Plain-English guides to your business bills.

A business energy bill usually has a standing charge (a fixed daily amount), a unit rate (the price per kWh, sometimes split into day and night), and, for larger sites, a capacity charge. Network and policy costs are usually built into your rates. Some businesses also pay the Climate Change Levy, and VAT is applied to the total. Start by finding your unit rate and contract end date, then check whether your usage matches what the bill says you used.

Ask how long the contract runs and when you can renew. Ask what the rates are when it ends and what notice you must give. Ask about early-termination charges, whether rates are fixed or can change, and how the bill is estimated. Ask who to contact when something is wrong. Get the answers in writing and keep them with your bills.

Businesses are responsible for the waste they produce until it is properly disposed of. That generally means using a registered waste carrier and keeping records such as waste transfer notes. Rules differ across the UK nations, so check what applies to you. A review can also show whether you are paying for collections or bin sizes you do not need.