Energy Consultants: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

7 May 2024

Energy Consultants: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - How to Choose a Good Energy Broker in the UK

In today’s volatile energy market, many businesses struggle to understand what energy brokers do and how to find the best business energy consultants UK companies can trust. Energy procurement has become increasingly complex, and knowing how to choose a good energy broker can have a major impact on your costs.


A skilled energy consultant acts as a genuine intermediary between you and suppliers, helping you secure suitable contracts, resolve issues, and plan long-term energy strategy. However, because the energy-broker market is far less regulated than the financial sector, it’s essential to know how to choose a good energy broker UK businesses can rely on -- and how to spot the warning signs of a bad one.


What Do Energy Brokers Do? Understanding the Role of a Consultant

Think of an energy consultant as an extension of your business. The best business energy consultants UK-wide help with:

  • Strategic procurement and tendering
  • Managing supplier queries and resolving issues
  • Analysing usage patterns
  • Identifying energy-efficiency improvements
  • Supporting sustainability planning and Net Zero strategy


From a procurement perspective, a good energy broker has relationships across the entire supply market. They understand product structures, tariffs, risk profiles, and the difference between fixed, flexible, and pass-through contracts. Crucially, before going to tender, they identify the most suitable contract type for your needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.

 


This process will focus on finding the best energy plan for your business. Whether you prioritise cost savings or sustainability, a Good Broker will analyse fixed vs. flexible contracts, pass-through options, and green/brown energy tariffs to fit your risk tolerance and budget.

 

A consultant with a vast network of partners can help you take a more holistic approach to energy usage. They'll start by conducting a comprehensive energy audit, exploring all potential improvements, not just quick fixes like solar panels or lighting upgrades. This approach goes beyond "tunnel vision" solutions, giving you a broader range of options to achieve your sustainability and cost-saving goals.

 

Very rarely can a clear roadmap to energy optimisation be delivered without more in-depth understanding of the operational activities of the business, so be wary when specific solutions are being pushed early in your engagement.

 

Beyond core procurement and solution services, a good consultant goes the extra mile by offering comprehensive support. This includes assistance with managing your energy queries, validating invoices, and ensuring compliance with energy regulations. These additional services provide peace of mind and allow you to feel confident in how your energy expenses are managed.

How Energy Consultants Make Their Money:

Most brokers are paid a commission by suppliers based on your energy usage. This model can work well, but it also creates opportunities for less-ethical brokers to prioritise their own earnings over your best interests.

When evaluating what energy brokers do, watch out for these red flags:


The Cowboy Broker's Playbook

1. Locking You Into Long Contracts
 Be wary of brokers pushing fixed-term deals years into the future. Markets change quickly, and a deal that looks good today may be costly next year. Long contracts may only make sense in rising-market conditions. No broker should push you beyond the length of your next renewal.

2. No Consultation, Just a Contract
A trustworthy broker analyses your energy consumption patterns, risk appetite, and goals. If they skip this process and rush you into signing, it’s a warning sign.

3. The Ghost Broker
 If your broker disappears after the contract is signed, you may have chosen poorly. A good energy broker remains available to assist with billing queries, supplier disputes, and contract management throughout the term.



Hallmarks of the Best Business Energy Consultants

So, what sets an honest, high-quality broker apart?

• Accessibility & transparency
They offer clear contact details, answer calls, and support you before AND after the contract.

• Strong market knowledge
A good energy broker explains the energy market in plain English and provides clear, well-reasoned advice based on current trends.

• Encouragement to ask questions
Reputable brokers never avoid queries. They welcome them — because informed clients make better long-term partners.


How to Choose a Good Energy Broker

Choosing the right consultant can significantly reduce your energy costs and reduce the stress of managing utilities. When comparing providers:

  • Research the broker’s market access
  • Ask how they’re paid
  • Compare quotes to benchmark their performance
  • Check their support offering after the contract goes live
  • Pay attention to how they explain risks and contract options
  • By selecting an honest and experienced broker, you gain confidence, clarity, and better control over your energy spend.
 

Partner with a consultant you can trust

Finding a good energy broker can significantly reduce your energy costs and reduce the stress of handling your utilities. Don't be afraid to do your research, compare brokers (it is prudent to benchmark your broker to ensure the best rates), and ask questions.

By choosing an honest partner, you can navigate the energy market with confidence, secure a great deal, and focus on what matters most – your business.

 

If your business requires advice with its energy procurement, management, or planning, then don’t hesitate to contact SeeMore Energy to speak to experienced advisors who can help you with bespoke strategies and advice that is tailored to your needs.


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Falling Wholesale Prices: The Time to Renew

10 December 2025
Ever since the Summer of 2021, energy prices have been above their historical levels. Whilst the initial spike created by the Russia/Ukraine conflict was short-lived, prices never fully returned to their pre-conflict levels. More recently, the first quarter of 2024 saw some reprieve as wholesale prices dropped, but prices rose by over 150% between February of 2024 and February 2025.

November 2025 Review

1 December 2025
By Adam Novakovic Whilst November’s budget may have disappointed businesses hoping for governmental assistance in the battle against high energy prices, the wholesale market offered some hope. With the mandated need for EU nations to replenish their reserves now in the rear-view mirror, buying pressure dissipated, and there were many positive stories that helped send prices downwards. The first half of the month saw small rises and drops that largely cancelled each other out, but from November 18 th through to the 28 th , wholesale gas prices fell approximately 12% and reached their lowest levels since July’24. There is normally a slight delay before the wholesale price drops are passed on to the end user, but for those with contract expiry dates in the next 6 months, the coming weeks may present opportunities to obtain quotes at rates more favourable than at any other point in 2025. One of the main reasons for optimism regarding future gas supplies is the peace talks being held between Russia and Ukraine. Any formal deal will almost certainly include a lifting of sanctions on Russian gas sales and provide a significant supply boost to the global market. However, there may still be obstacles to overcome before any peace plan is finalised with Ukraine and Russia both unwilling to concede territory.

How the 2025 Budget Neglects the Concerns of Struggling UK Businesses

26 November 2025
By Adam Novakovic With many British businesses struggling to navigate the challenges that soaring energy costs have had on their ability to compete internationally, there was a sense of optimism that the government would introduce measures designed to alleviate the pressure that many companies have been burdened with. As we close out 2025, Energy costs are typically within the top 3 overheads for any business operating from commercial property & rising costs are fast becoming the most significant risk to sustainability, which has far wider impacts to the UK economy. Unfortunately, no such measures were forthcoming and the announcement fell flat for those that need it most. Hopes of expanding the NCC or EII discounts to further sectors, or reducing VAT levels on gas and electricity, turned to disappointment, as only minor changes were announced. One such change was the government’s decision to abolish the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and to fund a substantial portion of Renewables Obligation costs through general taxation. Although these measures are aimed at easing pressures on domestic consumers, they also remove some of the cost drivers within the wider energy system. With fewer policy-driven levies feeding into wholesale and supplier operating costs, businesses may experience a modest dampening effect on future price rises, although this is unlikely to translate into immediate or substantial reductions in commercial tariffs. The Budget did reinforce the government’s commitment to green investment through its updated Green Financing Framework, which will fund green expenditures that tackle climate change, rebuild natural ecosystems and support jobs in green sectors. While this is unlikely to have any short-term impact on energy costs, one small positive -- when compared to previous green schemes -- is that this programme will be funded by the issuance of gilts and bonds, rather than passing the cost on to suppliers who invariably pass the cost on to the end users.  Despite the need for assistance with rising energy costs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which remain exposed to fixed-term contracts negotiated during the recent price spikes, are not going to see any immediate relief, and the accountability seems to remain solely at the door of the business owners to find their own ways to minimise costs.

The Ever-Increasing Standing Charge

23 November 2025
The ever-increasing standing charge By Adam Novakovic While finding ways to decrease consumption can help lower your electricity and gas bills, many of the savings accrued through reduced consumption can be seemingly wiped out by constantly increasing standing charges -- charges that end-users have no control over. As standing charges continue to rise, we take a look at the reasons behind this and whether this trend is set to continue. What are standing charges? A standing charge is the fixed daily fee you pay for your utilities before you’ve used a single unit of gas or electricity. The intention behind the standing charge is that it covers aspects of the energy network that require funds regardless of usage levels, such as: National Grid and local network costs Supplier operating costs and smart metering Some industry and government policy schemes A recent government consultation found that around half of the typical electricity standing charge is made up of network costs alone, with a further quarter linked to operating and industry costs.

October 2025 Review

3 November 2025
October Review By Adam Novakovic In the month of Halloween, October energy price movements were free of jump-scares. Whilst prices moved up slightly at the start of the month, they marginally decreased throughout the remainder of October. Ending the month slightly below the levels seen at the end of September. The expectation this month was that European gas reserves would be the key story impacting energy prices. The European Network for Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG) released their report on the Winter supply outlook. This confirmed that Europe is well prepared for the coming winter, with 83 % gas reserves recorded as of the 1 st of October, and infrastructure resilient enough to meet demand without Russian pipeline gas. Their projections had Europe ending the winter season with over 30% storage even in the most severe scenarios. There is also the expectation that any unforeseen supply disruptions can be mitigated through increased LNG imports -- supporting the EU’s goal of phasing out Russian gas while emphasising continually reducing demand. During the first week of October Russia launched a wave of drone attacks against Ukraine -- the largest since the war began. These strikes have damaged Ukrainian gas production and left storage at 42% of capacity. This has forced Ukraine to look at importing large quantities of LNG from Europe this winter. With the deal that brought Russian gas to Europe now expired, Europe faces added demand pressure. This comes despite Europe significantly reducing Russian gas imports and increasing LNG imports from other nations. With there currently being a large quantity of LNG available for importation, and with EU gas reserves being in a healthy position, it seems as though further conflict may not have a large impact on energy prices. This could change however if Europe were to experience a particularly cold winter.

The British Industry Supercharger

30 October 2025
With government-imposed charges making up an increasing percentage of business energy bills, it is becoming difficult for many UK industries to remain competitive in international markets. This led to the introduction of the British Industry Supercharger (BIS). A scheme for energy-intensive businesses that aims to counteract many of the government-imposed environmental levies and the rising transmission charges. In this article, we cover how it works and what your business needs to know to benefit from it. What is the British Industry Supercharger? Launched on the 1st April 2024, the British Industry Supercharger is a strategic package of relief measures aimed at energy‐intensive industries (EIIs) such as steel, metals, chemicals, cement, glass and paper. The aim is to reduce electricity non‐commodity costs so UK foundational industries can compete with businesses in nations with lower energy costs. The BIS is comprised of 3 sections: 1. Relief from Renewable Levies This provides businesses with exemptions from paying Renewables Obligation (RO), Feed-in Tariff (FiT), and Contracts for Difference (CfD). These charges were added to invoices in order to fund green-power generation. Under the Supercharger, eligible EIIs can receive up to 100% exemption from these charges. 2. Network Charging Cost Compensation This offers discounts on electricity network charges - including Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) and Distribution Use of System (DUoS) fees. These fees cover the cost of maintaining the national grid and distribution networks, but can represent a large proportion of industrial energy bills. The BIS introduces a Network Charging Compensation (NCC) mechanism, reimbursing eligible firms for around 60% of these costs. 3. Capacity Market Exemption The scheme offers eligible business a full exemption from Capacity Market charges. The Capacity Market is funded through indirect charges on electricity bills with the aim of funding generators to ensure they are available during supply-peaks.

Why UK Energy Prices Keep On Rising…

21 October 2025
Why UK Energy Prices Keep On Rising… And what it means to manufacturing and engineering companies over the next few years Over the past decade, UK energy prices have changed dramatically. Not only in terms of overall cost but also in how those costs are made up. Ten years ago, the largest part of a business electricity bill came from the commodity element: the wholesale price of electricity. Non-commodity charges -- often used to support the infrastructure of the electricity grid or government energy policies -- were relatively modest. In 2013, the typical breakdown of electricity costs for a business user was around 60–65% commodity and 35–40% non-commodity. Today, that picture has flipped. For many manufacturers, non-commodity charges now make up over 60% of the total bill, with the non-commodity percentage of the bill increasing each year. This shift explains why energy bills have remained stubbornly high, even during periods when wholesale prices fell. Grid reinforcement, renewable subsidies, and balancing costs have grown year on year, with these costs baked into every unit of power consumed, regardless of wholesale prices.

What happens when a supplier fails?

14 October 2025
In the last decade, over 50 UK energy suppliers have gone out of business. With Tomato Energy being issued with a provisional order this week, it seems as though their name will be the latest to be added to the list of defunct suppliers including Bulb, Avro, and Spark Energy. For customers of a supplier that is on the brink of going out of business, this can be a scary time, but there is a process in place to ensure they are not at risk of losing their supply. Who is responsible? OFGEM (The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) are a non-ministerial government department tasked with regulating the energy markets and networks. In cases where a supplier goes out of business, OFGEM provide a safety net to ensure that customers supply won’t be disrupted. What is the process? OFGEM may elect to appoint an administrator. If this is the path they choose, then no action is necessary from the supplier’s customers. At some point, the administrator may choose to shut down the supplier, at which point, all existing customers will be moved to a new supplier of the administrator’s choosing.

MHHS: Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlements

6 October 2025
Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) What is MHHS? MHHS stands for Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement. Currently, most electricity is billed based on estimates or meter reads that can be provided monthly, quarterly, or sporadically. With MHHS, electricity consumption will be accounted for and billed in 30-minute blocks. The idea is that with more precise, time-based data, suppliers and networks can match supply and demand more accurately. This helps reduce waste and allow more flexibility in how electricity is used across the system. Who does it apply to? Previously, only large industrial and commercial users needed to have half-hourly meters, but MHHS is intended to apply across the whole electricity market in Great Britain. This includes domestic consumers, small businesses, large industrial users, and everything in between. That means most electricity users will be indirectly affected, even if they don’t see anything change in how their meter looks, the rules behind billing and settlement will shift behind the scenes.

September 2025 Review

1 October 2025
September Review By Adam Novakovic We have reached the time of year where the summer months have started to fade and we begin to think about the colder seasons. This month saw the UK government recognise Palestine as a country, although they still seem unable to recognise the harm their energy policies are causing UK businesses. With further charges set to be added to UK energy bills and rising non-commodity costs, it was a relief that wholesale energy prices remained fairly flat throughout September. A recent report from independent analysts Cornwall Insights revealed that large energy users who aren’t covered by Government schemes could find that they are paying a further £450,000/year in non-commodity costs by 2030. With non-commodity costs such as DUOS and TUOS charges –which are used to fund the infrastructure responsible for the transmission of electricity – now accounting for over 2/3rds of total electricity costs for some businesses, it is of growing concern that these charges are set to continue rising. With the TUOS charges for 26/27 expected to increase significantly , the non-commodity charges are starting to have a negative impact on UK businesses ability to compete against foreign businesses with fewer governmental charges on their energy bills. This growing concern is yet to be addressed but could have a huge impact on many industries in the next year.