Building a Fairer Business Energy Market
I have launched the Trust and Transparency Energy (TNT) Charter to help create a fairer, clearer and more accountable business energy market.
Too many businesses are operating in a system where the true cost of electricity is hard to see, pricing structures are inconsistent, and commission arrangements are often hidden. This lack of transparency weakens competition and can leave smaller firms paying more than they should.
The TNT Charter is about bringing businesses, trade bodies and policymakers together behind a simple goal — restoring trust in how business energy is priced, sold and managed.
What does the TNT Charter call for?
The Trust and Transparency Energy Charter sets out practical reforms to improve the way the business energy market works:
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Standardised, upfront disclosure of the full cost of electricity
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Clear and enforceable rules on sales practices and pricing
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Simple switching processes and genuine supplier choice
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Stronger protections for small and medium-sized businesses
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Secure access to energy data to support innovation and efficiency
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I am calling on Government, regulators and industry to use existing powers to improve disclosure and standardisation in business energy billing.
From Left to Right: Douglas Oliver (The FED), Jim Cathcart (UKHospitality), Vira Veslukha and Charlie Mercer (Startup Coalition), Chris Owen (BRC), Tim Hipperson (Hipperson Consulting)
My Campaign for Change
This Charter builds on my ongoing work to address systemic issues in business energy, following concerns raised by businesses affected by opaque billing, weak intermediary oversight and unfair back-billing practices.
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The campaign began after I intervened in a case involving a long-standing café in Tamworth that faced closure following a disputed back bill from E.ON Next. An independent review later found the business had been overcharged.
Since raising these issues in Parliament and securing a Backbench Business Debate, I have continued to hear from businesses across the country facing similar challenges.
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The Trust and Transparency Energy Charter is the next step in my campaign to build a more competitive, innovative and sustainable business environment — one where businesses can focus on growth rather than navigating complex energy contracts.
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I will continue pushing for reform in Parliament until transparency and fairness are the norm in the business energy market
Why Reform Is Needed?
Energy costs are one of the biggest pressures facing businesses today. Business electricity prices in the UK remain higher than in many competitor economies, and nearly half of small businesses now identify energy as a major cost challenge.
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Complex tariffs, opaque non-commodity charges, standing charges and inconsistent commission structures make it difficult for firms to compare contracts or forecast costs.
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Smaller businesses are particularly vulnerable to these problems. When pricing is unclear, competition is weakened and businesses have less power to challenge unfair charges or negotiate better deals.
Supporting Businesses and Growth
The Charter is supported by leading trade and industry organisations including UK Hospitality, ACS, Startup Coalition and the British Retail Consortium.
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These organisations represent thousands of businesses across retail, hospitality and the wider SME economy, many of which depend on reliable and affordable energy to operate.
Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair of HospitalityUK signing the TNT charter
A Call to Sign the Charter
I am inviting energy suppliers, brokers and trade bodies to sign the TNT Charter and demonstrate their commitment to fair and transparent business practices.
By highlighting good practice, the Charter creates reputational incentives for responsible behaviour and helps drive higher standards across the market.
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If you're a trade body, business, broker or energy supplier and would like to be a signatory please get in touch below!
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