Climate Change Levy (CCL)
Learn more about the Climate Change Levy, an environmental energy tax for businesses
What's the Climate Change Levy?
Environmental tax on business energy
The Climate Change Levy (CCL) is an environmental tax on commercial energy use.
It was introduced in the UK in April 2001 and was designed to encourage businesses to be more energy efficient and to reduce greenhouse emissions.
CCL is charged on ‘taxable commodities’ supplied for lighting, heating and power purposes to business customers in the industrial, commercial, agricultural and public service sectors.
Taxable commodities include natural gas, electricity, petroleum and hydrocarbon gas in a liquid state, coal, lignite and coke.
CCL isn't charged on road fuel and other oils which are already subject to excise duty. It's also not charged on certain other supplies of energy, including supplies to:
- Domestic customers
- Charities when put to a non-business use
- Business customers who consume very small quantities of energy
You can find out more about the CCL on the HM Revenue & Customs website.
How is CCL charged?
Suppliers take payments on behalf of HMRC
CCL is charged by suppliers of taxable commodities, including British Gas. If you’re one of our customers, you’ll see the charge listed as a separate line item on your energy bill. After collecting the money from customers, the suppliers pay it to HM Revenue & Customs.
How much is the CCL?
CCL rates are calculated per kilowatt hour of usage and change over time.
Find the rates here.
We can help you reduce CCL charges
Energy efficiency the key
Being energy efficient can help you cut costs and reduce emissions, boosting both your bottom line and your green credentials. We take energy efficiency seriously in order to:
- Help reduce energy costs for our customers
- Minimise the environmental effect of our business activities
Find out more about energy efficiency in the Smarter Working section of our website.
