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Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society.

VAT and a number of other miscellaneous components make up 10% of an electricity and gas bill.

There are three main elements:

  • Profit allowance (EBIT) is an additional amount that suppliers earn as profit. It’s set to ensure companies can make a fair return while protecting consumers from excessive charges.
  • Headroom allowance and Adjustment allowance are small financial buffers that help suppliers to handle uncertain and unexpected expenses, respectively (such as extreme weather).

Energy bills include VAT (Value Added Tax), imposed on both gas and electricity bills at a rate of 5%.

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Image Description

Column chart breaking down other components of energy bills. Electricity other components (£90) and gas other components (£87) include VAT, EBIT (profit allowance), adjustment allowance, headroom allowance, and levelisation payments.

Authors

Martina Kavan

Martina Kavan

Martina Kavan

Analyst, sustainable future mission

Martina joins Nesta as an analyst for the sustainable future mission, focusing on the reduction of carbon emissions from households across the UK.

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