At Horizon Marketing Services, we’re committed to making business energy management simpler, clearer, and more transparent. This FAQ section answers some of the most common questions businesses have about energy suppliers, contracts, tariffs, switching providers, energy bills, and improving energy efficiency. Whether you’re looking to compare energy options, understand your current contracts and bills, reduce energy costs, or improve overall efficiency, you’ll find clear and practical guidance to help you make informed decisions. If you need advice tailored to your business, our specialist team is here to help. Get in touch with Horizon Marketing Services to discuss your requirements and explore the right energy solution for your business.
The risk of a supply squeeze due to Middle East instability is real, but the 2026 market is different than 2022. While tensions can cause ‘knee-jerk’ spikes in daily rates, many suppliers have already priced this risk into their long-term offers. As your industrial energy consultant UK, we advise against panic-buying. Instead, we use wholesale market intelligence to look for ‘calm windows’ in the market. We help you implement a ‘hedging’ strategy securing a portion of your energy now to protect against a war-driven spike, while keeping the rest flexible so you can benefit if the situation de-escalates.
Total blackouts are unlikely, but ‘Demand Side Response’ is becoming a huge topic. In times of global supply strain, the grid actually pays businesses to reduce their usage during peak hours. We help you prepare for this by mapping your ‘Digital Twin’ identifying exactly which parts of your production can be powered down for short bursts without losing money. This turns a global crisis into a local revenue stream, as you get paid to help balance the UK grid while prices are volatile.
Yes, from December 19, 2024, small businesses can use the Energy Ombudsman for electricity disputes if they have fewer than 50 employees or full-time equivalent, with annual turnover of at most £6.5 million or balance sheet total of £5.0 million, or annual electricity consumption of not more than 200,000 kWh Resolver. This is a significant expansion of consumer protections for business electricity customers. You must wait 8 weeks after using your energy supplier’s complaints process or receive a deadlock letter before approaching the Ombudsman Energy Ombudsman. The Energy Ombudsman service for business electricity disputes is free and can order suppliers to fix problems, explain issues, apologize, or pay compensation. This levels the playing field for smaller businesses previously without affordable dispute resolution for electricity complaints.
To complain about your commercial electricity supplier, first contact their customer service department using the complaints procedure detailed on their website or bills. Document all issues with dates, reference numbers, and evidence such as bills and meter readings. Most business electricity suppliers must acknowledge complaints within 2 business days and resolve them within 8 weeks. If unresolved after 8 weeks or if you receive a deadlock letter, small businesses and micro businesses can escalate to the Energy Ombudsman Energy OmbudsmanEnergy Ombudsman. Keep records of all correspondence including emails, letters, and chat transcripts for your electricity complaint. Kilowatt Energy can assist with managing complex business electricity complaints and ensuring suppliers meet their obligations.
Commercial electricity brokers are intermediaries who negotiate electricity contracts with suppliers on behalf of businesses. Unlike domestic customers who can compare electricity easily online, business electricity markets are complex with bespoke pricing, varied contract terms, and significant price differences between suppliers. A good electricity broker saves businesses time and money by accessing wholesale rates, negotiating terms, and managing renewals. Brokers typically earn commission from suppliers, so their service appears “free,” though this is built into rates. The key question is whether they pass savings to you or pocket maximum commission. Kilowatt Energy operates transparently—we disclose all commission and focus on securing the lowest possible electricity rates for clients, typically 15-30% below market rates. For businesses using 50,000+ kWh of electricity annually, professional procurement is essential.
If you’re outside a fixed-term contract or within the last 49 days of your contract, you can switch freely without exit fees. Check your contract end date on your bill or by contacting your supplier. If you’re mid-contract on a fixed deal, exit fees typically range from £30-£60 per fuel. However, if switching saves you more than the exit fee, it may still be worthwhile. Some suppliers waive exit fees for customers facing financial hardship. Always calculate the total cost including any fees before switching.
The standard switching process takes 17-21 days from the date you sign up with your new supplier, as regulated by Ofgem. During this time, your electricity supply continues uninterrupted—you won’t experience any outages or service changes. The new supplier handles all communication with your old supplier, though you should provide an accurate meter reading on the switch date. In some cases, if there are complications with your meter or account, the switch may take slightly longer, but your current supply remains active throughout
If you owe less than £500 for electricity (or £1,000 for dual fuel), you can still switch to most suppliers, though they may require you to repay the debt or set up a repayment plan. If you owe more, your options are limited, but some suppliers will still accept you with a payment plan. Prepayment customers can usually switch regardless of debt. The best approach is to contact your current supplier to arrange a manageable repayment plan, then explore switching once the debt is under control. We can advise on the best suppliers for your specific situation.
