Author Archives: Sophie Taylor
If you’ve ever looked closely at your business energy bill and felt puzzled by the extra charges that aren’t linked to how much energy you’ve actually used, you’re not alone. These are known as non-commodity charges – also sometimes referred to as third-party charges – and they can make up over 60% of your total electricity bill.
But what are non-commodity charges? And how can your business better understand and manage them?
What are Non-Commodity Charges?
Non-commodity charges are the additional costs added to your energy bill that are not related to the actual energy (commodity) you consume. Instead, they cover the infrastructure, policy, and regulatory costs involved in delivering power to your business.
Think of it this way – you’re not just paying for the energy itself, but also for how it gets to you and for supporting the UK’s broader energy goals, like decarbonisation and grid reliability.
Where can I find Non-Commodity Charges on my bill?
Non-commodity charges usually appear as separate line items on your energy bill. Depending on your supplier, these might be labelled differently, but commonly you’ll see terms like:
- Third-party costs
- Network charges
- Levies and taxes
- Policy costs
If you’re unsure where to look, our team at GEAB can provide a detailed bill breakdown and validation, ensuring complete transparency of what you’re being charged and why.
What do Non-Commodity Charges include?
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common non-commodity charges:
- Network Charges
These cover the cost of maintaining the infrastructure that delivers electricity to your premises:
- Transmission Use of System (TNUoS)
- Distribution Use of System (DUoS)
- Government Levies and Taxes
These are designed to fund policy initiatives and environmental goals:
- Climate Change Levy (CCL)
- Renewables Obligation (RO)
- Feed-in Tariff (FiT)
- Contracts for Difference (CfD)
- Nuclear Regulated Asset Base (RAB) (coming November 2025)
- System Balancing Costs
To maintain a reliable supply, National Grid incurs costs to balance the system:
- Balancing Services Use of System (BSUoS)
Why do Non-Commodity Charges matter to my business?
Non-commodity charges aren’t fixed – they change over time, and some can increase year-on-year due to:
- Government policy shifts
- Infrastructure investments
- Increased support for renewable generation
For businesses, this means that even if your energy usage stays the same, your overall costs can still go up.
What can my business do about it?
At GEAB, we work with businesses to help them understand, manage, and reduce the impact of non-commodity charges. Here’s how:
Procurement Strategy
Secure contracts at the right time to lock in favourable rates before new charges (like the Nuclear RAB) are introduced – you could be avoiding charges for years to come.
Bill Analysis & Transparency
We break down your bill, showing exactly what you’re paying for – including every non-commodity component.
Energy Efficiency Planning
Reduce your overall consumption and exposure to rising third-party costs through tailored energy-saving measures.
Budget Forecasting
We help you plan for future changes in non-commodity charges, so you’re never caught off guard.
As non-commodity charges become a bigger part of your energy bill, understanding them is no longer optional – it’s essential for controlling your business costs.
If you’d like a clear breakdown of your current energy charges or advice on how to futureproof your energy costs, our expert team at GEAB is here to help.
📞 Call us today on 0191 303 7750 or Request a Quote and let’s see how we can support your business through the evolving energy landscape.
2026 update below*
What is the Nuclear Regulated Asset Base (RAB) and How Will It Impact Your Business?
As the UK advances its goals for energy security and decarbonisation, new nuclear power developments are playing a central role. To support these initiatives, a new funding mechanism – the Nuclear Regulated Asset Base (RAB) – is being introduced. But what is the Nuclear RAB charge, and what does it mean for your business?
What is the Nuclear RAB Charge?
The Nuclear RAB charge is a government-backed funding model regulated by Ofgem. It is designed to support the development of new nuclear power stations by spreading the cost across energy consumers and businesses nationwide.
This charge will appear on your business energy bill as a non-commodity cost, meaning it’s not based on the energy you use but is still included in your overall charges. Like other policy-related levies (such as the Climate Change Levy), it helps fund long-term infrastructure improvements.
When Will the Nuclear RAB Charge Be Introduced?
From 1 November 2025, energy suppliers will begin collecting the Nuclear RAB charge. It will be added to your electricity bill as a new line item under non-commodity costs.
How Much Will It Cost?
The exact impact on your business will depend on several factors, including your energy consumption, contract type, and tariff structure. While the initial cost is expected to be modest, businesses with high energy usage may notice a more significant increase over time – particularly as nuclear projects progress and funding requirements grow.
How Will the Nuclear RAB Charge Affect My Business?
Here’s what you can generally expect:
- A new Nuclear RAB charge will appear on your bill as a non-commodity cost.
- It will add a small additional cost to your overall energy charges.
- Businesses with higher electricity usage may see a more noticeable impact.
- The charge may increase over time, so understanding and managing your energy costs will be increasingly important.
How Can My Business Prepare for the Nuclear RAB Charge?
With upcoming changes to non-commodity charges, businesses should take proactive steps to manage energy costs and mitigate the impact of new levies like the Nuclear RAB. Here’s how GEAB can help:
Advanced Procurement
We help you secure energy contracts ahead of upcoming policy changes, giving you the opportunity to lock in more favourable rates and shield your business from rising non-commodity costs.
Expert Guidance
Our experienced account managers will guide you through the evolving energy landscape – helping you assess risk, manage costs, and develop a strategy tailored to your business.
Bill Analysis & Clarity
Energy bills are becoming more complex. We break down all charges, including non-commodity costs like the RAB charge, so you can clearly understand what you’re paying and where you could save.
Stay in Control of Your Energy Costs
At GEAB, we offer comprehensive bill validation services to ensure you’re not overpaying for your energy. If you’re unsure about any charges on your business energy bill, our experts are here to help.
Call us today on 0191 303 7750, or Request a Quote and see how we can support your business through the upcoming changes.
2026 Update
Since this article was first published, the Nuclear Regulated Asset Base (RAB) charge has now moved from policy to practice. From late 2025, energy suppliers began applying the Nuclear RAB levy, with initial rates set on a per-MWh basis and reviewed on a quarterly cycle. For many businesses, this means the charge is now either appearing as a separate line item on electricity bills or being incorporated into unit rates, depending on contract type. While early costs remain relatively modest, the levy is expected to evolve over time as nuclear construction progresses, reinforcing the importance for businesses to closely monitor non-commodity charges and factor them into longer-term energy procurement and budgeting decisions.
From 2026, businesses should expect a noticeable increase in energy costs due to rising Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges. These charges, applied by National Grid to cover the cost of transporting electricity across the UK’s high-voltage transmission network, are set to increase significantly.
Why are the TNUoS costs increasing?
TNUoS charges help fund the maintenance and development of the electricity transmission system. As the UK transitions to low-carbon and decentralised energy sources, such as offshore wind and solar farms, the network requires significant upgrades to ensure a reliable electricity supply from generation to consumption.
To support this investment, the cost of using the transmission system is increasing, and that cost will be passed on to energy suppliers. However, because of this, suppliers are expected to reflect these high charges in customer bills, particularly for businesses.
Who will be affected?
TNUoS costs aren’t applied evenly across the country. They’re partially based on where a business is located, how far away it is from a generation hub and how much strain it puts on the transmission network.
This means businesses located further from generation hubs are likely to see the steepest increases. Those nearer to major generation points may see slight rises.
For multi-site businesses, or those operating in industrial clusters far from generation sites, it is important to understand.
The wider impact
Rising transmission charges don’t stop at energy bills. As businesses adjust to higher operating costs, there’s likely to be a ripple effect through supply chains, contributing to increased costs for goods and services across the economy.
For sectors with high energy demands—such as manufacturing, logistics, and food production—these increases could be particularly challenging.
What can you do now?
Although the changes take effect from 2026, it’s worth preparing early. Reviewing your current energy contract, exploring energy efficiency opportunities, or considering on-site generation could help mitigate the impact.
If you’re unsure how these changes will affect your business specifically, our energy experts are here to help. We’re supporting customers across the UK to understand and navigate these upcoming shifts in the energy landscape.
Call us today on 0191 303 7750 to find out how your business will be affected – alternatively, click here to book a call back.
As tensions rise in the Middle East, the latest conflict between Israel and Iran has the potential to send shockwaves through global energy markets. While the focus in the media is largely on oil prices, the real impact for UK businesses lies elsewhere – in the electricity and gas markets that directly affect commercial energy bills.
At The Green Energy Advice Bureau, we’re already seeing signs of potential volatility. With growing fears around supply disruptions combined with an increased demand, energy prices, especially in the wholesale market, could begin to rise. For UK businesses -particularly those on flexible or soon-to-expire energy contracts – this presents a possible a risk.
Why this conflict matters for UK business energy
Although the UK doesn’t rely directly on oil or gas from the Middle East, it’s still highly exposed to global market pressures. Much of the UK’s electricity is generated using natural gas, and any disruption to the global gas supply – even if it’s thousands of miles away – can drive up prices here at home.
In fact, we’ve already seen gas supplies from Norway, a major UK supplier, disrupted due to capacity issues. With global gas prices climbing and LNG (liquefied natural gas) shipments being diverted to meet higher demand in Asia and Europe, UK wholesale electricity prices are being pushed higher. This isn’t a future risk – it’s happening now, and the full effects are expected to reach business energy bills within weeks.
The cost of waiting
For businesses that haven’t yet reviewed their energy contracts or procurement strategy, now is the time to act. Delaying could leave you exposed to sudden cost increases, especially if you’re approaching the end of your fixed deal.
We’ve seen time and again how geopolitical uncertainty leads to market speculation and price volatility. Fixing your energy rates today could protect your business from further increases and provide financial certainty during an already challenging economic period.
How we can help
At The Green Energy Advice Bureau, we specialise in helping businesses secure the best energy deals available – not just financially, but environmentally too. We offer full market analysis, tailored procurement strategies, and access to competitive green tariffs and renewable options.
If you’re unsure about your current energy position, we can quickly review your contract, assess your usage, and identify the best time to go to market. If you’re ready to explore sustainability for your business, we can also help you build a roadmap that aligns with your operational goals.
The conflict in the Middle East is yet another reminder that the global energy landscape is unpredictable. But your business doesn’t have to be. With expert guidance and a proactive approach, you can secure your energy, control your costs, and take meaningful steps toward a greener future.
Let’s talk today – and put a plan in place before the market moves again.
Energy brokers are crucial in helping businesses manage their energy needs, but common misconceptions lead to missed business opportunities. Many believe brokers are just middlemen or unnecessary expenses, but a reliable energy broker can provide invaluable expertise and support. In this blog, we’ll address some of the most common misconceptions about energy brokers and highlight how a trustworthy broker, like the Green Energy Advice Bureau (GEAB), can benefit your business.
“Energy brokers are untrustworthy.”
This is one of the most common misconceptions, but as with any industry, there are good and bad ones. Make sure you do your research and find an energy broker that will ensure your business gets the most out of working with one. At GEAB, we pride ourselves on our trust and transparency when it comes to our customers, so don’t be surprised if we get straight to the point – we don’t want to waste your time beating around the bush.
“They only put in a process. I’m looking for a strategic plan.”
The traditional process of sourcing business energy can often feel like a repetitive cycle. Typically, as your contract nears its end, you receive a renewal quote from your supplier about three months in advance. You might then seek better deals by comparing prices online or consulting a broker, only to repeat the same process with each contract cycle.
However, partnering with the right energy broker can transform this experience. For example, if your contract ends on 30th November 2026, you can secure a new contract starting as early as 30th November 2024 – two years in advance! You can even lock in contracts for up to five years in duration, ensuring stability until 30th November 2031. This proactive approach allows you to take full advantage of market opportunities and lock in competitive rates in advance. Additionally, we offer strategic support to help your business achieve net-zero goals, providing tailored sustainability advice and innovative energy solutions. This means you’re not just managing contracts but building a forward-thinking energy strategy.
“I still have to talk directly to my supplier.”
Working with a good energy broker means you will never have to talk to a supplier. At GEAB, once you enter a contract with us, you’ll be assigned to a dedicated account manager who will liaise with you. If you have any questions or complaints about your supplier, all you have to do is let your account manager know by phone or email. They will do the rest, ensuring you are kept informed about the query and given all the answers you are looking for as soon as possible.
“I have to pay commission directly to the broker.”
You don’t pay us anything directly, we are paid by suppliers directly based on the energy you consume. We make sure that all of these charges are very clear before you sign any contract. We don’t believe in hiding our earnings from our customers.
“It’s not a regulated industry.”
From 1st October 2024, following a detailed Retail Market Review of the non-domestic energy market, Ofgem published its decision to make it an obligatory requirement that companies disclose Energy Supplier’s Third-Party Costs. This means that any commission a broker makes must be displayed, and any information, when asked, must be provided to a customer. Although this is a new requirement, it’s something that we’ve been doing here at GEAB since we first opened. Requirements like these are only being introduced because other brokers out there are having to catch up.
Understanding the role of an energy broker is essential to making informed decisions about your business energy needs. By debunking these misconceptions, it’s clear that the right broker offers transparency, convenience, and strategic insight. At GEAB, we are committed to providing insightful and comprehensive services, ensuring our clients receive the best value and support.
Our energy experts are waiting to give you the best energy strategy for your business. Allow us to take control and make sure you are ahead of the curve. Call us today on 0191 303 7750 for your free consultation – alternatively, click here to book a call back.
At GEAB, we pride ourselves on securing businesses tailored, cost-effective energy solutions. Since 2018, we’ve worked closely with The Lowe Group to help them navigate the complex energy market across their extensive portfolio of properties, ensuring they are on the right gas and electricity contracts for each site’s requirements.
The Lowe Group, a property management company, found that keeping on top of multiple utility accounts was becoming increasingly challenging, especially for the larger properties that often had several meters per site. With a small team and limited resources, they found it difficult to allocate time and energy to manage their utility contracts – that’s where we stepped in.
Our team of experienced energy consultants now organises every utility account in their portfolio, ensuring each property remains financially viable. This enables The Lowe Group to focus on what they do best – revitalising unused buildings and supporting local communities.
As The Lowe Group shared, “Knowing that there is someone with the expertise that we lack just a phone call away has made a huge difference to us. We don’t have the capacity to devote huge amounts of time to managing all these accounts effectively, and so The Green Energy Advice Bureau has taken that pressure away from us.”
Through our service, we’ve saved the Lowe Group time and hassle and secured cost-effective energy contracts. This has led to significant financial savings, enabling them to reinvest in their community-focused initiatives.
The success of our relationship with The Lowe Group stems from our shared values. Just as they are committed to supporting local communities through property guardianship and affordable workspaces, we are committed to delivering energy solutions that allow businesses to succeed.
We’re proud to continue supporting The Lowe Group in their mission and look forward to many more years of working with them.
If you’re in a similar position to The Lowe Group, unsure of how to handle your energy and sustainability solutions, contact us today at 0191 303 7750 for a free, no-obligation consultation on how we can help your business.
We’re very excited to announce the launch of our brand-new brochure, which details the services we offer here at GEAB. Whether you’re a business looking for sustainability solutions, energy procurement, or water management, our brochure covers it all.
Following our rebrand in early 2024, we spent months perfecting the design and content to ensure it reflects our mission, values, and commitment to helping businesses with their utility services. Inside, you’ll find everything from how we work to make sure you’re on the best energy contracts, to the benefits of having a dedicated personal account manager.
Explore our brochure below!
Would you prefer a physical copy? We’d love to send one to you — just email us at customercomms@geab.com with your name and address and we’ll get one in the post.
With Labour now leading the UK government, we are preparing for significant shifts in the energy and climate policy. The Labour Party’s ambitious plans aim to address the climate crisis, reduce energy costs, and create numerous jobs. On the 18th of July, His Majesty the King announced the government’s legislative agenda, which included a commitment to “rebuilding Britain” with over 40 bills and draft bills.
Here’s an overview of Labour’s policies and what businesses can expect in the coming years.
Setting Up Great British Energy: Cutting Costs Effectively
A central aspect of Labour’s energy strategy is the establishment of Great British Energy, a publicly owned company intended to stimulate investment in clean, domestic energy production. Yesterday, it was revealed in the King’s Speech that plans are already underway for this initiative. Great British Energy seeks to stabilise and lower energy costs by co-investing in advanced technologies and supporting capital-intensive projects. To enhance long-term energy security, Great British Energy will be capitalised with £8.3 billion over the next parliament.
Achieving Energy Independence
Labour aims to achieve energy independence by significantly expanding onshore wind, solar power, and offshore wind capacity by 2030. Since coming into power on the 5th of July, Labour has already lifted the ban on onshore wind farms that were put in place by the previous government, the Conservatives. This strategy intends to leverage the UK’s natural resources and technological capabilities, which will help reduce dependence on foreign energy sources and enhance energy security for businesses.
The Path to Clean Power by 2030
Labour’s commitment to achieving clean power by 2030 involves significant investment in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen technology, and marine energy. Additionally, support for new nuclear power stations and small modular reactors aims to expand the energy mix while maintaining energy security through strategic reserves.
Accelerating to Net Zero
Labour’s goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions aims to enhance international competitiveness for British businesses. By supporting energy-intensive sectors in their transition to cleaner technologies and introducing carbon border adjustments, Labour seeks to safeguard UK industries while meeting global climate targets.
Labour’s comprehensive plan for making Britain a clean energy superpower presents significant opportunities and challenges for businesses nationwide. As developments unfold under Labour’s government, our blog will continue to provide updates and insights to help businesses navigate these changes effectively.
If you need any help with your business’s net zero plans, contact us today at 0191 303 7750 for guidance on the latest technologies in sustainability.
Thinking back to last month, Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, made headlines as he unveiled the Spring Budget. His announcement showcased a range of key initiatives aimed at steering the country towards a greener, more sustainable future, with a notable focus on energy.
- Investing in Clean Energy: A massive £120 million has been set aside for a clean industry fund. This fund will support various sectors pivotal to the UK’s energy transition, including electric vehicles, low-carbon aircraft technology, battery storage solutions, offshore wind farms, and carbon capture projects.
- Nuclear Power: The government has committed £160 million to developing two nuclear sites. While one location remains undecided, the other is confirmed to be built in North Wales, with ownership from Hitachi Japan. This move emphasises a strategic shift towards nuclear energy as part of the UK’s energy mix, as it will reduce carbon emissions and ensure long-term sustainability.
- Windfall Tax Extension: The windfall tax was introduced because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict due to the surge in gas prices. This meant that North Sea oil and gas companies were taxed more, which targeted the profits of these companies. The announcement was that the government decided this tax would be extended an extra year for the companies to 2029 rather than 2028.
However, among these commitments, one notable absence was the lack of specific investment in plans to achieve net zero goals, not just for businesses but for the country.
While the Spring Budget gives us a rough idea of what’s to come, businesses must remain adaptable in navigating the evolving landscape of energy transition and sustainability.
We are dedicated to supporting your journey towards net zero with tailored solutions for your exact business requirements. Call our experts today on 0191 303 7750, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Understanding how to read and submit accurate meter readings for your gas or electricity usage is crucial to ensure you receive precise billing. The process may vary based on your meter type, but we are here to help make that process as quick and as efficient as possible.
It’s important to give us a meter reading before your contract starts so we can let your supplier know how much energy you’re using at your premises. This will help make sure that you are billed correctly. You can continue to send monthly meter readings to us at metering@geab.com to make sure you’re paying the correct amount throughout the length of your contract. This can be done by simply sending us a photo of your meter.
If you’re not sure what kind of meter you have, below we outline guidelines for various popular meters to help you how to give us a meter reading:
Smart Meters:
If you have a smart meter, it will be straightforward for you to see your reading, as it should be shown on the screen.
Electricity Meters:
For electricity meters with a digital display:
- Read the display from left to right, focusing on the main numbers.
- Disregard numbers in red, anything after a decimal point, or any additional spaces.
- Submit
Economy 7/Domestic Economy Meters:
If you’re on these tariffs, your meter will display two sets of figures for regular and cheaper hours. For Economy 7 or Domestic Economy meters:
- Locate your meter display’s ‘Low’ and ‘Normal’ rows.
- Read both sets of numbers corresponding to energy used during regular and cheaper hours.
- Submit both readings for accurate billing.
Gas Meters:
For gas meters, readings may be imperial or metric.
Imperial Meter:
- Read the first four numbers from left to right.
- Please Include leading zeros but ignore red numbers or anything after them.
- Note: If the meter reaches 9,999, it resets to zero automatically.
Metric Meters:
- Read all five numbers.
- Disregard red numbers or any subsequent figures.
- Submit
How to submit a meter reading to The Green Energy Advice Bureau:
Whether you have a smart meter simplifying the process or a traditional meter with digital displays, understanding the specific steps ensures that you provide your energy supplier with precise readings. Regularly submitting accurate readings not only helps to avoid billing discrepancies but also contributes to a more sustainable and responsible use of energy.
We’re here to make this process as simple as possible for you, don’t hesitate to contact one of our energy experts at 0191 303 7750 or metering@geab.com. They are dedicated to assisting you and providing guidance for a seamless energy meter reading experience.
