13 April 2026
The UK Energy market continues to be volatile, leading to uncertainty for organisations trying to manage energy costs and negotiate new contracts. At SEFE Energy, we understand the pressures that businesses are under, and we are committed to providing clarity, transparency, and practical guidance to help energy decision makers feel more confident and informed. Here we offer some tips on how to manage your energy bills, and take a look at what’s driving today’s energy prices.
Five top tips for managing energy today:
The importance of checking contract terms
One of the biggest considerations for businesses operating during market volatility is committing to longer term contracts based on a lower energy usage cost without fully considering how it aligns with their particular risk appetite or longer-term outlook. While locking in longer-term deals does offer certainty, it could also result in today’s elevated prices being spread over several years. Careful consideration of contract terms is critical.
Suppliers have a role in ensuring customers understand not just the price, but also the terms of their contract. Procurement decisions should take into account how the price they will pay over their contract will be affected if the wholesale market changes, whether any additional fees apply, and how different cost components are treated over time. Business energy contracts do not have a cooling-off period, so it is important to properly review and understand these terms before signing. Not all suppliers use the same definitions for their contract terms either – so while two contracts might look almost identical on the surface, the way each one handles additional costs can differ, with those differences adding up over time.
To find out more about fixed vs. flexible contracts, take a look at our blog post here.
Avoiding fraud
Reports of scam calls and fraudulent communications are becoming more prevalent, and attempts to breach security are increasingly sophisticated as AI becomes more advanced. During periods of high energy prices in particular, it’s important to stay alert to potential fraud – if something sounds too good to be true, it may well be.
Take some time to review your communications and be aware of red flags to look out for. Fraudulent calls may involve high-pressure tactics, pushing you to agree to contract terms or supply agreements that don’t meet your needs. Scammers may request a large number of sensitive details such as your address, account number, or annual usage – your current supplier already has this information and should never need to ask for all of it at once. You should also be on the lookout for small discrepancies in email communications such as misspelt domain names or incorrect company branding.
If you are in any doubt about the identity or motivations of someone contacting you, ask them to send an email from their official company address, or get in touch with your supplier’s customer support. You can find out more about protecting your business from fraud in our blog here.
Understanding the market trends behind today’s energy prices
Business energy prices reflect several cost components, including:
Of these, the wholesale markets are typically the most volatile element, influenced by the global geopolitical landscape as well as shifts in fuel supply and demand – and with forward markets suggesting that the current pressure is concentrated in the next couple of years, there doesn’t look to be any immediate relief.
On top of wholesale energy prices, network charges are rising in the UK. Increases are due to come into effect in April, and reflect the costs of upgrading critical network infrastructure, keeping it safe as well as enabling progress towards net zero ambitions.
At SEFE Energy, we believe in giving you the tools to stay informed on the latest energy market trends and insights. You can sign up for our free weekly UK market report here.
Staying up to date with billing
If is important to ensure that you keep your contact details up to date and keep on top of regular meter reading submissions, even if you have a smart meter installed. If your supplier does not have current readings for your site, your monthly bill will be based on estimated consumption, which means you might end up paying for energy you haven’t actually used. Getting familiar with your bills to really understand where your money is going each month can make it easier for you to spot any discrepancies quickly, and make sure that you’re always paying the right amount with regards to the energy you’ve consumed.
Further support on understanding your bills can be found here.
Navigating financial difficulty and working with suppliers to find solutions
Even with careful planning, some businesses will face periods of financial difficulty, particularly in the current climate. Cashflow challenges can arise from increasing operational costs and unpredictable market conditions, with energy bills often being a significant contributor to this difficulty. If your organisation is struggling, the most important thing you can do is talk to your supplier early. At SEFE Energy, we encourage customers to get in touch as soon as issues arise, allowing us to explore possible solutions.
You may also be eligible for financial assistance or schemes that help you reduce energy costs – you can find information on available schemes via Ofgem here.