The government has announced the introduction of an Energy Bills Discount Scheme from 31 March 2023 to March 2024 – replacing the current support providing a discount on your gas and electricity unit prices.This new support will give businesses with energy contracts, discounts on wholesale prices of up to £6.97 per megawatt an hour for electricity and £19.61 per megawatt an hour for gas. This is much less than the current discount because wholesale energy costs have fallen back to where they were just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and almost halved since the current scheme was announced. Businesses will receive the discount automatically. The Government estimates that a typical pub will save £2,300 off their annual bill and a small retailer will save around £400.Responding to the announcement, Richard Lambert, NHBF chief executive said:‘We are relieved that the Government has answered our call and that the hair & beauty sector will at least receive some support via the Energy Bills Discount Scheme. However, many will see the discount swallowed up in the first month or two of the energy price increases they are already facing.Energy costs are the first or second largest outgoing for most hair and beauty salons and barbershops and it remains to be seen whether this reduced support will help many keep the doors open and lights on beyond March 2023. Our sector is locked in a fight for survival through the cost of doing business crisis and with 20% of businesses saying that they are likely to downsize or close over the next few months, further support will be needed to ensure that this sector can continue to make its significant contribution to vibrant high streets and community wellbeing.For more advice and information about the Energy Bill Discount Scheme please visit the UK Government website.
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