Winter 2022/2023 Frequently Asked Questions
Unprecedented increases in wholesale energy costs and wider inflationary pressures that have increased non-commodity costs (or industry charges) have led to surges in the price of energy bills.
This means that when businesses come to the end of off their existing energy contracts they will be faced with large increases to their rates, either when they sign up to a new fixed tariff or roll onto out of contract rates (including tariff or deemed).
The government announced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS), a package of measures to support UK businesses on the 8th September. We welcome this support and will provide more information to customers over the coming weeks.
In the meantime, you can find out more about the scheme on our dedicated EBRS FAQ page, which is regularly updated.
Electricity
National Grid ESO have recently released their Winter Outlook Report which includes scenarios relating to electricity supply over this winter. In the most likely scenarios, they do not expect power shortages, but there are less likely scenarios that could involve shortages. For more information see the report from National Grid ESO and a view from the Energy Networks Association on how planned emergency power cuts would work.
You can also view our webinar on winter preparedness.
Gas
The National Grid has recently released their Winter Outlook Report which includes scenarios relating to gas supply over this winter. They expect gas supply to be uninterrupted over the winter period, but in the most extreme scenarios the difference between supply and demand will be tight. For more information you can read the report from National Grid.
You can also view our webinar on winter preparedness.
Yes. We continue to offer gas and electricity contracts to customers, but due to the unprecedented volatility being seen in the market there may be limitations on contract types and durations available, and as always are subject to credit checks. There may also be periods where prices are removed entirely due to market volatility. Our approach is being reviewed regularly based on market conditions.
We are continuing to offer gas and electricity contracts to new business customers, but there may be limitations on the contract type and durations available - and as always acceptance will be subject to restrictions based on business type and credit position. There may also be periods where prices are removed entirely due to market volatility. Our approach is being reviewed regularly based on market conditions.
If you need a new energy quote for your business, please speak to our team to discuss your requirements and the options available.
Details on our products and contact details for our team can be found on our website.
There are several ways we’re helping to support our customers through this challenging time.
- As soon as we receive further details, we will be providing more information on the governments’ package of support for businesses to ensure they receive the help they need.
- We have made getting in touch with our customer service team easier than ever through investing in our webchat service and the creation of a dedicated mid-market servicing team.
- We’ve created a FAQ for businesses struggling to pay their bills, which includes advice on payment plans, energy efficiency, ensuring accurate bills, budgeting and checking contracts.
- For charities, we’ve launched a Charity Discount which provides eligible charity customers a discount on their bills over this winter.
If you’d like to speak to our credit team about your energy bill, please call 0333 003 7874 (option 1) to discuss your options, including setting up a payment plan.
For our customer service team, visit: business.totalenergies.uk/help-support and look for the webchat icon (Mon-Fri), call 0333 003 7874 or email [email protected]
There are many useful online resources to help customers with energy efficiency, including The Carbon Trust’s Better business guide to energy saving , Ofgem's Energy Advice for Businesses and the Energy Saving Trust’s guides for both business owners and employees to help reduce energy use:
The government has confirmed that as well as the recently announced Energy Price Guarantee, which will cap domestic bills at an average of £2,500, the government will also continue to implement the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme for households.
This £400 grant is for domestic electricity customers only. As a business energy supplier, TotalEnergies Gas & Power will not be part of the EBSS. However, we do supply some domestic customers through entities such as housing associations, and through picking up a small number of domestic customers through the out of contract process.
Ofgem have confirmed that the 1% of households that fall outside of the EBSS will receive equivalent support. This means that domestic properties supplied by TotalEnergies Gas & Power will receive this support, and we’ll provide more information when the mechanism for this when it is announced by the government.
If you are a domestic customer that is paying TotalEnergies Gas & Power directly for your energy and can switch supplier, we would strongly recommend moving to a domestic supplier to give you the opportunity of being eligible for the governments Energy Price Guarantee, which will cap energy costs at an average of £2,500 for two years.
For a list of Ofgem-accredited price comparison sites, visit www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/switchin....
Please visit www.gov.uk/government/news/energy-bills-support-scheme-explainer to find out more about the Energy Bill Support Scheme.
