Coronavirus (Covid-19) help and advice for SME business customers
Covid-19 is sadly affecting everybody, including our nation of SME business owners. We understand that many businesses right now are in financial difficulty and for some the cost of energy is huge.
How we’re supporting our business customers
We understand that energy can be confusing at the best of times.
For our existing customers please reach out to us, we may be able to attempt an arrangement on your behalf. If you have had to close one or more of your sites, please make us aware. We will inform your energy supplier in the reduction of consumption. Please remember the importance of keeping the direct debit live.
For any new customers, we can still help. All we require is a letter of authority allowing us to act on your behalf. We can then seek to attempt a payment arrangement for you. This service is completely free.
Finally if your contracts are due to expire soon, please do not let them roll into out of contract rates/deemed rates, they are extortionate. If you have received a renewal letter from your existing supplier do not accept it, search around first. Energy is similar to car, pet, home insurance etc. the renewal is not always the most competitive on the market.
We can search the entire market for you (again completely free of charge) and discuss the best options available depending on your current circumstances. The oil market is at a low. Take this opportunity to make savings for your business at a time when it’s needed the most.
How is your energy bill calculated?
If your premises are closed and equipment has been shut down due to Coronavirus you should see a reduction in your bills. Energy is charged in pence per kilowatt hour (kWh). The less kWh you use the less pence you pay.
You will also have a standing charge on your bill. These are fixed amounts charged by your supplier for being connected to the gas and electricity network. They don’t relate to how much energy you use. Those with low standing charge options will benefit right now.
If you are not consuming electricity or gas, you will get a minimal or Standing charge only bill.
Some businesses may also notice a CCL (Climate Change Levy) charge on monthly/quarterly bills. You can find more information about CCL at https://www.gov.uk/green-taxes-and-reliefs/climate-change-levy.
What should I do if I’m having problems paying my energy bills because of coronavirus?
Like us all, energy suppliers are facing difficult times too. Some suppliers are willing to help with a range of potential options including payment holidays.
We must advise not to cancel your direct debit before speaking to your supplier. Is it encouraged to keep open lines of communication and a show of willingness to work with your supplier to achieve the best outcome.
Below is a comprehensive list of the relevant contact points at each individual supplier:
CNG (Contract Natural Gas Ltd)
Email Address: info@cngltd.co.uk
Contact Telephone Number: 01423 502554
Opus Energy
Email Address: early.arrears@opusenergy.com
Telephone Number: 01604 797301
Department: Customer Collections, Lines open 08:30am – 05:30pm
SSE
Please follow the link to find SSE’s most recent updates and advice – www.ssebusinessenergy.co.uk/news-and-views/coronavirus.
Haven Power
Email Address: contactteam@havenpower.com
Telephone Number: 01473 855786
Department: Customer Operations
British Gas
Please follow the link to find British Gas’s most recent updates and advice – https://www.britishgas.co.uk/business/help-and-support/billing-and-payments/financial-difficulty?int=c19helpbannerFD
Additional Advice:
Advise customers NOT to cancel Direct Debits – Hopefully all of this will be over in a few months and we can get back to business as usual without contracts/credit being affected.
Submit regular meter reads – Bills are created from actual reads if we have them, so if a site stops consuming, their variable direct debit will reflect this e.g. If they aren’t consuming, they get minimal or SC only bills.
Customers can submit meter reads via their online account: https://www.britishgas.co.uk/business/your-account/login.
Customers should adhere to government social distancing advice when obtaining reads.
Further help and support can be found at https://www.britishgas.co.uk/business/help-and-support?int=c19bannerhelp including ways to pay for customers who may already be having financial difficulties.
British Gas Lite
Webchat function remains in place to support customers needs
Ecotricity
Email Address: businesscredit@ecotricity.co.uk
Telephone Number: 01453 790255
Department: Business Credit
EDF
Telephone Number: 0333 200 5103
Department: Business Customer Services, Lines open 08:00am-06:00pm
Gazprom
Email Address: enquiries@gazprom-energy.com
Telephone Number: 01618 373795
Department: Customer Services
Npower SME
Telephone Number: 0800 073 3000
Department: Debt Team
Npower Business Solutions (I & C)
Email Address: BirchDebtSolutions@innogy.com
Telephone Number: 0845 166 3634
Department: Debt Support Team
Corona Energy
Telephone Number: 0800 804 8589
Department: Customer Services
DYCE Energy
Email Address: enquire@dyce-energy.co.uk
Telephone Number: 01709 357315
Avanti Gas
Email Address: energyenquiries@avantigas.com
Telephone Number: 0808 208 0000
Department: Customer Services Team
Crown Gas & Power
Email Address: hello@crowngas.co.uk
Telephone Number: 01617 627744
Department: Customer Services Team
Smartest Energy
Email Address: customerservices@smartestenergy.com
Telephone Number: 01473 234150
Department: Customer Services
Scottish Power
Telephone Number: 0800 027 0072
Department: Debt Team
Eon
Please follow the link to find Eon’s advice to customers – https://www.eonenergy.com/coronavirus-update.html
ENGIE
Please follow the link to find ENGIE’s advice to customers – https://home.engie.co.uk/help-guides/billing-payments/payment-difficulties/
Total Gas & Power
Email Address: gp.redhill.customercare@totalgp.com
Department: Customer Services
Dual Energy
Email Address: customer.services@dual-energy.co.uk
Telephone Number: 0845 521 4292
Department: Customer Service
Where can I find more information for businesses affected by coronavirus?
Above all stay safe, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and you will get through this.
Cope Energy
0333 210 0460
info@copeenergy.co.uk