Businesses are still grappling with some of the highest energy costs in Europe and the burden is falling unevenly across the country.
New analysis of non-domestic energy use shows that electricity and gas bills remain a defining cost for many firms, particularly in energy-intensive sectors.
Annual electricity spend for larger businesses routinely runs into tens of thousands of pounds, while gas costs are even higher for manufacturers and processors that remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
For many, energy has become a strategic risk rather than a background overhead.
A report from business energy consultant Utility Bidder highlights stark regional divides.
Electricity demand is heavily concentrated in a handful of locations, led by Slough, where data centres dominate consumption. Central London also ranks among the highest users, reflecting dense commercial activity and long operating hours.
Traditional industrial areas such as Neath Port Talbot continue to show high usage, underlining the challenge facing heavy industry as prices remain volatile.
Gas consumption tells a similar story. Regions with strong industrial footprints in Scotland, the Midlands and parts of Wales record significantly higher gas use than service-led local economies, locking businesses into higher exposure to price swings.
The analysis also shows how patterns have shifted since 2020.
Some areas have seen electricity demand rise sharply as digital infrastructure expands, while others have fallen back as factories close or efficiency measures bite.
From the report it shows business energy costs are not just high, they are deeply uneven, shaping where companies invest, grow or simply struggle to survive.
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