Bira disappointed as Ofgem report silent on business energy rate support

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) said it will continue to fight for support from the government on energy rate assistance for businesses following yesterday’s Ofgem report.

Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has said that although the report shows that energy prices will be falling, there has been no indication on support for retailers and other companies.

The Ofgem report has shown that the average household bill is due to be reduced to an average of £2074 between July and September. The figures are compared to the £3280 level set by Ofgem for March – June, and highlighting a reduction of £1206 in the cap.

However Bira has said that although this is positive news for households, there has been no indication of support for businesses who have been also struggling during the cost of living crisis.

“We are of course delighted to see the cap fall. But businesses do not benefit from price caps. So we are hoping that these lower prices will also be given to businesses,” Andrew Goodare, Bira chief executive, said.

“We will be continuing to engage with Ofgem to ensure that the energy suppliers are genuinely supporting commercial businesses and making the best rates available. I also urge all businesses to speak to their energy suppliers on a regular basis to ensure that the service levels and rates charged are as they should be.”