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Electricity bills for small industrial consumers, including large retail and leisure units as well as small manufacturers, are set to rise to around £200,000 more than pre-crisis levels in 2026 according to data from Cornwall Insight’s Business Energy Cost Forecast.
The report revealed that small industrial businesses are predicted to be paying £550,000 annually (£238 per MWh) for electricity by the contract year April 2026 – March 2027. This marks a 57% increase compared to the pre-energy crisis level of just over £350,000 (£151 per MWh). The 2026-2027 costs will be a rise from current bills which sit around £540,000 per year (£232 per MWh).
The forecast, which aligns with the typical April to March contract renewal period for most businesses, reveals that while small industrial business energy costs have fallen from the highs seen in 2022-2023 – where they were nearly £1mn a year – the residual effects of the energy crisis and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continue to influence the wholesale market. This – alongside other changes, including network charging reforms – has kept prices higher than historic averages. Changes coming in over the next couple of years, including the rise in newer carbon levies and the anticipated introduction of new cost elements, are expected to see prices increase from April 2026. Similar trends exist across SME and large industrial customers.
While households are also experiencing high bills, the Default Tariff Cap (price cap) provides some degree of protection. Businesses do not have a corresponding cap and are therefore exposed to the full cost of the electricity market. With many other economic pressures, particularly on the retail sector, this could highly impact profitability and cause more companies to exit the market.
While it is anticipated that the renewed focus on domestic renewable generation capacity will filter through to bills, due to the lead time associated with investment in new projects it may take several years before consumers start to feel the benefits of this shift.
Dr Craig Lowrey, Cornwall Insight, Principal Consultant. said “While the electricity bills of businesses have remained above historic averages for many years, political conversations under both the current and previous government have been dominated by household energy bills, with businesses largely left out of the discussion—it’s the energy elephant in the room.
“Many businesses, especially in the retail arena, are navigating an increasingly challenging environment, with some struggling to survive month to month. Our forecasts showing energy costs are going to rise in 2026, only add to the pressures faced by businesses. The impact could be far-reaching, from job losses and disrupted supply chains to a decline in consumer spending—consequences that can ripple through the broader economy.
“We hope the renewed focus on delivering sustainable domestic production can bring some stability to the energy market and lower bills in the long run. However, as we await these potential cost reductions, it’s essential that policymakers and industry leaders work together to find solutions that can help alleviate the burden on businesses, many of whom cannot afford to wait years for relief.”
