Where Does My Energy Come From? It’s a simple question, but the answer is more complex than many businesses realise. When you flick a switch or power up your operations, the electricity and gas you use is the end product of a vast, interconnected system of generation, infrastructure, global markets and regulation. Understanding where your energy comes from isn’t just a curiosity, it’s commercially relevant. Electricity: A Real-Time Balancing Act In the UK, electricity is generated from a mix of sources. The primary contributors today include: Gas-fired power stations Wind (onshore and offshore) Nuclear Solar Interconnectors importing power from Europe Unlike gas, electricity must be generated and consumed in real time. Supply and demand are constantly balanced by the system operator, ensuring the grid remains stable. If supply ever falls short, then prices can spike. In recent years, numerous grid updates have taken place to ensure that renewable energy can be added to the grid and quickly transported. While many businesses purchase “renewable” tariffs, this doesn’t mean the electricity you receive was generated by renewable sources. Electricity on the grid is pooled, so you don’t receive electrons directly from a specific wind farm. Instead, suppliers match your usage with renewable generation certificates (REGOs), demonstrating that an equivalent amount of green power has been produced. For larger energy users, the mix of generation matters because it directly impacts wholesale pricing. An evening with low wind output, for example, can significantly increase reliance on gas-fired generation, therefore increasing exposure to the wholesale price of gas. Gas: A Global Commodity Gas plays two roles in the UK energy system: Heating homes and businesses directly, and fuelling many power stations that generate electricity. The UK produces some natural gas domestically from the North Sea, but production has declined over the years. Today, a significant proportion of supply is imported via: Pipelines from Norway Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipments – particularly from Qatar and the US Interconnectors from continental Europe Because gas is traded globally, UK prices are influenced by international supply and demand dynamics. Events in Europe, Asia or the US can directly affect what UK businesses pay. This means geopolitical events such as the threat of war in the Middle East can cause prices to rise sharply . Renewables and the Energy Transition The UK’s generation mix has changed dramatically over the past decade. Coal has been phased out, while wind and solar capacity have grown significantly. This shift brings both opportunity and volatility. Renewable generation lowers carbon intensity and reduces exposure to fuel imports. However, because wind and solar output depend on weather conditions, short-term price fluctuations have become more pronounced. For businesses with flexible procurement strategies , understanding this dynamic can create opportunities to secure more competitive pricing. Why It Matters for Your Procurement Strategy Where your energy comes from can influence many other aspects of your energy strategy, including: Wholesale market pricing Carbon reporting obligations Contract structures Long-term risk exposure Understanding where your energy comes from has never been more important for UK businesses. If you want to understand how the current generation mix and global gas markets are affecting your upcoming renewals, SeeMore Energy can help you interpret the landscape and see what options are currently available for you.

How Do I Find Out Who My Energy Supplier Is? This is a surprisingly common question, particularly if you’ve just moved into a new property, taken over an existing site, or inherited responsibility for energy procurement.  If you don’t know who supplies your electricity or gas, don’t worry. There are clear steps you can take to find out quickly and avoid unnecessary delays, billing issues, or out-of-contract rates. 1. Check Recent Bills or Tenancy Documents If the property has been occupied recently, the simplest place to start is with a previous energy bill. This will confirm: The supplier name Your account number The supply address Your MPAN (electricity) or MPRN (gas) If you’ve just moved in, your landlord, managing agent, or outgoing tenant may also be able to confirm the supplier. 2. Use the National Databases If no bills are available, you can use the industry’s central databases. For electricity , contact your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). In England, Scotland and Wales, you can find your DNO via the Energy Networks Association website . They can confirm your current electricity supplier and provide your MPAN. For gas , you can contact the Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) via the Xoserve database, or use the find my supplier tool. These services are free and typically provide confirmation immediately. 3. Contact the Meter Operator In some cases, particularly with larger commercial sites, your appointed meter operator may be able to confirm the registered supplier. This is more common where contracts have been arranged historically through brokers or third parties. Common meter operators include IMServ, Npower, and Stark. 4. Act Quickly to Avoid Out-of-Contract Rates If you’ve taken over a site and haven’t agreed a contract, you could be placed on deemed or out-of-contract rates . These are usually significantly higher than negotiated market rates. Confirming your supplier allows you to: Request historic consumption data Understand your current contract status Avoid unexpected charges Begin procurement discussions Why It Matters Knowing your supplier isn’t just administrative, it’s commercially important. Without clarity on who supplies your energy, you can’t properly review your costs, assess renewal timing, or manage market exposure. If you’re unsure where to start, or if you’ve identified your supplier but don’t know what contract you’re on, SeeMore Energy can help you interpret the position and plan your next steps with confidence. Getting clarity is the first step towards controlling your energy strategy.