The FSB’s national chairman John Allan said the accepted system of businesses continuing to use a meter inherited from a previous tenant, despite being for the incorrect energy use, will make the transition “difficult” and increase costs.
Allan told Utility Week: “Small business legacy customers – those who simply inherited maximum demand meters – may also face a hefty charge if they want to downgrade their meter to avoid these costs.”
Maximum demand meter customers face increasing costs in the move to half-hourly charging due to additional distribution use of system charges and new meter operator contracts.
“It is imperative that these businesses are identified and transitioned to the new smart world in a considered way.”
A recent survey by supplier Npower has revealed the lack of awareness amongst businesses of the imminent move to half-hourly charging, with only 81 per cent of British retailers being aware of the change.
It also revealed that 67 per cent of businesses are unaware that the change could increase their energy bill.
Allan said: “The transition to a smart new energy market is a real necessity, but the process is a potential minefield for small businesses. The Government must ensure they are offering sufficient support for all eventualities.”