New calculator helps assess rising farm business energy costs

The NFU and NFU Energy have launched a free calculator to help farmers understand how rising Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges will affect their energy costs.

Last September, the National Energy System Operator outlined projected changes to TNUoS charges between 2026 and 2030.

The changes are designed to raise bout £3.5bn through customer bills to fund transmission network upgrades and expansion.

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They are expected to significantly increase electricity standing charges.

The online calculator allows NFU members and NFU Energy customers to estimate how the revised charges could affect their business energy costs.

The tool uses information from electricity bills to provide a personalised estimate and can be completed in about five minutes.

The NFU says anonymised and aggregated data collected through the calculator will support its lobbying of government.

The lobbying has included calls for greater recognition of farming within existing energy support schemes.

The increases will be introduced through a series of three changes, phased between October 2025 and April 2026.

The NFU says the changes could put pressure on high and seasonal energy users.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “Spiralling energy costs, which are set to increase in April, are threatening the viability of farming and growing businesses.

“Some members are reporting increased costs of more than £1m, which simply is not sustainable.”

He added: “Vitally, it will also help us build a picture to show just how extreme these cost rises are as we continue to take the issue to government.”

NFU Energy managing director Tim Crocker said the calculator provides “clear, practical insight” into how reforms will affect agricultural businesses and supports the NFU’s wider lobbying work.

To find out more information about the calculator, visit the NFU Energy website.