Q1: How are prices compared?
We compare prices by looking at Standing Charges and the cost per kWh from each supplier. Standing charges are daily fixed costs that cover things such as maintenance, manual meter readings and keeping your property connected to an energy network. The cost per kWh is for per unit of energy used.
Q2: Will I be able to switch to the supplier of my choice?
You can in most cases, however it is important to note that a supplier is not obligated to provide you with an energy supply and they can reject contracts due to your credit rating, supply size or their own criteria.
Q3: What information about my business do I need to provide?
In order for us to find you the best deal we typically need a recent bill, your business’s registration information, your MPAN/MPRN numbers and the end date of your current contract. You will be able to find most of this information on a bill or you can request it from your current supplier.
Q4: What does a meter reference number (MPAN/MPR) look like?
The number will start with an ‘S’ and is usually printed on a bill.
| S | 03 | 123 | 456 | |
| 23 | 0123 4567 | 891 | ||
Q5: What is Half-Hourly / 100kW supply?
Half-hourly meters provide more accurate information by providing electronic meter reads every 30 minutes. Half hourly meters are typically used by large/high energy users with a demand higher than 100kW. You can see whether you’re are a half hourly customer by checking your MPAN and seeing if it starts 00. You can also tell as there will be a communications link so the meter can be read remotely daily. We have allocated account managers that specialise with dealing with Half Hourly meters for our clients.
Q6: What if I’m new to the property?
If you have just taken over a property you will be supplied by the same supplier of the previous occupier. Often they will charge you “out of contract” rates which are normally higher. You should always check and arrange a new supply contract shortly after moving in to ensure you are on the best rate for you and your business.
Q7: What are Deemed (or out-of-contract) Rates?
As mentioned above, “out of contract” rates are usually the highest and you will often find them if you’re a business new to a property or if you have terminated a contract but not switched it over to a new supplier. Suppliers only require 28 days’ notice to switch on to another rate.
Q8: Do I have to do anything to switch supplier?
No, Forward Energy UK Ltd will arrange this for you. Working on your behalf with a customers signed letter of authority we are able to send your old supplier a termination letter making it even simpler to switch.
Q9: What rate of VAT should I be charged for my energy?
VAT on energy for businesses is normally charged at 20%. However, some businesses meet the ‘De Minimis’ requirements and then would be billed at 5%. This means using an average of no more than 33 kwh per day (1,000 kwh per month) for business electricity and/or less than an average of 5 therms or 145 kwh per day (150 therms or 4,397 kwh per month) for business gas. If a business falls within this criteria they will only attract the 5% VAT on gas and electricity bills.
Q10: What is the Climate Change Levy?
The Climate Change Levy (CCL) is a Government tax, which came in to place in 2001, for the use of both gas and electric by businesses, agriculture and the public sector. The aim of the levy is to encourage industry, commerce and the public sector to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse emissions.
| Taxable commodity | Rate from 1 April 2020 | Rate from 1 April 2021 | Rate from 1 April 2022 | Rate from 1 April 2023 |
| Electricity (£ per kilowatt hour (KWh)) | 0.00811 | 0.00775 | 0.00775 | 0.00775 |
| Natural gas (£ per KWh) | 0.00406 | 0.00465 | 0.00568 | 0.00672 |
| LPG (£ per kilogram (kg)) | 0.02175 | 0.02175 | 0.02175 | 0.02175 |
| Any other taxable commodity (£ per kg) | 0.03174 | 0.03640 | 0.04449 | 0.05258 |
*Info as per GOV.UK – Climate Change Levy Rates
Q11: What types of business qualify for 5% VAT and CCL exemption?
Residential / domestic buildings – including accommodation for children, the armed forces, care homes, rehab centres, hospices, monasteries & nunneries.
An institution which is the sole or main residence of at least 90% of its residents – except hospitals, prisons or similar institutions, hotels, inns or similar.
Self-catering holiday accommodation, caravans & houseboats. Charitable organisations.
All of the above will qualify for a reduced rate of VAT on gas bills and electricity bills.
Q12: How will I be charged for using your services?
We receive industry set commission from the energy suppliers we work with who ensure we provide fair comparisons.