Help for Businesses with Energy Costs

Rising energy costs have placed significant pressure on businesses across the UK, particularly small businesses. If you’re struggling to manage your energy bills, there are government schemes, grants, and practical solutions available to help. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the support options for businesses with energy costs.

Government Support for Business Energy Costs

The UK government has introduced several schemes to help businesses manage rising energy bills. These include:

• Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS): Replacing the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the EBDS provides eligible businesses with discounts on their energy bills. The scheme runs until March 2024 and is available to businesses in sectors most affected by high energy costs.
• Climate Change Agreements (CCAs): Businesses in energy-intensive industries can apply for CCAs to receive discounts on the Climate Change Levy, a tax on energy use.
• Business Rates Relief: While not directly related to energy costs, some businesses may qualify for business rates relief, freeing up funds to cover other expenses like energy bills.

To find out if your business qualifies for these schemes, visit the UK government’s official website or contact your energy supplier for guidance.

Charitable and Industry Support

In addition to government schemes, there are organisations and industry bodies that provide support for businesses struggling with energy costs:

• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): The FSB offers advice and resources to help small businesses manage rising energy costs, including tips on energy efficiency and negotiating with suppliers.
• Chambers of Commerce: Local chambers often provide guidance and support for businesses facing financial challenges, including energy costs.
• Energy Trusts: Some energy suppliers have charitable trusts that offer grants to businesses struggling with energy debts.

These organisations can provide practical advice and financial assistance to help your business stay afloat during challenging times.

Practical Tips for Reducing Business Energy Costs

While seeking financial help, there are steps you can take to reduce your business’s energy usage and manage costs more effectively:

• Energy Audits: Conduct an energy audit to identify areas where your business can reduce energy consumption.
• Switch Suppliers: Compare energy suppliers to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your business.
• Invest in Energy Efficiency: Upgrade to energy-efficient equipment, such as LED lighting and modern heating systems, to reduce long-term costs.
• Encourage Staff Awareness: Educate employees on energy-saving practices, such as turning off equipment when not in use.

Crowdfunding for Business Energy Costs

If your business is still struggling to cover energy costs after exploring government and industry support, crowdfunding through JustGiving can provide a lifeline. Here’s how it works:

• Quick and Easy Setup: Create a fundraising page in minutes and share it with your customers, community, and supporters.
• Share Your Story: Explain how rising energy costs are affecting your business and why you need help. People are often willing to support local businesses they care about.
• Raise What You Need: There’s no limit to how much you can raise, so you can aim to cover immediate energy bills or invest in energy-efficient upgrades.

Start your JustGiving fundraiser today and let your community help your business thrive.

Take Action Today

Rising energy costs don’t have to put your business at risk. Explore government schemes, reach out to industry organisations, and consider starting a JustGiving fundraiser to ease the financial pressure. With the right support, your business can weather the challenges of high energy costs and continue to grow.

Create your JustGiving page now and let your community support your business through these challenging times.