Question 1

Does Free Energy Help support businesses across all of Derbyshire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free Energy Help supports commercial customers throughout Derbyshire, including Derby city, Chesterfield, the Amber Valley, Erewash, South Derbyshire, the Derbyshire Dales and the High Peak. We work with businesses of all sizes, from single-site operations to multi-site portfolios.

Question 2

How does commercial energy comparison work for Derbyshire businesses?

Accepted Answer

Commercial energy comparison involves gathering your consumption data and contract details, then approaching a panel of suppliers for individual quotes. Unlike domestic comparison, commercial prices are not published on a standard website. Suppliers quote based on your specific consumption profile, credit history and the prevailing market conditions at the time of enquiry.

Question 3

When should a Derbyshire business start reviewing its energy contract?

Accepted Answer

Most commercial energy contracts include a renewal window, typically between three and six months before the contract end date. Starting your review within this window gives you time to compare options and switch if appropriate. Leaving it too late can result in rolling onto a deemed or out-of-contract rate, which is often considerably higher than a fixed-term contract rate.

Question 4

What is an out-of-contract rate and how can I avoid it?

Accepted Answer

An out-of-contract rate, sometimes called a deemed rate, is the rate a supplier charges when a fixed-term contract has ended and no new agreement is in place. These rates are typically significantly higher than contracted rates. The best way to avoid them is to begin your renewal review well before your contract end date and ensure a new contract is in place before the existing one expires.

Question 5

Are commercial electricity prices different in Derbyshire compared to other regions?

Accepted Answer

The unit rate element of a commercial electricity contract is largely determined by wholesale market conditions and is broadly consistent across the UK. However, distribution use of system charges, which reflect the cost of transporting electricity through the local network, do vary by region. Derbyshire falls within the East Midlands distribution network area, and these regional charges form part of the overall cost of a commercial electricity contract.

Question 6

What is a half-hourly electricity meter and does my Derbyshire business need one?

Accepted Answer

A half-hourly meter records electricity consumption in 30-minute intervals and transmits this data automatically to your supplier. Businesses with a maximum demand above 100 kW are required to have a half-hourly meter. Many manufacturing, engineering and larger commercial sites in Derbyshire will fall into this category. The procurement process for half-hourly customers differs from standard commercial procurement and typically involves a more detailed tender process.

Question 7

Can I switch business energy supplier mid-contract?

Accepted Answer

Switching mid-contract is generally possible but usually involves an exit fee. The size of the fee depends on your contract terms and how much of the contract remains. In some cases the potential savings from switching may outweigh the exit cost, but this needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Free Energy Help can help you understand your current contract terms before making any decision.

Question 8

What information do I need to get a commercial energy quote?

Accepted Answer

To obtain a commercial energy quote, suppliers typically need your MPAN or MPRN number, your current annual consumption in kWh, your current contract end date, your business name and address, and in some cases your credit information. Having this information ready before approaching suppliers or a broker will help to speed up the quotation process.

Question 9

Does Free Energy Help support manufacturing businesses in Derbyshire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Manufacturing is one of the most energy-intensive sectors and a significant part of Derbyshire's commercial landscape. We support manufacturing businesses with commercial electricity and gas comparison, half-hourly procurement, contract renewals and portfolio management where multiple sites are involved.

Question 10

What contract lengths are available for commercial energy in Derbyshire?

Accepted Answer

Commercial energy contracts are typically available for one, two, three, four or five years. Longer contracts can provide price certainty but reduce flexibility. Shorter contracts allow more frequent reviews but may carry higher unit rates depending on market conditions at the time of renewal. The right contract length depends on your business's risk appetite and budget requirements.

Question 11

How does VAT apply to my business energy in Derbyshire?

Accepted Answer

Most commercial electricity and gas supplies are subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20 percent. However, businesses that use energy predominantly for non-business purposes, or that have relatively low consumption, may be eligible to pay VAT at the reduced rate of 5 percent. Agricultural businesses may also have specific eligibility considerations. This is a general overview and not tax advice — we recommend consulting a qualified tax adviser regarding your specific circumstances.

Question 12

What is the Climate Change Levy and does it apply to my Derbyshire business?

Accepted Answer

The Climate Change Levy is a tax on energy used by businesses in the UK. It applies to electricity and gas used for business purposes and appears as a separate line item on commercial energy invoices. Some businesses may be eligible for an exemption or reduced rate, for example if they hold a Climate Change Agreement or use energy from certain qualifying renewable sources. This is a general overview and not tax advice.

Question 13

What is an MPAN and where do I find it?

Accepted Answer

An MPAN, or Meter Point Administration Number, is a unique 21-digit reference number that identifies your electricity supply point. You will need your MPAN when requesting quotes from suppliers, switching supplier or raising queries about your electricity supply. It can usually be found on your current electricity invoice, typically in the bottom-left section.

Question 14

What is an MPRN and why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

An MPRN, or Meter Point Reference Number, is the equivalent identifier for gas supply points. It is required when obtaining gas quotes, switching gas supplier or contacting your gas transporter. Your MPRN can usually be found on your current gas invoice or by contacting your current supplier.

Question 15

Does Free Energy Help support hospitality businesses in Derbyshire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hotels, restaurants, pubs and other hospitality businesses across Derbyshire, including those in the Peak District and market towns, have significant energy requirements. We support hospitality businesses with commercial electricity and gas comparison, contract renewals and procurement guidance.

Question 16

How do I know if my commercial energy invoices are correct?

Accepted Answer

Checking commercial energy invoices involves verifying that the unit rates and standing charges match your contract, that consumption figures are based on actual rather than estimated reads, that VAT is applied at the correct rate, and that any additional charges such as capacity charges or Climate Change Levy are correctly calculated. Errors on commercial invoices are not uncommon. Free Energy Help offers an invoice validation service to help businesses identify discrepancies.

Question 17

What is electricity capacity and why does it matter for Derbyshire businesses?

Accepted Answer

Electricity capacity refers to the maximum amount of electricity your site can draw from the grid at any one time, measured in kVA or kW. Your capacity is set by your Distribution Network Operator and determines the size of your connection. If your business exceeds its agreed capacity, you may incur excess capacity charges. Reviewing your capacity can sometimes identify opportunities to reduce costs if your agreed capacity is higher than your actual maximum demand.

Question 18

Can Free Energy Help support businesses with multiple sites across Derbyshire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support businesses with portfolios of sites across Derbyshire and beyond. Multi-site energy management involves coordinating contracts across all premises, aligning renewal dates where possible, managing the tender process for the portfolio and consolidating reporting. The complexity increases with the number of sites, and we tailor our approach accordingly.

Question 19

What is a Letter of Authority and do I need to provide one?

Accepted Answer

A Letter of Authority is a document that authorises a broker or consultant to act on your behalf when approaching energy suppliers. It allows the consultant to request consumption data, obtain quotes and manage the switching process. Without an LOA, suppliers will not provide information about your account to a third party. Free Energy Help will explain what an LOA covers before asking you to sign one.

Question 20

How do I get started with Free Energy Help for my Derbyshire business?

Accepted Answer

You can get started by completing the enquiry form on this page, calling us on 01332 605506 or emailing us directly. We will ask for some basic information about your business and energy requirements, and from there we can explain how we work and what information we would need to help you explore your options in the commercial energy market.

Business Energy for Derbyshire Businesses

Supporting Businesses Across Derbyshire

Areas We Support Across Derbyshire

Derby

Chesterfield

Swadlincote

Ilkeston

Long Eaton

Buxton

Belper

Ripley

Alfreton

Glossop

Matlock

Ashbourne

Major Derbyshire Industries

Manufacturing

Engineering

Food Production

Warehousing

Logistics

Retail

Hotels

Restaurants

Construction

Agriculture

Professional Services

Healthcare

Business Energy Services

Business Energy Comparison

Business Electricity

Business Gas

Contract Renewals

Business Procurement

Tender Management

Invoice Validation

Half-Hourly Procurement

Portfolio Management

Business Parks and Industrial Estates in Derbyshire

Knowledge Centre

What is an MPAN?

What is an MPRN?

Business Energy Standing Charges

Half-Hourly Electricity Meters

Business Electricity Capacity Charges

VAT on Business Energy

Climate Change Levy

Letter of Authority

Frequently Asked Questions

Related pages

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