Small Businesses: Energy
(asked on 16th July 2026) - View Source
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to support (a) semi-rural and (b) rural small businesses in Yeovil constituency with increases in annual energy standing charges.
Answered by
Blair McDougall
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The government recognises that high energy prices are a concern for SMEs across the country, including rural businesses in Yeovil.
We are cutting energy bills by up to 25% for manufacturers from April 2027 through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. We have increased the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant to help SMEs transition to more stable, lower-cost heating. Through the UK Business Climate Hub, we are helping SMEs cut bills, improve resilience, and invest in long-term sustainability.
Government is also working with Ofgem to reform the non‑domestic energy market, improving transparency and complaint handling.