Almost 2,000 small businesses have not received government support for rising energy costs.

EDF told The Times “systems issues” led to certain business customers not receiving the correct discount on energy bills.

Eligible non-domestic customers facing soaring gas and electricity prices in light of global economic pressures have benefitted from the state-funded discount since 1st October 2022.

A spokeswoman for the energy supplier told ELN: “Approximately 2,000 of our SME customers have been billed incorrectly. We have already reviewed these accounts and we are aiming for all affected customers to have corrected bills issued by the end of next week.”

“We are aware of some rare instances where some systems issues meant discount may not have been pulled through accurately. Where this has happened, customers will be contacted and a new bill will be sent.”

An Ofgem spokesperson told ELN: “Ofgem’s priority is to protect consumers and ensure they pay a fair price for their energy.

“We are aware that some businesses are having problems in getting fixed rate energy deals and also that some are being asked to pay large deposits by some suppliers, amongst other concerns. We are working with government and stakeholders to determine in further action or assistance is needed to help businesses, in addition to looking at compliance with existing requirements.”

A government spokesperson told ELN: “Licensed energy suppliers are obliged to pass on the full benefit of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme to eligible customers. A detailed compliance regime is in place and any supplier found to be in breach of their obligations could be subject to robust enforcement action.

“If a business is not able to resolve an issue with an energy supplier, guidance is available explaining the process for making a complaint to Ofgem, the regulator in Great Britain.

“EDF will be required to backdate the discount to October for eligible customers and we expect them to reconcile affected bills as soon as possible.”