding debt on the account that must be adhered to before the switch can occur. Once the debt has been paid and the issue is resolved, they’ll remove the objection, and your new energy contract can be put live.

Is my business eligible for an AMR / Smart Meter device?

AMR (Automatic meter reading) devices automatically collect data from your metering devices and transfer this data to your current supplier for billing and analysis reasons. You do not need to give your supplier manual meter readings with an AMR device. Since AMR devices use SIM technology, as long as your site has a decent signal, then it is suitable for an AMR device.

What happens if there is an error with my AMR?

It is advised that even with an AMR, you still regularly check your meter readings to ensure there are no technical issues with your AMR.

What is an MPAN or MPRN number?

A meter point administration number (MPAN) is a unique 13-digit number that refers to your company’s electrical supply. A meter point reference number (MPRN) refers to your gas supply.

Remember:

Electricity = MPAN

Gas = MPRN

How can I check that my energy bill is correct?

You can send your supplier frequent meter readings.

This will ensure you are paying the correct amount. To avoid estimated readings, you should take a meter reading on the last day of every month. This ensures you only pay for the energy you have used. You should still pay attention to your meter readings and monthly bills even if you have an AMR.

What Energy Tariff is Best for an Empty Commercial Property?

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 09:25:42 GMT

What Energy Tariff is Best for an Empty Commercial Property?

Do you have a vacant property and don’t want it costing you more than it should?

If you think your property may be unoccupied for over a few months, you should consider switching energy tariffs. Your energy bills may be more expensive than you expected, even when leaving the lights and heating off, as this does not guarantee low energy bills. Not running your heating can also lead to other costly expenses, such as frozen and burst pipes. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure you are choosing the correct energy tariff for your empty property.

What Energy Tariffs are fit for unoccupied properties?

It is vital that energy suppliers receive often updates on meter readings. Therefore, to minimise the work for the owner, it is recommended that you install a smart meter. You can read about meter installations here. Gas Meter Installations

Low/no standing charge

Many energy deals come with a standing charge. A standing charge is where you pay a daily charge to your energy supplier to cover fixed costs of your energy bills, regardless of how much energy you are using. Some energy deals offer no standing charges.

These are ideal for unoccupied properties as the unit charge would be higher, but less energy would be consumed. Therefore, it would be cheaper for unoccupied properties to take a lower or no-standing charge and a higher unit price rather than a higher-standing charge. It must be considered that if your property is occupied, then opting for a lower standing charge and higher unit price will increase your energy bills.

Most property owners assume that completely cutting off the energy will be the cheapest option. However, this will make the property less appealing to potential buyers and could cause long-term damage to the property, which could become more costly.

Instead, turning the heating on every so often can help prevent any long-term damage to the property, keep the property appealing to future potential buyers, and end up the cheaper option in the long run. It may seem unappealing at first glance, but it is the most cost-effective and practical option for your vacant property. No standing charge ensures that you pay only for the energy you use and nothing more. Furthermore, before you choose which energy tariff to go for, research how much power you are expected to use first.

Can I get a Business Energy Tariff for my Unoccupied Property?

Of course! If your business has an empty premise for certain parts of the year, you can also get business energy deals catering to commercial gas and electricity consumption. If you would like a quote on energy tariffs for your vacant property, please enter your details below to get a quote from our expert team.

BUSINESS ELECTRICITY METER INSTALLATION / REMOVAL

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:20:44 GMT

Commercial Electricity Meter Services for Business Properties

Are you a business owner looking for a reliable and efficient electricity installation or removal?

If yes, then Purely Energy is here to help.

Purely Energy consists of a team of experienced specialists who have been assisting businesses in installing and removing electricity and gas meters for years. Our team understands how much detailed planning and preparation it takes to relocate and install electricity meters, which is why we ensure we manage the whole process for you.

Commercial Electricity Meter Relocation

If you require assistance moving or relocating your energy meter, don’t panic; we can help you.

If you choose us for your project, we will ensure the following:

You are given expert guidance throughout the entire project.
We are efficient and timely during the completion of your project.
You have minimal disruption to your daily tasks.
We will comply with all relevant regulations and standards.

You can contact us on 0161 525 3400 or email us at Info@purelyenergy.co.uk to discuss your electricity meter relocation.

Does Your Meter Need Moving Outside?

If your meter needs to be disconnected from the mains and relocated outside, it is crucial to ensure you contact a specialist to carry out the relocation of your meter. Here at Purely Energy, we can secure the most affordable pricing with fast turnaround times for meter relocation services.

If you require meter relocation services, contact us today to discuss your needs.

Do you have any queries about electricity meters?

You can speak directly to our electricity meter specialists at 0161 521 3400.

Our Process

Quick instillation: From the start of your order, we aim to have your new meter installed within 6-12 weeks, no matter where you are located.
Hassle-free process: Our team of experts manages the entire process for you, from the very beginning to the end.
Standalone or multi-utility installation: We can arrange both standalone meter installation services and multi-utility installations.
Coordination with electricity and gas networks: Our team will take care of all the necessary coordination regarding your gas and electricity networks, relieving you of the responsibility.
Establishing provider connections: with our extensive network of energy providers, we can assist you in identifying the most suitable one for your site.

Commercial Electricity Meter Disconnection

When it comes to commercial meter disconnection, We understand that the least amount of disruption possible is vital for your business.

For this reason, we can guarantee exceptional response times to ensure that your delivery timescales are not negatively impacted.

You may need to disconnect from your electricity meter temporarily or permanently. Either way, we have the expertise to ensure that the process is carried out both safely and efficiently. Additionally, we ensure we follow all legal regulations to certify that all work that is carried out is done to the highest possible standards.

Our main goal at Purely Energy is to secure you with a service that ensures your commercial job is finished fast and to a professional standard. We completely understand that any disruptions to your construction or renovation project can be incredibly costly. This is why we work exceptionally hard to guarantee you rapid response times.

This way, you can plan around any electricity and gas stoppages within your delivery timescales.

Electricity Sub-meters for Businesses and Landlords.

Do you own or manage a commercial property?

If your answer is yes, then installing an electricity sub-meter is a smart decision.

What does a Sub-meter do?

A sub-meter can assist you with billing purposes by measuring the usage, impact, and efficiency of equipment processes and individual tenants.

Sub-meters allow landlords and property managers to charge individual tenants based on their actual electricity consumption directly. This then results in tenants only paying for their usage, meaning landlords can avoid overcharging or undercharging.

Why Should You Install an Electricity Sub-meter?

A sub-meter allows a business to monitor the energy consumption on individual sites. This means that the landlord or property manager can then be made aware of any faulty or inefficient equipment. By spotting these issues, business owners and property managers can reduce any financial or environmental risks.

Sub-metering also allows businesses to compare their energy consumption with any competition as well as their various sites. Staying on top of the competition can help businesses to become sustainable quickly while cutting costs and providing opportunities to broaden their client base.

‘Greener’ businesses hold a significant advantage over the competition. Customers tend to prefer to work with more sustainable companies to reduce their energy consumption.

By reporting energy data through sub-metering, energy and sustainability managers can then see how their sustainability targets are measured against any competition.

As the UK aims to meet net-zero targets, staying sustainable is essential to all businesses. As sub-metering allows you to identify any areas of inefficiencies, you can then target this consumption. You are furthermore, lessening your impact on the environment. Additionally, any money saved from cutting out these overheads can then be invested into the company elsewhere.

Overall, installing an electricity sub-meter can help your business save money, increase efficiency, and promote sustainability in your commercial property.

How long will it take to move your electricity meter?

The completion time for moving your electricity meter depends on the complexity of your project. Our standard timescale for completion is roughly 6-12 weeks.

Once you are assigned a dedicated account manager, they will work with you and all involved parties to arrange a suitable time to begin your meter relocation or installation.

How much will a new electricity meter cost?

Deciding the cost of acquiring a new electricity meter depends on several factors. This includes the scale and layout of your premises. We always prioritise delivering top-tier meters quickly and in alignment with your budgets. If you are interested in installing a new electricity meter, please reach out to us today at 0161 521 3400, and we are more than happy to arrange a tailored quote .

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The Bottom Line

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How UK Wholesale Energy Prices Are Responding

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Let's Look at What This Meant for Our Fuel Mix

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The Grid

Are Heat Pumps Cheaper to Run Than Gas Boilers?

Are Heat Pumps Cheaper to Run Than Gas Boilers?

What did the survey find?

Understanding Electricity Prices and Heat Pump Efficiency

Moving forward with heat pumps?

Can Purely Energy Help?

What are CfD Auctions and Strike Prices?

What are CfD Auctions and Strike Prices?

Strike Price & Reference Price

Why do strike prices matter for your bills?

Talk to the team at Purely

What are prepayment meters?

What are Prepayment Meters?

How do they work?

What are the most common meter types?

Overview

How can we help?

What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?

What are the different certificates in the UK?

What are the benefits of a Renewable Energy Certificate (RECs)?

What is the process of getting a Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) Certificate?

How to check that the energy you are paying for is actually sourced from renewable energy...

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What Are Heat Pumps and Could They Benefit Your Business?

What Are Heat Pumps and Could They Benefit Your Business?

How do heat pumps work?

What size heat pump do you need?

Installation

What are the benefits of a heat pump?

What are the drawbacks of heat pumps

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Who is your DNO?

Who is your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)?

How to contact your DNO?

Who are the main DNOs in Great Britain?

What is a DNO?

How do DNOs help businesses?

Would you contact your DNO for gas-related issues too?

When would you contact your Gas Distribution Network Operator (GDNO or GDN)?

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Smart Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bills This Winter

Smart Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bills This Winter

Power Down to Save Energy

Lighting

Have you got an Energy Management System in place?

Are you in the correct kVA banding?

Who is Ofgem?

Who is Ofgem?

What does Ofgem do?

Who Funds Ofgem?

How does Ofgem help businesses?

What is the energy price cap?

Why are the rates for electricity so much higher than gas?

How can Purely help?

What affects gas prices in the UK?

What affects gas prices in the UK?

What is Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?

How are gas prices calculated?

Do gas prices affect electricity prices?

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The Rise and Fall of Tomato Energy Limited

The Rise and Fall of Tomato Energy: A Cautionary Tale for Business Customers and Brokers

The Fatal Flaw: Zero Standing Charges

The Downward Spiral

Red Flags Every Business Should Watch For

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