THE GOVERNMENT’S decision to support businesses with their energy bills has been welcomed by the CBI.
Last week, it was announced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers, including all UK businesses, the voluntary sector like charities and the public sector such as schools and hospitals, whose current gas and electricity prices have been significantly inflated in light of global energy prices.
The scheme will run for an initial period of six months from October.
Prime Minister Liz Truss said: “As we are doing for consumers, our new scheme will keep their energy bills down from October, providing certainty and peace of mind.”
And Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, welcomed the government’s proposals.
“The package will ease worries about otherwise viable businesses shutting up shop and smaller companies especially will benefit from the discounted rate,” he said.
“Businesses will also want to know more about the exit strategy and what happens when the six-month cap runs out.
“Working closely with business will be key to successful implementation.
“The long-run solution is to double-down on energy security and to incentivise firms to push ahead with ambitious energy efficiency programmes to lower demand.”
