Covid-19 and your

energy supply

Should I stop my direct debit payments?

You should discuss payment difficulties with your supplier in the first instance. Cancelling a Direct Debit with your supplier may incur penalties and extra costs to your business.



What support is available to me? What should I do if I am struggling to pay my bills?

If you are a business finding it hard to pay your bills, the government has published a guide on financial support for businesses during coronavirus. This includes:

  • Loans, tax relief and cash grants, including a new temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
  • The right to apply for staff to get up to 80% of pay if they can’t work
  • Grants of up to £2,500 per month, for at least 3 months, for the self-employed who are unable to work
  • Statutory Sick Pay refunds
The GOV.UK website also contains a more comprehensive guide to support for businesses. Further advice is available in the Citizens Advice Small Business Guide and information for firms from the Financial Conduct Authority. If you’ve been told you will be disconnected, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline. Further information is available in their small business energy guide.



Can I suspend my bills?

Discuss your circumstances with your supplier to understand the options available to you with them in the first instance. If you are struggling with your bills, make use of the guidance and support available on the GOV.UK website, especially the section on financial support for businesses during coronavirus. You may also want to check if switching tariff or energy supplier will help you pay less for your energy, including standing charges. Contact us for further information.



Do I have to continue paying my standing charge even while my business is closed?

Yes, but speak to your supplier to see if you can reach an agreement with them during the current crisis that accounts for your premises closure. You may also want to check if switching tariff or energy supplier will help you pay less for your energy, including standing charges. Contact us for further information.



How can I save on my energy bills while the business premises is closed?

You can find information on energy efficiency generally, which may be applicable during this period, from a range of sources including your supplier’s website and your business trade associations. You may also want to check if switching tariff or energy supplier will help you pay less for your energy, including standing charges. Contact us for further information.



Protect yourself from scams

Make sure you only use trusted sources of information about coronavirus. A scam may take many forms including online guidance, text messages and insurance or compensation policies. The government is leading the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. All official government advice is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus. You can watch British Sign Language versions of government advice on the SignHealth website. For official health information, visit the NHS coronavirus pages. If you receive contact, calls or emails about coronavirus from someone you don't know, don't accept, click on any links or buy anything. For further information on protecting yourself from scams and how to look out for them, see the Citizens Advice guide Check if something might be a scam. If you suspect a scam, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.



What should I do if I have an energy problem? (e.g. power cut, gas leak or energy meter problem)

Contact your supplier straightaway if you have an energy problem, such as a gas leak or faulty meter. Make sure you tell them if you are unwell or self-isolating. Suppliers and network companies are putting in place plans and emergency response measures to deal with safety-critical site visits if they are needed. They are monitoring and following government guidance, and will take timely decisions on how best to protect customers and staff while delivering their services. If you have a non-urgent energy issue, please first check your supplier's online and mobile advice if you are able to. Most are regularly updating supporting service information and frequently asked questions relating to the coronavirus national emergency through these channels, as well as via their contact centres. This will help keep phone lines available for people who need help most, particularly people in vulnerable situations. If you experience a power cut:

  • Telephone: 105 (a free phone number)
  • Visit powercut105.com
  • If there’s a serious immediate emergency risk, call the emergency services too.



Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness affecting the lungs and airways. It’s a national pandemic and the government is leading the response to resolve the issue. All official government advice is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

You can watch British Sign Language versions of government advice on the SignHealth website.

For health information, please visit the NHS coronavirus pages.

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Here you can find advice and answers to questions you may have on managing your energy supply during the outbreak.

We will continue to update this information.

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