A recent survey conducted indicates a growing emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions among small and medium-sized enterprises in 2023.

In recent findings, small businesses are increasingly prioritising action on climate change, according to a survey conducted by the SME Climate Hub.

The survey, spanning 44 countries and 25 sectors, revealed a notable uptick in the importance placed on reducing greenhouse gas emissions among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2023.

Despite this growing emphasis, the study also highlighted persistent obstacles hindering climate action within SMEs.

Regulatory pressures and evolving customer expectations are driving SMEs to elevate climate action as a priority.

The survey noted that 44% of respondents reported a heightened focus on reducing emissions over the past year, with an additional 53% maintaining a consistent level of prioritisation in this area.

However, despite these intentions, SMEs continue to encounter barriers that impede their ability to effectively address climate change.

Among the key challenges cited by surveyed SMEs are a lack of supportive policies or government-backed incentives, identified by 52% of respondents and insufficient funding, also reported by 52% of those polled.

Additionally, nearly 39% of respondents highlighted a dearth of data on current emissions as a significant barrier.

Other obstacles include time constraints, noted by 29% of respondents, and perceived deficiencies in skills and knowledge, cited by an equal proportion of SMEs.

María Mendiluce, Chief Executive Officer, We Mean Business Coalition, Co-Founder of the SME Climate Hub, said: “In order to transition to a clean and just economy, we cannot leave behind small businesses and the communities they serve.

“Small businesses are the nimble changemakers we need to push climate action forward, but we need an all-of-society approach that enables this action.

“Support mechanisms from governments and incentivising programmes from partners such as financial institutions and corporate supply chain leaders are essential to enable small businesses to take more comprehensive action.”

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Researchers have pinpointed new onshore wind and solar sites across England, utilising less than 3% of land, potentially increasing clean energy output by 13 times.

Researchers have identified promising new locations for onshore wind and solar projects across England, suggesting the country could significantly boost its clean energy output.

According to recent analysis, approximately 374,900 hectares of land, equivalent to 2.9% of England’s total land area, are deemed highly suitable for renewable energy projects.

Areas such as North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire are highlighted as prime locations for potential development.

Researchers from Exeter University’s Environmental Intelligence Centre and Friends of the Earth have pinpointed 219,800 hectares of land ideal for new onshore wind projects and 295,000 hectares suitable for potential solar sites, with some areas suitable for both.

Tony Bosworth, Climate Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: “Unleashing the UK’s immense potential to generate cheap, clean homegrown renewables is essential to bring down our energy bills for good and meeting the UK’s vital international target to reduce carbon emissions by two thirds by 2030.”

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Small businesses in Britain will now have access to free redress and assistance from the Energy Ombudsman to resolve energy contract disputes.

In a move aimed at supporting small businesses and tackling unfair energy practices, the government and Ofgem have introduced measures to provide free support for energy disputes.

Small organisations with fewer than 50 employees will benefit from access to the Energy Ombudsman, empowering them to resolve issues with their energy suppliers without incurring costly legal expenses.

Energy Affordability Minister Amanda Solloway emphasised the government’s commitment to standing by British businesses, announcing plans to consult on regulating energy brokers and intermediaries later this year.

Minister for Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway said: “All businesses deserve to get a good service from their energy supplier – and today’s changes will empower small businesses with free redress support via the Ombudsman.

“This is just the beginning. Rip-off energy brokers have no place in our market and we will act to raise standards for customers.”

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The energy regulator has announced new regulation ensuring fair treatment, better dispute resolution and transparent fees for businesses in the non domestic energy sector.

Ofgem has introduced new measures to protect businesses in the non domestic energy sector, aiming to improve customer service and transparency on broker fees.

The changes, effective from 1st July 2024, extend Standards of Conduct to all businesses, empower Ofgem to act against unfair treatment and require suppliers to direct micro business consumers to advisory services.

Further updates, anticipated by year-end, include displaying broker fees in contracts and enhancing Complaints Handling Standards for small business consumers.

The reforms follow concerns raised about high energy prices and poor service, identified through a joint investigation with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Tim Jarvis, Ofgem’s Director General for Markets, said: “Too many businesses have experienced issues with some energy suppliers, from difficulty getting the right contracts, unexplained price hikes, and poor customer service.

“We’ve worked hard to understand the breadth of issues and where the powers we have to tackle them can be improved. These new rules will help ensure businesses get the service they deserve.

“We will be speaking to businesses of all sizes as these rules come into force throughout this year to make sure they are being followed by suppliers. We will also continue to work with government, industry, and consumer groups to see what else can be done to support non-domestic consumers.”

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The assessment by a think tank emphasised ten areas for action outlined in the Government’s 2022 strategy, covering aspects, including energy efficiency, grid operations, offshore wind and nuclear power.

Analysis suggests that the government has only fulfilled three out of ten commitments it made two years ago to enhance the UK’s energy security.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) conducted an analysis revealing shortcomings in the UK Government’s energy security commitments.

The think tank suggests that the government has only achieved three out of ten major targets outlined in its strategy, two years after the publication of the British Energy Security Strategy.

According to the report, key areas of concern include offshore wind farm auctions and heat pump policies, where the government has failed to meet targets.

Despite commitments, only two new offshore wind farms have been secured since the strategy’s inception, with none secured in the last auction in 2023.

Delays in implementing the Clean Heat Market Mechanism have also hindered efforts to bolster heat pump adoption, the ECIU suggests.

In addition, analysts argue that the government’s focus on expanding North Sea oil and gas drilling may not yield significant benefits.

Commenting on the analysis, Jess Ralston, Energy Analyst at the ECIU, said: “The UK has had two energy security strategies within two years and we’re still going backwards, becoming more dependent on foreign imports.

“As a country, we have spent more than £100bn on gas over the crisis with the bill payer and taxpayer bearing the brunt.”

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson told Energy Live News: “We do not accept these claims.

“Since we published the British Energy Security Strategy we have allocated billions to improve energy efficiency, announced a dedicated record pot of £800 million to back offshore wind projects and increased our heat pump grant to £7,500 – making it one of the most generous schemes in Europe and helping families with costs.

“We have achieved all this while maintaining one of the most secure and diverse energy systems in the world, with renewables now accounting for nearly half of our electricity – up from 7% in 2010 – while backing a domestic oil and gas supply and ending the stop-start approach to nuclear.”

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Industry leaders stress the importance of considering local needs and swiftly implementing infrastructure to support the integration of renewable energy sources.

The energy industry has reacted positively to the National Grid Electricity System Operator‘s (ESO) release of the “Beyond 2030” plan.

This plan aims to move Britain towards a net zero energy system.

Industry leaders have praised the plan for its ambition and necessary level of investment – they highlight its potential to drive economic growth, job creation and the adoption of cost-efficient energy technologies.

Additionally, they emphasise the importance of considering local needs and promptly implementing infrastructure to support the integration of renewable energy sources.

Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said: “Everyone in energy is working at an accelerated pace to ensure the lowest cost electricity generation is connected to new and existing types of demand across the country, and that this is done in the fairest way possible to all customers.

“It is critical that the plan considers local needs, and that industry and government minimise the amount and impact of energy infrastructure, but we also know that the future energy system will vastly improve the way we power our homes and businesses in this country.

“This plan is part of a wider programme of work from government, industry, the regulator, and the ESO to make sure that the needs of the country, the needs of communities, and the needs of customers are considered together, and fairly – for example, the government will need to streamline the planning process and begin engaging with communities.”

Nick Winser, Commissioner at the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “It’s critical that this investment is delivered quickly.

“This will require coordinated action from transmission owners, government and Ofgem, including ensuring that the planning system is not a blocker to delivery. The communities hosting this infrastructure must also see direct benefits from its deployment.”

Commenting on National Grid ESO’s “Beyond 2030” report, which outlines a £58 billion investment plan in Britain’s energy system, RenewableUK’s Director of Future Electricity Systems Barnaby Wharton said: “Reinforcing and expanding our electricity grid is long overdue.

“It’s essential that we don’t delay any longer and get on with the job, to ensure that we can get the vast quantities of clean power which we’re generating from offshore wind to British homes and businesses as efficiently as possible.

“This investment in new networks is absolutely vital, to slash bills, make our economy more competitive and boost Britain’s energy security.”

Image: Rob Atherton/ Shutterstock

A survey by Ofgem reveals that nearly 58% expressed concern regarding the impact of energy prices on their business, with 42% indicating they were very concerned.

A joint study by Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has shed light on businesses‘ experiences in the energy market, indicating widespread concerns over energy prices.

According to the research conducted by IFF Research, 58% of businesses expressed worry about the impact of energy prices on their operations, with 42% reporting significant concern.

Despite this, 60% of businesses expressed satisfaction with the overall service provided by their energy supplier, although 13% expressed dissatisfaction.

Common grievances included high costs, poor customer service and inadequate communication.

Additionally, while 55% found it easy to contact their energy supplier, 18% found it difficult.

Around 12% of businesses reported making a complaint to their supplier within the last six months, citing issues such as billing inaccuracies and unexpected charges.

The study, based on a telephone survey of 1,000 businesses across Great Britain in July 2023 followed by 30 qualitative interviews, focused solely on non-domestic premises with non-domestic energy contracts.

Image: Dani Ber / Shutterstock

The Energy Bill Discount Scheme, implemented to aid businesses during the energy crisis, is slated to terminate on 31st March.

As the Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS) nears its expiration date, businesses across Britain and Northern Ireland are advised to brace for the conclusion of this support initiative designed to alleviate the strain of soaring energy bills.

Set to end on 31st March, the scheme was established to mitigate the financial burden on businesses during the energy crisis.

Despite the imminent conclusion of the EBDS, organisations are reminded to continue paying energy bills as usual until the discount is applied.

Moreover, they are advised to explore competitive energy deals offered by different suppliers, as the actual energy costs may vary across providers.

New trade association, the Energy Consultants Association, is advocating for better representation of energy brokers and consultants.

A newly formed trade association, the Energy Consultants Association (ECA), is pushing for equitable representation for energy brokers and consultants, aiming to provide support to UK businesses seeking to lower energy costs while ensuring fair treatment from providers.

This comes as industry proposals for increased regulation and concerns over energy claims gain momentum.

The Retail Energy Code Company has proposed mandatory adoption of the TPI Code of Practice for all brokers and consultants, initially introduced on a voluntary basis in October 2023.

Since its establishment in 2022, the ECA has seen significant membership growth, positioning itself to advocate for its members and influence regulatory bodies and suppliers.

Chris Shaw, Chair of the Energy Consultants Association said: “As a key stakeholder in the market, it is important that energy brokers and consultants are listened to in helping shape the proposed regulation so that the costs don’t outweigh the benefits.

“Whilst we have provided significant input to the requests for feedback, there are still many parts of the code that we feel need revising before it is made mandatory.

“We will continue to represent the best interests of our members to try and get to a better place for all involved.”

Image: STUDIOMAX / Shutterstock

Following a legal case, energy supplier ENGIE was held liable, resulting in a small business being compensated for “mis-sold” energy contracts.

An energy claims specialist has facilitated the recovery of thousands of pounds for a small amusement arcade business, following a legal case where ENGIE was held liable.

The business, operating as “Queenie’s Casino Slots,” received over £10,000 as a result of the court claim brought forth by Business Energy Claims (BEC).

BEC, based in North Tyneside, is urging businesses and other non-domestic energy users, including charities, sports and social clubs, and places of worship, to assess whether they might have been misled and mis-sold energy contracts.

A few months ago, Ofgem launched a consultation to enhance service standards for businesses and improve transparency regarding costs associated with third-party energy brokers.

Business groups had previously voiced concerns to Ofgem regarding the necessity for increased support in energy matters, prompting this decision after thorough engagement with stakeholders.

Callum Thompson, Managing Director at BEC, said: “This case has the real potential to open the floodgates to other businesses and organisations large and small which may have been misled and as a result mis-sold energy contracts.

“What we are looking at is a multi-billion pound issue which could affect thousands of businesses and other organisations who may or may not realise they could have a claim.

“We want to ensure these consumers understand that if they thought the commission in an energy contract was being paid by the supplier and didn’t impact on their costs, then they are sadly wrong.

“As businesses and others continue to struggle against a growing cost of doing business crisis, it has never been more important for consumers to be fully informed about energy contracts and to question anything which doesn’t sit right.”

Chris Shaw, Chair of the Energy Consultants Association, told Energy Live News: “BEC and other claims farmers have been running the same hyper inflated fantasy land stories for months. An unreported County Court decision that isn’t legally binding hardly seems to be a “landmark case”.

“Reported” County Court decisions in the cases of Leicester Indoor Bowls and The Dark Blue Pig (also against ENGIE) were resounding victories for energy brokers and suppliers – with the claimant in one ending up with a costs bill of £20,000.

“Mr Thompson and his father who is also listed as a Director in Business Energy Claims were involved in Utilitywise.”

Subsequently, several years after they left, the company collapsed resulting in 600 people losing their jobs.

“BEC started in 2018 so it’s interesting that it seems to have taken them until 2024 for them to record a county court case win with so many millions of claims apparently circling round.

“Unsurprisingly the figures that they use are sensationalist – created purely to try and drive media coverage to ultimately a rather small issue.

“Cornwall Insight in their annual report confirms that the total commission earned by brokers for facilitating SME contracts was £270 million in 2023. The penetration rates of SME using brokers have been increasing year on year since 2000 so it is logical to assume that this number also drops significantly in prior years.

“This is in stark contrast to the figure of £2.25 billion plucked out of the air by Mr Thompson.

“This is complex issue and cases are very fact specific – with huge variations on how brokers disclose commissions. Cases will undoubtedly need to go through the higher courts over the coming years to get final clarity – but I expect that will take years and years to gain final clarification sadly.”

Energy Live News has approached ENGIE and Ofgem for comment.