FSB asks energy suppliers to treat SMEs equally

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on energy suppliers to treat SMEs more like domestic energy customers.

Image by PaulSh via Flickr

The Federation is pushing for greater transparency from the so-called ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers, simpler pricing and for SMEs to get the same protections as domestic energy customers.

The FSB’s recent ‘How’s Business?’ survey in the north-east found that 80% of those polled were worried about rises in business electricity and gas prices.

It also revealed that some small businesses feel that they have limited knowledge when it comes to the options their business has for energy, and very few feel that they understand energy contracts.

Ted Salmon, FSB North East Regional Chairman, commented: "In our most recent survey of members the biggest barrier for their business was increased energy and fuel costs. 

"We want the energy companies to pass on the recently announced bill reductions to small and micro businesses. Given that small and micro businesses typically behave like domestic customers in the energy market they should be treated in an equal fashion.

"Alongside this the government should be doing more to help small and microbusinesses by ensuring there is greater transparency of the big six providers and introducing a more transparent pricing structure.

"Small and microbusinesses will help lead the recovery and re-balancing of the economy in the North East and by pushing through these changes will help more to survive, grow and prosper."

Do you agree with the FSB? How would you like to see the business energy market change for small businesses?