Why Have Energy Prices Increased in 2021?
Why Have Energy Prices Increased in 2021?
Due to the pandemic, energy prices crashed in 2020, but now electricity wholesale prices have doubled, and gas prices are over 141% higher than this time last year.
There are many factors which make up your final energy rates, but what are the main ones pushing prices above and beyond pre-pandemic levels in 2021?
1. Supply and Demand
Demand dropped in 2020 due to global lockdowns, but production of oil continued at its usual rate, which resulted in high storage levels that were not needed and pushed the price of oil to 18-year lows in March. Historic cuts were then made in April 2020 to keep prices steady. Currently, the market is still subdued by fears the lockdown easing will be delayed. However, once the global demand has fully recovered, we expect the market to rise rapidly as supply and demand pressures bite for the first time in 18 months.
2. Third Party Charges
These are charges out of energy suppliers’ control and make up the cost of delivering and maintaining energy networks. Due to the unforeseen drop in demand, some charges have increased to make up for the losses incurred or the extra costs needed to run and maintain the network e.g. increase of costs distributing energy during the day to individuals who have been working from home, rather than to offices which might be closer to the source of generation and cheaper to transport to.
3. Supplier costs
Last year there was an increase in the number of unpaid energy bills, which in turn negatively affected suppliers’ finances and cash flow. Along with this, the wholesale price of energy has increased, so suppliers have increased their rates for both business and domestic users to help ease the pressure and mitigate the risks of forward buying energy for their customers who might not use it if there is another full lockdown.
So, what should you do as a business? It is always advisable to compare rates to see what your next energy contract will look like if you switch before prices rise further. You can also lock in todays prices for when you are out of contract in the next 12 months, It also provides you with some budget certainty and to plan for the next few years of your business.
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