New Gov support could save some firms 20% on energy bills

26-Apr-2023 - Last updated on 26-Apr-2023 at 09:43 GMT

Additional support: new discount announced as part of the EBDS could save energy intensive businesses 20% on wholesale energy bills (Credit: Getty/peepo)

Energy intensive businesses, including breweries, could save 20% on predicted wholesale energy prices under new Government support as part of the Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS).

Announced today (Wednesday 26 April), applications for the support are open now and offer those most affected by the rise in global energy prices the chance to save up to 20% on wholesale energy bills.

The discount could be reflected in bills from as soon as June, with support backdated to 1 April, until 31 March 2024 in an effort to deliver on the Government’s target to halve inflation.

Light at the end of the tunnel

Manufacturers of beer, wine from grape, malt, cider and other fruit wines are among the industries classed as energy intensive on the Government website.

Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway said: “We are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel for global energy prices as Putin’s grip on the market weakens, but our vital energy and trade intensive industries remain uniquely exposed to these challenges.”

Businesses are advised to check their eligibility on the Government website as soon as possible.

Eligible firms will need to provide the name of their energy supplier, meter numbers and a completed declaration document signed by a named director or equivalent confirming the admissibility criteria has been met.

Continue to thrive

In addition, some firms may also need to provide a full set of end-of-year accounts, sample sales invoices from the past 12-months, license or trade body details if applicable and an income statement.

Also offered as part of the scheme, the Non-Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment provides top-ups, starting at £750, for organisations using large quantities of kerosene heating oil, which eligible organisations have until 28 April to apply for.

Payments of £150 to businesses using alternative fuels is also available. A minority of those eligible will also need to apply for this by 28 April if no payment has been automatically received through an electricity supplier.

Solloway added: “We stand firmly behind British business and that’s why we’re protecting them with an additional offer of support so they can continue to thrive. I urge businesses to check their eligibility and apply right away so they can get the help they need.”