New support for households, businesses and public sector organisations facing rising energy bills in North Trafford and across the UK has been unveiled by Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg - supporting growth, preventing unnecessary insolvencies and protecting jobs.
Through a new government Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers (including all UK businesses, the voluntary sector like charities and the public sector such as schools and hospitals) whose current gas and electricity prices have been significantly inflated in light of global energy prices. This support will be equivalent to the Energy Price Guarantee put in place for households.
It will apply to fixed contracts agreed on or after 1 April 2022, as well as to deemed, variable and flexible tariffs and contracts. It will apply to energy usage from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, running for an initial 6 month period for all non-domestic energy users. The savings will be first seen in October bills, which are typically received in November.
As with the Energy Price Guarantee for households, customers do not need to take action or apply to the scheme to access the support. Support (in the form of a p/kWh discount) will automatically be applied to bills.
Welcoming the news, local Conservative campaigner, Jonathan Coupe said “There has been an unprecedented rise in energy prices following Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, which has affected consumers and businesses of all sizes in North Trafford and across the UK. The help the government is already putting in place will save families money off their bills, and the government’s plans for businesses, charities and public sector organisations will give them the equivalent level of support.
“The plans shows that the government understands the huge pressure local businesses, charities and public sector organisations are facing with their energy bills, which is why the government is taking immediate action to support them over the winter and protect jobs and livelihoods.”
