Joinery or carpentry workshop energy suppliers, tariffs and costs

Joinery and carpentry workshops are highly dependent on a reliable energy supply to power everything from hand tools to large machinery. The energy needs of these businesses are significant due to the use of equipment such as lathes, saws, and sanders, which require substantial power to operate efficiently. This makes the choice of an energy supplier critical in managing costs and ensuring a steady supply to meet operational demands. Understanding the specific energy requirements and usage patterns of your workshop is essential in selecting the most suitable energy tariff, which can lead to improved cost management and enhanced operational efficiency.

How much does energy cost for a joinery or carpentry workshop?

There is no published price list for joinery and carpentry workshops. What a joinery or carpentry workshop pays is set mainly by how much it uses in a year, because suppliers price by consumption band, and then by contract length, meter type, payment method and credit history. The most recent government figures (first quarter of 2026, provisional) put the average unit price paid by UK non-domestic customers at 24.14p per kWh for electricity and 5.17p per kWh for gas, including the Climate Change Levy and excluding VAT. A year earlier the averages were 25.74p and 5.54p. The smallest sites pay the most per unit: businesses using under 20,000 kWh of electricity a year averaged 35.02p per kWh, and those using under 278,000 kWh of gas averaged 7.48p 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 30 June 2026. Q1 2026 figures are provisional; next update 29 September 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.

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. A site using 15,000 kWh of electricity a year sits in the very small band: 15,000 × 35.02p is about £5,250 a year, or roughly £440 a month before VAT. A site using 60,000 kWh of gas a year: 60,000 × 7.48p is about £4,490 a year, or roughly £375 a month. Because the smallest band pays a much higher unit rate, a joinery or carpentry workshop that moves into the next band by growing, or that sits near a band boundary, can see its per-unit price change noticeably at renewal.

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. Where a site is mixed, 60% or more qualifying use means the whole supply is charged at 5%; 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) and gov.uk VAT rates.

Is a joinery or carpentry workshop a microbusiness?

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 joinery and carpentry workshops 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 joinery and carpentry workshops?

No supplier specialises in joinery and carpentry workshops or publishes tariffs specific to them. The cheapest supplier for one business is often not the cheapest for the next, because each prices on the consumption band, 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 any out-of-contract rate before signing.

Energy usage profile for Joinery and carpentry workshop

Joinery and carpentry workshops typically have a high energy demand due to the use of power-intensive machinery such as saws, drills, and other woodworking tools. The energy usage is often continuous throughout the working day, with peaks during specific job processes that require multiple machines operating simultaneously. Lighting is also a significant factor, as workshops need well-lit environments for precision work. Additionally, heating can be necessary, especially in larger spaces, adding to the overall energy consumption.

What affects bills for Joinery and carpentry workshop

Several factors can impact the energy bills for a joinery and carpentry workshop, including:

• Type and number of machinery used, which can vary significantly in energy consumption.
• Operating hours, with longer hours leading to higher consumption.
• Seasonal changes, as heating needs may increase energy usage in colder months.
• Efficiency of the equipment, with older machines often consuming more power.
• Location, as energy rates can vary by region.

How to compare tariffs

When comparing energy tariffs for your joinery and carpentry workshop, consider the following checklist:

• Review your current energy usage to understand your specific needs.
• Look for tariffs that offer flexible terms suitable for your business size.
• Consider fixed vs. variable rates based on your budget stability.
• Check for any additional fees, such as standing charges.
• Research green energy options if sustainability is a priority.
• Consult with an energy broker if needed to find tailored deals.

Gas vs electricity considerations

In a joinery and carpentry workshop, electricity is typically more critical than gas due to the need to power machinery and tools. However, gas may still play a role, especially for heating purposes in larger spaces. While electricity powers the core operations, ensuring an efficient heating system can also contribute to overall energy savings. Evaluating the balance between gas and electricity usage in your workshop can help in choosing the most cost-effective and efficient energy plan.

Switching process overview

Switching energy suppliers for your workshop can be straightforward by following these steps:

1. Compare energy tariffs to find the best option for your needs.
2. Contact the new supplier to initiate the switch.
3. Provide your current energy usage data to the new supplier.
4. Review and agree to the new contract terms.
5. Your new supplier will coordinate the switch with your old supplier, ensuring no disruption in service.

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