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We’ve recently seen an increase in scare tactic emails sent to care providers by competing energy brokers. These messages often claim that energy costs are about to soar and urge businesses to lock into long-term contracts immediately.
Let’s be clear, these communications are misleading. Some even include five-year cost projections, without explaining that the way businesses are charged for energy will fundamentally change within the next two to three years.
Over the next few years, the UK energy market will transition to time-of-use and demand-related charging. This means that costs will vary based on when and how energy is used, helping to balance the grid and offset some of the long-term increases being forecast.
So, rather than reacting to fear-based emails, it’s important to pause before signing anything. Ofgem, the energy regulator, is aware that costs are too high and is exploring redress schemes and market reforms.
Entering into a four-year deal with an unregulated broker could lock your business into inflated rates, especially since many suppliers are already factoring future costs into their pricing or will pass them through in due course.
From 1st November 2025, a new Regulated Asset Base (RAB) Levy of 0.3455p/kWh will be introduced on UK energy bills.
This charge, similar to the Climate Change Levy (CCL) and VAT, will fund the development of new nuclear power projects such as Sizewell C.
For clients on pass-through contracts, the levy will automatically apply — however, none of our clients are on these contracts. For fixed contracts, it will be at the supplier’s discretion whether to pass on the charge immediately or wait until renewal.
If you’d like to check whether your supplier intends to apply the RAB Levy, our team can confirm this for you. The first impact will likely appear on December invoices.
Unfortunately, there’s been a sharp rise in cold calls and misleading emails from unregulated energy brokers desperate to win business. Many use manipulative language such as “act now” or “protect your business” to pressure recipients into expensive or unsuitable contracts.
These are not regulated professionals. They cannot provide the level of oversight, transparency, or accuracy that a trusted broker like Quality Care Group offers.
At QCG, we safeguard our clients, not by using scare tactics, but by ensuring you have the right contract, at the right time, for the right price.
What You Should Do
If you receive any concerning energy communication:
✅ Do not respond or sign anything.
✅ Forward it to our Energy Team for review — we’ll advise if action is needed.
✅ Trust that we’ll keep you informed about genuine market and regulatory changes.
As part of Ofgem’s Third-Party Intermediary (TPI) working panel, I’m actively involved in pushing for stronger regulation of energy brokers to better protect care sector businesses.
So please, come to us first if you receive an email, call, or offer that doesn’t sound quite right. We’ll help you navigate these changes calmly and confidently, ensuring your care business remains protected and cost-efficient.
