What is the Nuclear Regulated Asset Base (RAB)?

Updated: February 4, 2026
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.