Get help paying business energy bills
We’re here to help you when you need it most.
The first and most important thing to do if you’re struggling to pay your bills is to call one of our dedicated energy specialists on 0330 912 9959(1). The sooner you talk to us, the quicker we can help.
What to do if you're in debt
We understand there may be times when your business goes through financial difficulty. And we're here to help you in the best way possible and get you back on track. What you should do will depend on your individual circumstance. Our advice will differ if;
- You can't afford the bill you've just been sent
- You're currently in debt
- You struggle to pay your bills regularly
- You've moved into a new premises and you're receiving debt collections letters for the previous tenant
Struggling to pay your small business energy bill? We're here to help
“It’s not one size fits all with our customers.” This video shows how we’re here to support small businesses through debt with empathy, flexibility, and understanding.
How to manage your bills and keep your costs down
1. Budget with Direct Debit
Paying in little chunks, rather than one big chunk, is a good way to plan and keep ahead of bills. You can set up a Direct Debit with us and save up to 7%(2) on the cost of your energy.
Signing up is simple.
Log into MyAccount or download and print our Direct Debit Instruction.
2. Only pay for energy you use
There are two ways you can make sure you're getting accurate bills:
- Get a smart meter installed, so you can watch what you spend. Find out how to get a smart meter.
- Provide regular meter readings. Take a look at our help page on how to submit a meter reading.
3. Stay on track with MyAccount
Make the most of your small business account online, you can:
- View and pay your energy invoices
- Submit meter readings
- View your energy consumption with Energy Hub
4. Switch to a fixed-price tariff
When it comes to fixed-price tariffs, you know exactly what you’ll pay for your entire contract – no changes, no surprises. Even when energy prices go up, your rates stay the same. This makes budgeting and planning far easier. Call our sales team on 0333 188 6725(3).
We're offering a new 4-year fixed tariff that ensures your energy prices remain stable for an extended period, giving you peace of mind.
5. Use less energy
If you use less, you’ll pay for less. We have 8 steps to help you optimise your business energy usage and a free printable energy audit check list.
Simple things like checking that lights and non-essential electrical equipment are off if you’re closed can make a big difference.
When you’re open, you can close off any areas not currently in use, keep air vents and radiators clear and plug up any gaps where drafts are getting through.
Check out our blog on saving energy for small businesses. Feel inspired to check you're being as energy efficient as you can.
6. Agree an affordable payment plan
If you can't afford to pay your energy bill we may be able to offer you a payment plan depending on your circumstance. Call and speak to one of our dedicated energy specialists on 0330 912 9959(1) to see how we can help.
Support to Power Your Business
From grants and funding to energy-saving tips and sector-specific advice, explore our Advice Hub specifically design to help small businesses.
Frequently asked questions
How do you work out my Direct Debit payments?
Fixed Direct Debit
Your monthly Direct Debit is calculated based on your annual cost and spread evenly throughout the year. Because of this, you may find yourself in credit during the summer, but it will balance out over the year.
Variable Direct Debit
We take a payment on a monthly/quarterly basis depending on your billing frequency. This will be based on your meter readings if you provide these or an estimated reading will be produced and we’ll charge you for the usage during that period.
What if I can't pay my next bill?
Please don’t struggle with your debt alone — we have an understanding team who can help.
They’ll work with you to take some of the stress out of debt. Together, we’ll find a way to pay that suits you.
Will my credit rating be affected if I can’t pay? How can I avoid this?
If you find yourself in this situation, please don’t struggle alone. Our team is here to help.
We will always work together with you to sort out your debt. We never want to take legal action against our customers but this can happen if you don’t pay your bill or get in touch. However, when dealing with debt, the steps we’ll take can include registering a default on your credit file. In this case, it could then be difficult for you to gain credit with suppliers or obtain loans.
What will you do with my information?
You can read our privacy policy here.
How do I know when payment is overdue?
The due date of your invoice will always be on any invoice we send you – so you’ll know when you need to pay. You can find more detailed information on understanding your bill here.
We will add a late payment charge of £10 for every monthly bill you don’t pay or £30 for every quarterly bill you don’t pay. So do get in contact as soon as you can.
What are the steps to collecting energy debt?
If you are struggling to pay, get in touch so we can work together to find an alternative way to pay. We have an understanding team here to help you when you need it.
We don’t want to take legal action against our customers or come to your business, but this can happen if you don’t pay your bill. The steps we’ll take can include registering a default on your credit file, visiting your business to collect payment or changing your meter to a pay as you go meter.
Can I switch suppliers with an outstanding balance?
On the majority of our tariffs, you’ll be unable to switch to another supplier if you have an outstanding balance. Therefore, you’ll need to clear the debt before you change suppliers.
Why should I pay my final bill?
It’s really important to pay your final bill as this marks our supply for you ending. It’s always best to give us a reading on the day you end your supply or leave the property so you are billed to accurate readings, click here to see how you can submit a meter reading.
If I cancel my direct debit will my prices change?
If your payment method changes from Direct Debit, your prices may increase by 10p per day on your standing change and 1p per kwh on your unit rates.
Here are the steps we'll take to collect any business energy debt
Visiting you premises
We'll visit your business premises, and you'll be charged for this visit. If no one is there, we'll leave a letter notifying you of our intent to either install a prepayment meter or disconnect the supply.
Applying for a warrant to enter your premises;
- If you still have an outstanding balance, we'll apply for a warrant from the magistrate's court of sheriff court (Scotland) to enter your premises and disconnect your supply/or install a prepayment meter
- If you pay your outstanding balance before the hearing, we'll withdraw our warrant application, but you may still be charged for costs associated with the application
Once we have a warrant;
- Once granted, a warrant is valid for 28 days from the date it was issued
- The cost of obtaining the warrant plus any additional costs for executing it are added as charges to your account
- We'll execute the warrant to either install a prepayment meter or disconnect your energy supply
Small Business PAYG
With PAYG, you prepay for your energy by topping up your meter before using electricity or gas. It's essential to ensure your meter has enough credit to cover your usage to avoid any interruptions in supply. This responsibility lies with you. Some key points to remember are:
- Daily Standing Charges & Debt Repayments: These are deducted from your meter daily, so maintain sufficient credit to cover these costs.
- Budgeting & Tracking: PAYG helps you manage your budget more effectively, monitor your energy usage, and reduce consumption.
- No Monthly Bills: Instead of monthly bills, you pay for energy as you use it. You'll receive an annual statement summarising your top-ups and consumption
How to top up your meter
You can top up your meter in several convenient ways:
- EDF App/MyAccount: Manage your top-ups easily online
- Auto Top Up: Set up automatic top-ups when your balance reaches £5
- Paypoint store: Find a nearby store at Paypoint
- Automated IVR: Use our automated phone system
- Energy Specialists: Call our team of dedicated energy specialists at 0330 912 9959
Debt & struggling to pay
If you're struggling to pay, please get in touch. We offer various support options, including energy usage tips and referrals to Citizens Advice for free, independent energy advice.
For more information, visit our Help Centre.
Managing Debt:
- Any debt accrued will be added to your meter at an agreed Weekly Recovery Rate (WRR).
- Payments are taken daily, spread across the 7 days of the week.
- The WRR is usually set to recover the debt over a 6 month period. However, this can be adapted to be more affordable based on your individual circumstances
Other ways to get extra help
There are other ways you can get help if you're struggling. You can contact:
Business Debtline
This charity offers free, impartial and confidential advice to small businesses or self-employed people.
Ofgem the energy regulator
Get independent help on your business energy. Ofgem can help with energy complaints and give advice on energy efficiency.
Get help with an energy problem
You can get help with energy problems. This includes issues with your bills or meters, or if you’re struggling to pay for your energy.
If you live in England or Wales, go to citizensadvice.org.uk/energy or contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133. Calls are free.
If you live in Scotland, go to cas.org.uk, or contact your Local Citizens Advice office. You can also contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 196 8660 or visit energyadvice.scot. Calls are free. If you need specialist support to resolve your energy problem, Citizens Advice and Advice Direct Scotland can refer you directly to the Extra Help Unit service.
Understanding your energy invoice
Your invoice shows you how much energy you’ve used and the cost for your usage in that period. See our helpful guide which explains the different elements that make up your invoices to help you take control of your energy.
Independent advice and help for businesses in Scotland
Funding to reduce your business energy costs
By working with Business Energy Scotland, most businesses can save on their energy bills and secure cashback on energy-efficiency projects, while funds last.
Free advice for Scottish businesses
advice.Scot is an official source of free advice and support for businesses. All the advice is on their website; they also have a knowledge centre of practical advice.
Helping small businesses in Scotland on the road to Net Zero
This Scottish Government service helps small businesses with energy efficiency advice and support. Making a positive step in the future
Helpful blogs about small business debt
What to do if you're worried about debt on your small business energy account?
It can be easy for energy costs to get overwhelming; they can be one of the biggest bills busy small business owners face. We’ve written this blog to help you understand what EDF are doing to support small business customers.
How smart meters could help your small business save on energy costs
Meter readings are essential because they tell us how much gas and electricity you’re using in your business, so that we can invoice you correctly. Read our blog on how smart meters could help your small business save on energy costs
Effective ways to reduce debt for your small business
Read our blog to discover which third party organisations can help you navigate financial challenges with practical steps and smart strategies, so you can take back control and set your business on a path to long-term stability