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My Business Is Struggling with Energy Bills

Are you struggling to keep up with your business energy bills? If so, you’re not alone.

Many businesses face challenges in managing their energy costs, but the good news is that there are solutions.

We explore the causes of high business energy bills, discuss practical ways to manage them, and share insights on financial assistance and formal restructuring options.

To tackle high business energy bills, businesses should understand the causes, negotiate discounts, and implement cost-saving measures.

They should monitor usage, negotiate with suppliers, and adopt energy-saving practices.

Investing in renewables, building energy resilience, and engaging in future savings and security initiatives are also crucial.

Managing Business Energy Bills

Effective strategies for managing energy bills include monitoring your energy usage, negotiating with suppliers, and implementing energy-saving measures.

A smart meter digital energy monitor can help you understand your energy consumption and minimise the risk of paying estimated bills.

Establishing a payment plan with your energy supplier can also be viable if you cannot pay your energy bills. Let’s explore these payment plan strategies in more detail.

Monitoring energy usage

Monitoring your energy usage can help you identify areas for improvement and reduce your energy bills.

Regular meter readings and digital business energy bill monitors can give you a clear picture of your energy consumption and help you manage and pay your business energy and bills more effectively.

Additionally to how much energy is used, an energy audit can help you analyze your energy usage and identify potential solutions to reduce consumption.

Negotiating with suppliers

Negotiating with suppliers can lead to cost savings, improved quality of goods or services, and better payment terms.

Before negotiating, research potential suppliers, devise a negotiation strategy, and be prepared to make concessions.

Understanding contract terms is crucial to ensure a mutually beneficial agreement and avoid potential disputes in the future.

Implementing energy-saving measures

Implementing energy-saving measures is another effective way to reduce your energy bills.

Upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, managing heating and cooling, and encouraging staff to adopt energy-saving practices can all contribute to lowering your energy consumption.

Financial Assistance for Struggling Businesses

If your business is genuinely struggling to pay its energy bills, financial assistance is available through government schemes, debt charities, and sustainable business growth grants.

These options can provide much-needed relief and help businesses regain financial stability.

Let’s examine each of these financial assistance options in more detail.

Government schemes

Various government schemes can help businesses with their energy bills. The Energy Bills Discount Scheme provides discounts on gas and electricity bills.

The Debt Relief Order scheme can also help businesses reduce their debt.

These schemes can offer financial relief for businesses struggling with rising energy costs.

Debt charities

Debt charities like National Debtline and StepChange offer free advice and support to businesses struggling with energy bills.

They can mediate with creditors on your business, gas bills and electricity bills on your behalf and help you navigate financial difficulties.

Seeking assistance from debt charities can be a valuable resource for businesses in need.

Sustainable business growth grants

Sustainable business growth grants are financial incentives offered by the government or private organizations to support businesses dedicated to sustainable practices.

These grants can help businesses and small firms invest in energy-efficient technologies and reduce their energy costs.

Contact your local authority or business support organizations to explore available grant opportunities.

Formal Restructuring Options for Businesses

If your business is facing severe financial difficulties and struggling to pay its energy bills, formal restructuring options like Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) and company administration may be necessary.

Consulting a licensed insolvency practitioner can help assess your company’s financial position and determine the most appropriate restructuring process.

Let’s explore each of these formal restructuring options in more detail.

Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA)

A CVA is a formal restructuring solution that involves a licensed insolvency practitioner negotiating with creditors for new repayment amounts that are more manageable for the business.

The benefits of a CVA include providing breathing space for businesses experiencing financial difficulties and protecting creditors’ value by avoiding liquidation.

However, it can be a lengthy and complex process and may not be suitable for all types of debt.

Company administration

Company administration is another formal restructuring option designed to protect businesses and personnel from insolvency.

This process can prove beneficial for companies. It enables them to restructure their debts, negotiate new repayment terms with their creditors and avoid/prevent liquidation.

The purpose of company administration is to help businesses regain financial stability and overcome short-term financial difficulties.

An eight-week moratorium during company administration prevents any legal action initiated by a creditor and suspends any existing actions against the company.

Understanding the Causes of High Business Energy Bills

High business energy bills can be attributed to various factors, such as supply and demand challenges, global market fluctuations, and energy tariff structures.

Failing to pay your energy bills can severely impact your cash flow, your business operations and your credit score.

Fortunately, from April 2023, a new scheme offering discounts on wholesale gas and electricity prices will help businesses struggling with their soaring energy bills.

Let’s dive deeper into these causes and how they contribute to rising energy costs.

Supply and demand challenges

Supply and demand challenges can significantly impact a business’s energy costs and business usage.

For instance, metered businesses pay for their electricity bill and water consumption, and any inefficiency in water usage can lead to higher bills.

Additionally, obstructing heat output in a room can increase energy consumption and create fire hazards.

Therefore, maintaining clear heaters, radiators, and air vents is crucial for efficient heat output and minimizing fire risks.

Global market fluctuations

Global market fluctuations, caused by factors such as government policies, international transactions, and supply and demand dynamics, can significantly affect businesses and their energy bills.

These fluctuations make it challenging for businesses to plan ahead and budget, leading to rising costs and unexpected energy cost spikes.

To mitigate the impact of global market fluctuations, businesses should remain vigilant and adjust their strategies accordingly, investing in renewable energy sources and building energy resilience.

Energy tariff structures

Energy tariff structures, including fixed rate tariffs, variable rate tariffs, and others, can also contribute to high business energy bills.

Understanding these tariff structures is essential for businesses to make informed decisions and manage their energy costs effectively.

Businesses should research the different tariff structures available to them and compare them to find the best option for their needs.

They should also consider the long-term implications of their choice, as some tariffs may offer lower prices than other bills.

Formal Restructuring Options for Businesses

If your business is facing severe financial difficulties and struggling to pay its energy bills, formal restructuring options like Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) and company administration may be necessary.

Consulting a licensed insolvency practitioner can help assess your company’s financial position and determine the most appropriate restructuring process.

Let’s explore each of these formal restructuring options in more detail.

Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA)

A CVA is a formal restructuring solution that involves a licensed insolvency practitioner negotiating with creditors for new repayment amounts that are more manageable for the business.

The benefits of a CVA include providing breathing space for businesses experiencing financial difficulties and protecting creditors’ value by avoiding liquidation.

However, it can be a lengthy and complex process and may not be suitable for all types of debt.

Company administration

Company administration is another formal restructuring option designed to protect businesses and personnel from insolvency.

This process can prove beneficial for companies. It enables them to restructure their debts, negotiate new repayment terms with their creditors and avoid/prevent liquidation.

The purpose of company administration is to help businesses regain financial stability and overcome short-term financial difficulties.

An eight-week moratorium during company administration prevents any legal action initiated by a creditor and suspends any existing actions against the company.

Reducing Energy Costs Through Efficiency

To further manage your business energy bills, reducing energy costs through efficiency is vital. This can be achieved by conducting energy audits, upgrading equipment, and engaging employees in energy-saving initiatives.

Adopting these measures can significantly decrease your energy consumption, reduce costs, and cut down your energy costs.

Let’s examine each of these strategies in more detail.

Conducting energy audits

Energy audits help businesses analyse their energy usage and identify potential opportunities to reduce energy consumption.

The benefits of conducting an energy audit include uncovering areas of energy waste, identifying potential solutions, and reducing energy costs.

A comprehensive energy audit performed by a qualified professional can optimize the results and ensure the most energy and savings are realised.

Upgrading equipment

Upgrading business equipment can result in increased productivity, reduced downtime, reduced risk of accidents, and the ability to adopt more modern technologies.

Upgrading equipment can also lead to enhanced employee morale and confidence, as well as making the workplace more efficient and safer.

Consider upgrading computers, software, machinery, and tools to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.

Engaging employees in energy-saving initiatives

Employee participation in energy-saving initiatives is crucial for reducing energy consumption and costs.

Encourage your employees to adopt energy-efficient practices, such as turning off lights and machinery when not in use, and utilizing energy-efficient appliances.

By involving your employees in these initiatives, you can create a culture of energy efficiency within your business and significantly reduce your energy costs.

Navigating the Energy Supplier Market

To further manage your business energy bills, it is essential to navigate the energy supplier market effectively.

This involves comparing rates, understanding contract terms, and considering switching suppliers if necessary.

By being proactive in managing your energy supplier relationships, you can ensure that you are getting the best possible deal for your business.

Let’s explore these strategies in more detail.

Comparing rates

Comparing energy rates is crucial for finding the best deal for your business. Review the rates offered by different energy providers and utilise comparison websites to assess the different options.

Keep in mind that energy rates can vary depending on the size of the business, the region, and the type of energy source.

By staying informed about the market, you can make better decisions and potentially save money on your energy bills.

Understanding contract terms

Understanding contract terms is essential for ensuring a fair and mutually beneficial agreement with your energy supplier.

Comprehending the terms of the contract can help prevent potential disagreements or misunderstandings in the future.

Before signing a new contract, make sure to familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions and seek professional advice if necessary.

Switching suppliers

Switching suppliers can result in cost reductions, improved value for money, and better customer service.

However, it is essential to be aware of potential risks, such as disruption to service, unexpected costs, and contractual obligations.

To switch suppliers, contact the new energy provider, provide them with your details, and they will initiate the switch with your current energy provider.

By staying proactive and informed, you can make better decisions about your energy supplier and potentially even save money on your energy bills.

Preparing Your Business for Future Energy Challenges

As energy costs continue to rise, it’s crucial to prepare your business for future energy challenges.

Investing in renewable energy sources and building energy resilience can help you maintain a secure and dependable energy supply.

By being proactive and implementing these energy bill-saving initiatives, you can ensure that your business is well-prepared for any energy challenges that lie ahead. Let’s examine these energy bill-less strategies in more detail.

Investing in renewable energy sources

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, tidal, geothermal, and biomass can provide cost savings, reduced emissions, and enhanced energy security.

Investing in renewable energy sources can be done by acquiring renewable energy certificates, investing in renewable energy projects, or procuring renewable energy directly from a supplier.

While there may be high initial costs and limited accessibility, the long-term benefits of investing in renewable energy sources can outweigh the drawbacks.

Building energy resilience

Energy resilience is the ability of an energy system to prepare for, adjust to, and quickly recover from unexpected events, such as extreme weather, natural disasters, or equipment malfunctions.

To increase energy resilience, invest in energy storage solutions, utilize energy-efficient technologies, and participate in energy-saving initiatives.

By building energy resilience, you can ensure a secure and dependable energy supply for your business, even in the face of future energy challenges.

Summary

In conclusion, managing business energy bills involves understanding causes, implementing strategies, seeking financial help, and considering restructuring if needed.

Additionally, investing in energy efficiency, navigating the energy supplier market, and preparing your business for future energy challenges are all essential steps to ensure your business remains financially stable and environmentally responsible.

By adopting these strategies, you can create a more sustainable and resilient business that is well-prepared to face any energy challenges that lie ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will businesses get help through the energy crisis?

Businesses may be able to get some help through the Energy Bill Discount Scheme from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

However, it is important to note that there will be far less assistance than before April 2023.

Take advantage of any available offers and check if you are eligible for the discounts offered by limited companies in the scheme.

Should I fix my business energy prices until 2023?

Considering the fact that no energy suppliers offer new fixed price contracts or variable tariffs cheaper than the current Energy Price Guarantee as of April 2023, it would not be beneficial to fix your business energy prices until then.

You should assess the market and take into account all factors before deciding on a course of action.

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