Film or media production company energy suppliers, tariffs and costs

Film and media production businesses in the UK face unique energy challenges due to the nature of their work, which often involves high-power equipment, extensive lighting, and sometimes mobile or remote locations. Energy efficiency and cost management are crucial, as these operations can significantly impact the bottom line. Understanding the energy usage patterns and considerations specific to this industry can help businesses make informed decisions when comparing energy tariffs. Whether it’s a small independent production company or a larger studio, finding the right energy plan can lead to substantial savings and a reduced environmental impact.

How much does energy cost for a film or media production company?

There is no published price list for film and media production companies. What a film or media production company pays depends on how much it uses in a year, when it agreed its contract and for how long, wholesale prices at that time, the standing charge, meter type, payment method and credit history. The most recent government figures, for the second quarter of 2026 (April to June, provisional), put the average price paid by UK non-domestic customers at 24.51p per kWh for electricity and 5.28p per kWh for gas, including the Climate Change Levy and standing charges and excluding VAT. A year earlier the averages were 24.03p and 5.31p. Smaller users typically pay more per unit: businesses using under 20,000 kWh of electricity a year averaged 38.36p per kWh, and those using under 278,000 kWh of gas averaged 9.31p per kWh.

Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Prices of fuels purchased by non-domestic consumers in the UK (Quarterly Energy Prices tables 3.4.1 and 3.4.2), published 29 September 2026. Q2 2026 figures are provisional; next update 17 December 2026. Prices are fully delivered averages including the Climate Change Levy and all other elements except VAT, so standing charges are already spread across the units. Averages across every UK business in a band, not quotes, and not comparable with a supplier’s unit rate.

Working out a monthly figure for your business

Take the annual kWh from your latest bill or annual statement, find the band above and multiply for a rough benchmark. A site using 15,000 kWh of electricity a year sits in the very small band: 15,000 × 38.36p is about £5,750 a year, or roughly £480 a month before VAT. A site using 60,000 kWh of gas a year: 60,000 × 9.31p is about £5,590 a year, or roughly £465 a month. The bands are statistical groupings used by the government, not supplier price breaks, so treat them as a guide to what similar-sized sites paid rather than a price you will be offered. To judge an actual quote, compare its total annual cost (unit rate × your annual kWh, plus the daily standing charge × 365) with what you pay now.

VAT and the Climate Change Levy on business energy

The prices above exclude VAT. Business energy normally carries VAT at 20% plus the Climate Change Levy (CCL). HMRC applies the 5% reduced rate, with no CCL, in three cases. First, low usage: supplies averaging no more than 33 kWh of electricity a day (1,000 kWh a month) or 145 kWh of gas a day (4,397 kWh a month) are treated as domestic use whoever the customer is. Second, fuel and power for domestic use, which HMRC defines to include homes providing care for the elderly or disabled, children’s homes, hospices and school or university residential accommodation. Third, a charity’s non-business activities. From 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, electricity that qualifies for the reduced rate is charged at 0% VAT instead of 5% in England, Scotland and Wales; qualifying gas stays at 5%, qualifying electricity in Northern Ireland stays at 5%, and electricity returns to 5% from 1 April 2027. HMRC has not changed which supplies qualify or the certificate process; the same rules decide whether a supply gets 0% or 20%. Where a site is mixed, 60% or more qualifying use means the whole supply gets the reduced rate; below that the supply is split between the two rates, and the customer gives the supplier a certificate declaring the qualifying percentage. Source: HMRC VAT Notice 701/19 (sections 2.8, 3.2 to 3.5, 4.2 and 5.2, updated 5 February 2025), gov.uk VAT rates and HMRC Revenue and Customs Brief 10 (2026).

Do Ofgem’s microbusiness protections apply to film and media production companies?

Ofgem treats a business as a microbusiness if it has fewer than 10 employees (or their full-time equivalent) and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than £2 million, or if it uses no more than 100,000 kWh of electricity or 293,000 kWh of gas a year. A business can be a microbusiness for one fuel and not the other. Independent film and media production companies that meet either test are covered by Ofgem’s microbusiness rules, which give extra protections around contract terms and renewals (Ofgem: get energy for your business).

Do business energy rates vary by region?

Yes. Part of every unit rate covers the cost of the local electricity distribution network, and Great Britain has 14 licensed distribution areas each with its own charges, so identical contracts are priced differently in, for example, the north of Scotland and London. DESNZ does not publish non-domestic prices by region, so regional figures quoted elsewhere are supplier or broker estimates rather than official statistics.

Which energy supplier is best for film and media production companies?

There is no single answer. Suppliers price business contracts individually rather than publishing standard tariffs for film and media production companies, so the cheapest supplier for one business is often not the cheapest for the next: each prices on the consumption, meter type, contract length and credit profile in front of it. Compare the total annual cost of like-for-like contract lengths rather than the headline unit rate, and check the standing charge and what happens when the contract ends before signing.

How film and media production companies use energy

Film and media production companies typically experience fluctuating energy demands based on their project schedules. During active filming periods, energy consumption spikes due to the use of high-powered cameras, lighting rigs, and sound equipment. Post-production activities also contribute to energy usage, especially in editing suites equipped with multiple monitors and powerful computers. However, during pre-production or downtime, energy needs may decrease significantly. Understanding these patterns can help businesses tailor their energy plans to better suit their operational cycles and manage costs effectively.

What affects energy bills for film and media production companies

Several factors can influence the energy bills for film and media production businesses:

• The duration and intensity of production shoots.
• The efficiency and age of equipment used.
• The number of locations and travel involved in production.
• Seasonal variations impacting heating and cooling needs.
• Whether the production is on-site or in a studio environment.
• Usage of renewable energy sources or energy-saving technologies.

How to compare tariffs

When comparing energy tariffs for film and media production, consider the following checklist:

• Assess the flexibility of tariffs to accommodate fluctuating energy usage.
• Check for any additional costs associated with peak-time usage.
• Evaluate the benefits of fixed versus variable rate plans.
• Consider providers offering renewable energy options.
• Look for contracts that allow for scalability as your business grows.
• Review the customer support and service reliability of the provider.

Gas or electricity: what matters most

In film and media production, electricity is typically more crucial than gas due to the reliance on electrical equipment, lighting, and computers. However, gas may still play a role if heating is required for studio spaces or during location shoots in colder environments. Prioritising energy-efficient electrical equipment and considering renewable electricity sources can have a significant impact on both costs and environmental footprint.

How switching works

Switching energy providers in the film and media production sector can be straightforward:

1. Review your current energy usage and contract details.
2. Research and compare potential energy providers and tariffs.
3. Contact your chosen new provider to discuss your needs and get a quote.
4. Ensure there are no exit fees with your current provider.
5. Agree on the switch date with your new provider.
6. Conduct a final meter reading on the switch date to avoid billing issues.

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