Petition initiated, with four UK businesses facing soaring energy costs without price caps
New research shows that nearly five companies have reported over the past year that UK businesses have called on the government to introduce business price caps.
The findings prepared by Energy Broks Utility Bidder show that businesses in England, Scotland and Wales are facing increasing pressure on an unregulated energy market, with many owners calling for emergency government intervention. Unlike households, business users are not protected from price caps, exposing them to fluctuating and often unbearable speeds.
In response, utility bidders launched a formal parliamentary petition urging ministers to implement price caps and provide direct support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“Nearly 80% of businesses have seen their energy bills increase over the past year, but still have no upper limit to protect them.”
“For a long time, British businesses, especially small and independent businesses, have been on unstable energy prices without the safety nets owned by domestic consumers.”
This situation is in a serious attitude in regions like the Northeast where 100% of surveyed business owners reported increased energy costs, followed by 92.9% in the West Midlands, 87.5% in Wales and 87.5% in Scotland.
The survey included more than 500 business owners and their caregivers and found:
- 80.6% say energy prices are one of the biggest financial challenges they face.
- Now, 22% of energy pays over £6,000 per year, compared with only 14.1% below £1,000.
- Women-owned businesses are unlikely to receive government support, with 47.7% saying they have not received any support – compared to 28.3% for men.
Energy costs also reach minimum and low-income businesses, although operating from modest premises, two-thirds of businesses earn between £1,000 and £1,500 a year.
According to Shaw, many businesses are tightening their budgets, delaying investments, and even considering shutdowns due to unsustainable energy costs. He warned that unless the government intervened, the UK could greatly harm economic losses.
“We have launched a formal parliamentary petition to help achieve this. If you think businesses deserve more fair treatment, we urge you to add your name, share the petition and express support. Together we can send a clear message that it can’t wait.”
Regional differences and call for reform
In some areas, energy costs are disproportionately higher. In Scotland, 38.5% of businesses pay more than £6,000 per year (highest in the UK), followed by 33.3% in the northeast and 29.6% in London. Meanwhile, 37.5% of businesses in the central eastern region spend less than £1,000 a year, indicating regional inequality.
The study also found:
- 61.2% of business owners want to implement energy price caps or stricter regulations immediately.
- 52.9% want direct government subsidies or grants.
- 47.6% support tax breaks or energy efficiency incentives.
- 40.5% want to invest in renewable energy in the long term, rather than short-term fixes.
A broader background includes a legally binding net zero commitment by the government by 2050, which will require UK businesses to move from fossil fuels. However, some business owners are frustrated that they cannot afford it without sufficient support.
Business owners from the southeast (whose bills have risen to £2,000) urged the government to “stop cleanliness” and highlighted the growing tension between the climate goals of small companies and economic reality.
Businesses say government support is not enough
Only 18.1% of business owners said the support they received was making meaningful differences. In the central eastern region, nearly two-thirds (62.5%) said they did not receive financial help. Even in the best performing regions, such as the Northeast, only one-third of businesses are supported enough.
With unemployment increasing, work posts stagnate and the wider economy remains fragile, business groups say it’s time for the government to step up.
The petition from utility bidders requires the government to protect small and medium-sized enterprises by limiting business energy prices and providing targeted support to protect the competitive environment between domestic and commercial users.
As Xiao said: “British businesses are the backbone of our economy. It’s time to give them the same protection and stability that they have with their families.”
To view or sign a petition, visit: UK Parliament Petition Website
