18 Jan 2023
Following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement regarding changes to government support for business energy costs from 1 April 2023, the BMF is advising members to check whether they should apply for the higher level of financial assistance available to energy-intensive industries.
The UK-wide Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS), which replaces the current Energy Bill Relief Scheme, is set to provide a discount on energy prices, rather than the existing arrangement which caps energy prices.
Most businesses will find that their energy supplier will automatically apply the standard discount to their bills.
However, there are slightly different proposals for energy-intensive industries, which include manufacturers of building materials, and they may need to register for this higher level of assistance.
Commenting on the changes, BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “The overall package being offered by the government from 1 April is substantially below the level of support provided over the winter months. This will be a major concern for energy-intensive manufacturers. But they should also be aware that they may not automatically receive the proposed discount and may have to register to receive it. Details of how to do so have not yet been released, but we will be advising members as soon as they are available.”
The government’s proposals for the new EBDS scheme follow.
All Businesses
For eligible customers who have a contract with a licensed energy supplier, the offer is:
Energy-Intensive Industries