Many businesses may be surprised to learn they’re paying for charges on their energy bills that they may not need to pay.
The Climate Change Levy (CCL) was introduced in 2001 to encourage businesses to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. While the levy applies to most business energy supplies, certain organisations and sectors may qualify for partial or full exemption without realising.
Charities, academies, schools, care homes, sports clubs, caravan parks, places of worship and some manufacturing businesses are amongst the organisations that may qualify for relief. And in some cases, organisations have been paying CCL unnecessarily for years.
At Procure Smart, we believe in full transparency when it comes to utility costs. That’s why we work with specialist partners to help identify potential opportunities to reclaim rogue charges and support our customers through the entire process.
But wait, there’s more…
For eligible organisations, the opportunity doesn’t stop at reclaiming historic CCL charges. In many cases, bills may also be eligible for a reduced VAT rate of 5% rather than the standard 20%. Where criteria are met, this can create an additional refund opportunity and reduce costs moving forward.
Combined, these savings can make a significant difference to operational budgets, allowing organisations to reinvest money where it’s needed most.
A simple review process
One of the biggest misconceptions is that reclaiming overpaid charges is complicated.
We make the process straightforward:
- Review historic energy bills
- Assess eligibility for CCL exemption
- Identify potential VAT reductions
- Submit claims where appropriate
- Implement future exemptions
The review itself is typically completed using information already available on your energy bills.
Real results
Organisations across the UK have already benefited from reviewing historic energy charges.
Recent successful claims processed with our valued partner, Energy Support Solutions, have ranged from several thousand pounds to well over £100,000, in as little as 14 days, helping charities, sports clubs, manufacturers and other eligible organisations recover funds that can be put to better use.
Could you be eligible?
If your organisation operates within the charity, education, care, leisure, religious or manufacturing sectors, it may be worth reviewing your current energy billing arrangements.
At Procure Smart, we’re committed to helping organisations make informed decisions and uncover efficiencies and savings. A free review could reveal savings from the last four years, while also helping ensure your business is billed correctly in future.
Talk to one of our friendly experts today on 0191 535 5906 or at Sophie.gibson@procuresmart.com
