Should I use an energy broker/partner?

How Can My Business Reduce Energy Costs? With energy prices remaining volatile and non-commodity costs continuing to rise , reducing energy spend has become a priority for businesses across the UK. While many focus solely on securing a competitive contract, the reality is that meaningful savings often come from a combination of procurement strategy, operational efficiency, and technical optimisation. Procurement: Timing and Strategy Matter Procurement is often the first option businesses look to when trying to reduce costs. Securing energy at the right time and with the right type of contract can significantly impact your overall spend. Rather than simply renewing at contract end, businesses should consider: Monitoring wholesale market trends Forward purchasing or flexible contracts Aligning contract length with risk appetite and market outlook A well-timed procurement strategy can protect against volatility and avoid locking into unfavourable rates during market peaks. Energy Audits: Reduce and Optimise Consumption Reducing consumption remains one of the most effective ways to lower energy costs. Conducting an energy audit helps identify where energy is being wasted and where efficiencies can be introduced. This can include: Identifying inefficient equipment or processes Highlighting opportunities to reduce usage during peak tariff periods Shifting consumption to off-peak times where rates may be lower Even small operational changes, such as adjusting run times or improving maintenance, can deliver meaningful savings over time. kVA Capacity and TCR Banding Reviews Many businesses are unknowingly overpaying due to incorrect technical settings on their supply. kVA Capacity Your agreed supply capacity determines how much power your site can draw from the grid. If this is set too high, you may be paying unnecessary capacity charges . If it’s too low, you risk excess capacity penalties. Regular reviews ensure your capacity accurately reflects your operational needs. TCR Banding (Targeted Charging Review) TCR banding determines how certain network charges are applied, particularly for electricity. Being placed in the wrong band, or failing to optimise your position, can significantly increase costs. Reviewing both kVA capacity and TCR banding can unlock savings without any change to consumption . Bill Validation: Are You Being Charged Correctly? Energy billing is complex, and errors are more common than many businesses realise . From incorrect meter readings to misapplied charges and outdated contract rates , even small discrepancies can add up over time. Implementing a robust bill validation process ensures that: You are billed in line with your contract All charges are accurate and correctly applied Any historical overcharges are identified and recovered Without ongoing validation, many businesses simply assume their bills are correct. This can lead to overpaying and spending more than necessary on electricity. Government Schemes and Support Depending on your business type and energy usage, you may be eligible for government schemes or exemptions designed to reduce costs. These can include: Climate Change Agreements (CCAs) Energy-intensive industry exemptions Various relief mechanisms on network and policy charges Eligibility criteria can be complex, and many businesses miss out simply because they are unaware of what they qualify for. Reviewing your eligibility regularly ensures you are not leaving money on the table. The Value of Expert Support Reducing energy costs is no longer just about finding the cheapest unit rate. It requires an approach that combines procurement, technical optimisation, and ongoing validation. For many businesses, navigating this landscape internally can be time-consuming and complex. That’s where working with a specialist energy broker can make a real difference. At SeeMore Energy, we support businesses in identifying cost-saving opportunities across every aspect of their energy strategy. From market timing and contract negotiation to bill validation and technical reviews. If you want to ensure your business isn’t overpaying, get in touch today. Our team can analyse your kVA capacities and TCR banding, advise on your current contracts, recommend optimal procurement strategies, and identify if you are eligible for any government schemes.

How often are business energy bills wrong? For many UK businesses, energy bills are simply accepted as a fixed cost of operations. However, industry experience suggests that billing errors are far more common than most organisations realise . Research published by OFGEM showed that 27% of small businesses found errors in their invoices, with this percentage rising to 48% for larger organisations. In some cases, they can lead to significant overpayments with businesses being unaware they are paying more than necessary. While it is difficult to assign an exact figure across the entire market, it is widely accepted within the energy industry that a meaningful proportion of business energy bills contain errors at some point during a contract. These issues can range from minor discrepancies to substantial inaccuracies that impact cash flow and budgeting. Why do energy billing errors occur? Business energy billing is inherently complex. Unlike domestic billing, commercial contracts often involve multiple components, including wholesale costs, network charges, levies, and capacity-based fees. This creates more opportunities for things to go wrong. Some of the most common causes of billing errors include: Estimated billing : Where actual meter reads are not available, suppliers may rely on estimates that do not reflect real usage. Wrong contract rates applied : Agreed prices may not always be correctly reflected in billing systems. Capacity and network charge errors : Incorrect kVA capacity levels or misapplied TCR banding can significantly increase costs. Change of tenancy or supplier issues : Errors often arise during transitions, where data is not transferred correctly between parties. Given the number of moving parts involved, even well-managed accounts can occasionally experience discrepancies. How big can the impact be? The financial impact of billing errors varies depending on the nature of the issue. In some cases, errors may only amount to small differences on individual invoices. However, when left unresolved over time -- particularly across multi-site portfolios -- these discrepancies can quickly add up. It is not uncommon for businesses to uncover thousands, or even tens of thousands of pounds in overcharges when historical bills are reviewed in detail. Larger energy users, or those with complex metering arrangements, are typically at greater risk. Are suppliers responsible for catching errors? Energy suppliers are responsible for issuing accurate bills, but the reality is that billing systems are not infallible. With large volumes of data and frequent industry changes, errors can and do occur. Importantly, many issues are only identified when the customer or their advisor actively reviews the data. Without this oversight, incorrect charges may continue for extended periods. What should businesses do? To minimise risk, businesses should take a proactive approach to energy bill validation . This includes regularly checking invoices against contract terms, ensuring meter readings are accurate, and reviewing capacity and network charges. For many organisations, however, this level of scrutiny can be time-consuming and technically challenging. As a result, more businesses are turning to specialist support to ensure their billing is correct. Take control with bill validation At SeeMore Energy, we understand how complex and costly billing errors can be. That’s why we’ve developed a dedicated Bill Validation system designed to identify inaccuracies, recover overcharges, and ensure your invoices are fully aligned with your contract and usage.  Get in touch today to learn more about receiving a free trial for our Bill Validation system , and make sure you’re only paying for the energy you actually use.

What is a DNO? For many UK businesses, energy bills are often viewed purely through the lens of suppliers and wholesale prices. However, a key part of the electricity system is the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) . Understanding the role of a DNO can help businesses better manage costs, improve efficiency, and avoid unnecessary charges. What does a DNO do? A DNO is responsible for owning, operating, and maintaining the local electricity distribution network . This is the infrastructure that delivers power from the national grid to homes and businesses. Unlike energy suppliers, DNOs do not sell electricity. Instead, they ensure that electricity is delivered safely and reliably to your site. If there is a power cut or a fault with the local network, it is the DNO -- not your supplier -- that resolves the issue. Why do DNOs exist? The UK electricity network is divided into regions, each managed by a licensed DNO. This structure exists to ensure the network is operated efficiently and maintained to a high standard, while avoiding duplication of infrastructure. DNOs are regulated by Ofgem, which sets the framework for how they operate and how much they can charge for using their networks. These charges ultimately form part of your electricity invoice through network costs . TCR banding and kVA capacity In recent years, DNO-related charges have become more visible to businesses due to the Targeted Charging Review (TCR) . This reform changed how certain network costs are recovered, moving away from usage-based charges to fixed charges based on a site’s capacity or agreed supply level. For many non-half-hourly (NHH) customers, this means being placed into TCR bands , which determine the level of fixed network charges applied. For half-hourly (HH) customers, charges are often linked more directly to their agreed kVA capacity . Your kVA capacity represents the maximum electrical load your site is allowed to draw from the network. If this is set too high, you may be overpaying in capacity charges. If it is too low, you risk exceeding your limit and incurring penalties or operational issues. Reviewing both TCR banding and kVA capacity is therefore an important step in ensuring your energy costs are optimised. DNO regions Each DNO operates within a defined geographic area. The main DNOs in Great Britain include: UK Power Networks (London, South East, East of England) National Grid Electricity Distribution (Midlands, South West, South Wales) Northern Powergrid (North East, Yorkshire) Electricity North West (North West England) SP Energy Networks (Central & Southern Scotland, Merseyside, North Wales) Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (Northern Scotland, Central Southern England) Your DNO is determined by your location and cannot be changed, unlike your energy supplier. When should you contact your DNO? There are several situations where it may be necessary to engage with your DNO directly, including: Power outages or network faults New connections or site developments Increasing or reducing your site’s capacity (kVA) Metering or infrastructure changes impacting supply For most day-to-day queries, your energy supplier will act as your first point of contact, but more technical or infrastructure-related requests will involve the DNO. How we can help Understanding the role of the DNO -- and how charges like TCR banding and capacity impact your bills -- can unlock significant cost-saving opportunities. At SeeMore Energy, we help businesses review their energy setup in detail, identifying areas where network charges may be reduced and ensuring your contract and capacity are aligned with your actual usage.  Contact us today for a free energy review , and let us help you take control of your energy costs.

What do I need to do when switching energy supplier? Switching energy supplier is a common step for UK businesses looking to control costs and improve their energy arrangements. Understanding the process can help ensure the transition is smooth and avoids any disruption. While the switching process itself is usually straightforward, there are several important steps businesses should take to make sure everything runs efficiently. 1. Check your current contract The first step before switching supplier is to review your existing energy contract. Most business energy contracts are fixed-term agreements, and leaving before the end date may trigger termination fees or penalties. Businesses should check the contract end date, notice period, and any specific termination clauses. Many contracts require notice to be given before the end of the agreement. If notice is not provided within the required timeframe, the contract may automatically roll over or move onto higher out-of-contract rates . Understanding these details early will help you avoid unnecessary costs and ensure you can switch at the correct time. 2. Compare suppliers and contract options Once you know when you are able to switch, the next step is to review available options in the market. Different suppliers offer a variety of contract structures and pricing models, and it’s important to choose one that suits your business’s needs. When comparing suppliers , businesses should look beyond the headline price and consider other factors such as reliability, billing arrangements, customer support, and flexibility. For organisations with multiple sites, it may also be useful to check whether suppliers can align billing dates or provide consolidated invoices. While this process can be time-consuming for many businesses, we offer a free market review, where we obtain quotes on behalf of your business and assist with comparing the available options. 3. Confirm meter details and site information Before a switch can take place, suppliers will typically need accurate information about the site and energy meters. This includes the MPAN (for electricity) or MPRN (for gas), the business address, and details of current consumption. Providing accurate information helps suppliers produce more reliable quotations and ensures the switching process is completed correctly. If a business has multiple locations, it may also be worth reviewing whether all sites should be included in the same contract portfolio. 4. Agree the contract and switching date Once a supplier has been selected, the next step is to formally agree the new contract. The supplier will confirm the start date for the new supply, which typically begins immediately after the current contract ends. In most cases, the switching process happens automatically behind the scenes. The new supplier will coordinate with industry systems and the existing supplier to transfer the supply on the agreed date. Importantly, the physical supply of electricity or gas does not change when you switch supplier. The same infrastructure and network operators continue to deliver energy to the site, meaning there is no interruption to supply. 5. Submit final meter readings Around the time the new contract begins, businesses may be asked to provide a meter reading . This allows the previous supplier to produce an accurate final bill and ensures the new supplier begins billing from the correct usage level. Keeping a record of these readings can help resolve any potential billing queries later on. Plan ahead for future renewals Switching supplier is also a good opportunity for businesses to review their longer-term energy strategy. Monitoring contract end dates and market conditions can help businesses avoid expensive out-of-contract rates and ensure they continue to secure competitive pricing in the future. If your business requires assistance with any stage of switching supplier, contact us today for no-obligation advice from an experienced team of energy professionals.

For UK businesses, energy is often one of the largest operating costs. With prices remaining volatile in recent years, choosing the right supplier has become more important than ever. While many businesses focus primarily on price, the “best” supplier is rarely defined by cost alone. Instead, the most suitable supplier is one that offers a balance of competitive pricing, reliability, strong customer service, and the flexibility to accommodate the specific needs of a business. Reliability and financial stability One of the most important factors to consider when selecting an energy supplier is reliability. Businesses require confidence that their supplier will continue operating throughout the duration of the contract and can manage market volatility without disruption. The UK energy market has seen a number of supplier failures in recent years, particularly during periods of high wholesale prices. When a supplier fails , customers are typically transferred to another provider under industry arrangements, but this can create uncertainty and administrative challenges. As a result, many businesses prefer suppliers with a strong financial position and a proven track record in the commercial energy market. Competitive pricing and contract structure Price will always play a major role when businesses evaluate suppliers. However, it is important to look beyond the headline unit rate and understand the overall structure of the contract. Different suppliers may structure contracts in slightly different ways, including how they treat standing charges , non-commodity costs , and pass-through elements such as network charges or policy levies . Businesses should ensure they understand what is fixed within the contract and what could change over time. Some suppliers are better suited to particular procurement strategies. For example, some businesses may prefer fully fixed contracts for price certainty, while others may benefit from more flexible purchasing approaches that allow energy to be bought in stages. Customer service and account management Another key differentiator between suppliers is the level of customer service they provide. For many businesses, the ability to quickly resolve billing issues, obtain accurate usage data, or speak to a knowledgeable account manager can be just as important as the contract price. Suppliers with strong commercial support teams and dedicated account managers often provide a smoother experience for businesses, particularly those with multiple sites or complex energy requirements. Good customer service can also make a significant difference when dealing with contract renewals, billing queries, or meter-related issues. Flexibility to support business needs Flexibility is another important factor that is sometimes overlooked when comparing suppliers. Businesses with multiple locations, for example, may prefer suppliers that are willing to align billing arrangements across a portfolio of sites. This could include providing the same invoice date for all locations, consolidating billing where possible, or accommodating specific administrative requirements. Similarly, some suppliers are more willing than others to tailor contracts around operational needs, such as managing new site additions, handling meter upgrades, or adapting to changes in energy usage. Taking a balanced approach Ultimately, there is no single supplier that will be the “best” choice for every business. The right supplier will depend on factors such as the size of the organisation, the number of sites involved, the preferred procurement strategy, and the level of service required. By assessing suppliers across reliability, price competitiveness, customer support, and operational flexibility, businesses can make more informed decisions and ensure their energy supply arrangements support both their operational needs and their long-term cost management strategy. If you would like us to conduct a free market review on your behalf to see what rates are currently available and who different suppliers compare, contact us today and we can help see which supplier will be best for your needs.

February 2026 Review When writing monthly reviews, I research and make notes throughout the month that allow the final writing process to be straightforward, with all key points already in place. For this month, almost all of my notes had to be torn up and thrown away on the final day of February when the US declared war on Iran. It is rare that one story has the ability to cause a seismic shift of such magnitude that all other news affecting energy prices seem irrelevant by comparison, but – for the first time since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began – we have a geopolitical event of that level. Electricity prices for the Summer’26 season had dropped as low as £65.66/MWh in mid-February, but opened up at £79.70/MWh this morning, showing an over 20% increase from this low point. Meanwhile, wholesale UK gas prices are trading 25% higher than when the market closed on Friday. For a business set to consume 10,000MWh of electricity during the summer, this represents a price increase of over £140,000 when comparing today’s price to the February low point.

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.

The Capacity Market: An untapped revenue source With wholesale markets volatile and network costs rising, many businesses are looking at strategies to reduce energy spend. In addition to lowering costs, there are ways that large consumers of energy can monetise their existing energy set up. By selling back unused capacity via the Capacity Market (CM), businesses can generate tens of thousands of pounds each year, without having to make any material changes to how they run their operations. What is the Capacity Market? The UK Capacity Market was introduced in 2014 to safeguard security of supply. The CM has two main objectives: Incentivise new sources of generation that can prevent issues on the demand-side. Provide a last-resort mechanism to prevent electricity shortages during times of system stress. Administered by National Energy System Operator (NESO), the scheme pays providers for being available to deliver capacity during periods of system tightness. Businesses can receive payments, not for generating electricity, but for committing to reduce demand or increase supply if required. Capacity is secured through annual auctions (one year ahead and four years ahead), which set a £/kW price. Once contracted, participants receive an availability payment in return for meeting testing requirements and being ready to respond to a system stress event. Since the CM’s inception, there has never been a full system stress event triggered. Although precautionary notices have been issued and subsequently stood down – normally within 2 hours of being issued. How Can Businesses Make Money from It? For many businesses, the opportunity lies in Demand Side Response (DSR) . If a business can demonstrate that it is capable of reducing load during a stress event -- even for just 30 minutes -- that reduction can be contracted into the Capacity Market. The process for this is: Historical half-hourly data is analysed to establish normal usage. Periods where usage dropped materially (e.g. shutdowns, maintenance, early finishes, seasonal dips) are identified. The difference between normal usage and the reduced period becomes the site’s deliverable capacity. This capacity is aggregated with other businesses into a CM Unit (CMU) and entered into the auction. Payments are then made quarterly in arrears for being available.