Changes to TNUoS charges – What it means for business energy customers
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This month, The National Energy System Operator (NESO) published its five-year view of Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) tariffs, which will have a knock-on effect on energy bills for businesses. At Ecotricity, we believe in openness and transparency, so this is our take on the changes and the impact they will have on energy bills for the businesses of Britain.
What’s happening and why?
From April 2026, business energy bills will start to be impacted, driven by changes to the TNUoS tariffs. NESO’s forecast shows:
Total TNUoS revenue to be collected in 2026/27 is expected to be £8.9bn
By 2030/31, this is projected to rise to £13.6bn
These costs will be added to energy bills through higher daily standing charges
It’s also worth noting that the impact won’t be the same everywhere. Businesses in South Wales, South West England, and South East England are set to face the steepest increases. Domestic customers will also see an effect, with the price cap changing from April 2026. These charges are set by NESO and regulated by Ofgem. The aim is to fund essential grid upgrades to support the transition to net zero and are linked to RIIO-3, which is Ofgem’s price control framework for transmission network companies. This framework is designed to ensure the grid remains reliable, safe, and fit for the future as we move towards net zero.
Our view
While we fully support plans to make the grid net zero-ready, the speed and scale of the increases are a real concern for British businesses, and we want to be upfront about what’s happening. We understand that any increase in costs is worrying, particularly when it comes with little time to plan. These aren’t charges we’ve chosen to add. They’re passed through from transmission operators, and energy suppliers like us are simply the conduit. Our main concern is the lack of consultation with businesses and suppliers, and the sudden nature of these increases. While future investment in the grid is essential, the disproportionate burden being placed on businesses feels unfair. That’s why we are actively engaging with Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to request bilateral meetings, seeking greater transparency and consideration of the implications for British businesses.
What we’re doing for you
We’re making changes now to give you more certainty and predictability, so this is what our business customers can expect to see:
Clearer costs: We want to be as clear and open as possible around these changes, so we’ll be incorporating these charges into a fixed daily rate for new contracts, helping customers forecast and budget more easily.
Transparency: We’ll continue to break down what’s driving your bills
Advocacy: We’re pressing Ofgem to better consider the needs of businesses in their final decisions (due later in 2025)
Partnership: We will provide as much stability as possible, based on the latest available information, and we’ll keep sharing updates, insights and guidance, so you’re not left in the dark
Our mission has always been to help Britain ditch fossil fuels and move towards a green future. These changes may be outside our control, but we’ll keep standing up for businesses and advocating for fair and sustainable energy policy that delivers that on behalf of our customers.
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