The UK Government has confirmed that it will reduce green levies for energy-intensive industries.
These cuts aim to drive growth in key sectors, such as manufacturing and clean energy.
A green levy is an environmental charge added to energy bills to help fund renewable energy projects and reduce carbon emissions.
For many businesses, these levies have driven up energy costs and eroded international competitiveness.
Under the new plan, electricity bills for energy-intensive sectors could fall by up to 25 per cent from 2027.
More than 7,000 manufacturing firms are expected to benefit, according to early Government estimates.
Steel, chemical, ceramic, and paper manufacturers are among the sectors expected to see the most immediate impact due to their higher energy consumption.
However, a further trickle-down effect could benefit many more SMEs in future.
Eligibility criteria and exemption details are due to be confirmed after a two-year consultation.
Key potential benefits of cutting green levies include:
However, there are concerns from environmental groups that rolling back levies could stall the UK’s progress toward net zero.
Firms with moderate energy use may face higher levies or pricing adjustments elsewhere in the system, as the Government looks to offset the cost of exemptions.
While reforms and closer alignment with EU carbon pricing have been suggested to cover the shortfall, the full funding model remains unclear.
To prepare, you should:
Consult with your accountant for personalised preparation plans.
Are you affected by green levies or other forms of green taxation? To find out how we can assess its impact on your business, get in touch.