Why have SSE put my prices up?

SSE Energy Solutions has stated that the changes are driven by increases in network costs, specifically TNUoS (Transmission Network Use of System) and Available Capacity (AvCap) charges. These are regulated industry costs set through the transmission and distribution charging arrangements, not by SSE. These are costs that suppliers pass through to customers. SSE has described the changes in a letter headed 'Network costs impacting your bills' dated 1 August 2026.

How can SSE increase my standing charge if I have a fixed contract?

Most business energy fixed contracts include a pass-through clause that allows the supplier to adjust certain regulated third-party charges, such as network charges, metering charges and levies, even during a fixed term. These clauses are standard across the industry. SSE has stated that the changes from 1 September 2026 fall within this category. If you are unsure whether your specific contract permits this, review your contract terms or call us on 01256 844048.

Why has my SSE Choice standing charge increased?

SSE has stated that the standing charge increase for SSE Choice customers from 1 September 2026 reflects increases in TNUoS (Transmission Network Use of System) charges and Available Capacity (AvCap) charges. These are regulated network costs recovered through the transmission and distribution charging arrangements. SSE passes these through to customers as part of the standing charge. The specific figures on your bill will depend on your supply point and your contracted Available Capacity level.

What are TNUoS and DUoS?

TNUoS stands for Transmission Network Use of System. It is the charge for using the high-voltage transmission network that carries electricity across the country. TNUoS charges are set through the transmission charging arrangements and recovered from suppliers, who pass them through to customers. DUoS stands for Distribution Use of System. It is the charge levied by your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for using the lower-voltage distribution network that delivers electricity to your premises. Both charges are regulated costs set through the network charging framework, not by your supplier. Suppliers pass them through to customers, typically via the standing charge or unit rate.

What is Available Capacity?

Available Capacity (AvCap) is the maximum amount of electricity your premises is contracted to draw from the distribution network at any one time, measured in kVA (kilovolt-amperes). Your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) reserves this capacity for your supply point and charges for it regardless of whether you use it. The charge is expressed in pence per kVA per day and appears as part of your standing charge. It is sometimes referred to as Agreed Capacity or Maximum Demand Capacity.

What is MiC / Maximum Import Capacity?

Maximum Import Capacity (MiC) is the maximum level of electricity import that your supply point is authorised to take from the distribution network, measured in kVA. It is recorded in your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) data and is agreed with your Distribution Network Operator. MiC and Available Capacity are related concepts. Where applicable, the capacity level recorded for your supply point can be relevant to the Available Capacity charge on your standing charge, though the precise relationship depends on your DNO and contract type.

How can MiC affect my electricity charges?

Where applicable, the Maximum Import Capacity (MiC) or agreed capacity level recorded for your supply point can be relevant to the Available Capacity charge on your standing charge. If your capacity level is set higher than your business currently needs, you may be paying for capacity you do not use. Conversely, if it is set too low and you exceed it, you may incur Excess Capacity charges. Whether and how MiC affects your specific charges depends on your supply point, your DNO, and your contract type. We cannot tell you whether your capacity level is set correctly without reviewing your supply data. Call 01256 844048 if you want us to check.

Why has my TCR band changed?

TCR bands are reviewed periodically. A change to your applicable charging band can occur if your supply characteristics, such as agreed capacity or consumption level, move across a band threshold, or if the band thresholds or charging structure are adjusted. A change in TCR band will affect the residual element of your standing charge. The applicable bands depend on the relevant network charging structure and your supply data. We cannot confirm the reason for a specific band change without reviewing your supply data. If you believe your TCR band has changed and you want to understand the impact, call us on 01256 844048.

Why has the top line of my MPAN changed?

The top line of your MPAN (sometimes called the supplementary data or S-number) contains coded information about your supply point, including your Profile Class, Meter Time Switch Code (MTC), Line Loss Factor Class (LLFC) and Distributor ID. Changes to any of these, for example a change to your LLFC following a network reconfiguration or a profile class change following a meter upgrade, will cause the top line to change. A change to the top line does not necessarily mean there is an error, but it can affect your charges. If you are unsure why your MPAN top line has changed, we can review it. Call 01256 844048.

Can a change to my MPAN data affect my standing charge?

Yes. Changes to certain MPAN data fields, particularly the Line Loss Factor Class (LLFC), Profile Class or Meter Time Switch Code, can affect the network charges applied to your supply point, which in turn affect your standing charge or unit rate. If your MPAN data has changed and your charges have increased, it is worth investigating whether the change is correct. We regularly review MPAN data as part of billing investigations. Call 01256 844048 or email info@thebestenergyrates.co.uk.

What is a Line Loss Factor (LLF)?

A Line Loss Factor (LLF) is an industry and network-settlement value used in calculating the electrical energy losses that occur as electricity travels through the distribution network. LLFs and Line Loss Factor Classes (LLFCs) are set by Distribution Network Operators and are specific to your supply point. They are used in the settlement process and can be relevant to how network-related charges are calculated for your supply. LLFs are reviewed annually by DNOs. If your LLFC has changed, for example following a network reconfiguration or a voltage level change, your LLF may have changed too, which can affect your charges.

Can I leave SSE because of this increase?

SSE has stated that customers cannot terminate their contract solely because of these network cost changes. This is consistent with the standard pass-through provisions in most business energy contracts. Whether you have any right to exit will depend on the specific terms of your contract. We are not able to give you legal advice on your contract rights. If you want an independent view on your options, including whether your renewal is competitive, call us on 01256 844048. We compare SSE against options from our panel of 20+ UK business energy suppliers. There is no separate fee payable to TBER for our standard comparison service.

How can I check whether SSE is charging me correctly?

Start by comparing the charges on your bill against the figures in the SSE letter dated 1 August 2026. Check that the Available Capacity figure used matches the level recorded for your supply point. Check that your TCR band appears correct. If you have access to your MPAN data, verify that the top line has not changed unexpectedly. If anything looks wrong, or if you simply want an independent review, send us your bill using the link below or call 01256 844048. We have 40+ years of combined energy industry experience and regularly investigate billing disputes for SSE customers.

Why has SSE sent me a correction letter?

SSE has stated that a small number of SSE Choice customers who receive both electricity network charges were sent letters in which the TNUoS standing charge and Available Capacity (AvCap) charge figures were displayed incorrectly in the data tables. SSE has described this as a communication and display issue only. SSE has stated that the uplift price calculations applied to customers' accounts were not affected by this error. SSE has apologised for the mistake and the confusion caused, and has said that affected customers will receive corrected information in the coming days.

Were my SSE Choice charges calculated incorrectly?

SSE has stated that the error was a display issue in the letters sent to a small number of customers. Specifically, the TNUoS standing charge and AvCap charge figures shown in the data tables were incorrect. SSE has stated that the uplift price calculations applied to customers' accounts were not affected. We are not in a position to confirm or contradict SSE's position on your individual account without reviewing your supply data and bill. If you have received a correction letter and want an independent check of the charges on your bill, you can upload it at thebestenergyrates.co.uk/upload-your-bill or call us on 01256 844048.

Do I need to do anything if SSE sends me a corrected letter?

SSE has said that affected customers will receive corrected information in the coming days. When you receive it, compare the corrected figures against your bill to confirm the charges align. If you are unsure whether the figures on your bill are correct, or if you want an independent review of what you are being charged, upload your letter or bill at thebestenergyrates.co.uk/upload-your-bill or call us on 01256 844048. You do not need to take any action simply because you received the original letter. SSE has stated the price calculations applied to accounts were not affected.

SSE Choice Standing Charge Increase 2026: TNUoS, DUoS & Available Capacity Explained

Q: What is a TCR band?

TCR stands for Targeted Charging Review. It is an Ofgem-led reform to the way residual network charges, the fixed costs of maintaining the network, are recovered from electricity customers. Under TCR, non-half-hourly (NHH) customers are assigned to charging bands based on their supply characteristics, including capacity and consumption data. The applicable band determines the residual charge applied to the standing charge. The specific bands and thresholds that apply to a given supply depend on the relevant network charging structure and supply data. TCR banding was introduced to make network cost recovery fairer and more stable.

Effective date: 1 September 2026Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

Quick answer: what is happening?

SSE Energy Solutions has notified affected SSE Choice electricity customers that their standing charge will increase from 1 September 2026. The increase reflects rises in two network cost components: TNUoS (Transmission Network Use of System) charges and Available Capacity (AvCap) charges. These are regulated costs recovered through the transmission and distribution charging arrangements, not charges set by SSE.

The unit rate is not changing at this time. The changes apply for the remainder of the contract term.

What is changing?

SSE's letter identifies two components driving the standing charge increase:

TNUoS: Transmission Network Use of System
The charge for using the high-voltage national transmission network. TNUoS charges are regulated costs recovered through the transmission charging arrangements and passed through to customers via the standing charge. The standing charge element is expressed in pence per day.
Available Capacity (AvCap)
The charge for the maximum electricity capacity reserved for your supply point by the Distribution Network Operator. AvCap is expressed in pence per kVA per day. The charge you pay depends on the Available Capacity level set for your meter point.

DUoS (Distribution Use of System) charges are also referenced in SSE's letter as part of the broader network cost context. DUoS covers the cost of the local distribution network that delivers electricity from the transmission system to your premises.

Key facts from SSE's letter

Effective date

1 September 2026

Changes apply from this date

Unit rate

Not changing at this time

SSE has stated the unit rate is unchanged

Duration

Rest of contract term

Changes remain for the remainder of the contract

What to check on your letter and bill

If you have received SSE's network cost letter, there are several things worth checking before accepting the new charges:

1
Available Capacity figure
Check that the Available Capacity (kVA) figure used in the calculation matches the level recorded for your supply point. If your business has reduced its maximum demand since the AvCap level was set, it may be worth requesting a review with your DNO.
2
Standing charge breakdown
Your bill should show a breakdown of the standing charge components. Check that the TNUoS and AvCap elements align with what SSE has notified you of in the letter.
3
MPAN top line
If the top line of your MPAN has changed recently, for example your Line Loss Factor Class or Profile Class, this can affect your network charges independently of the SSE letter. Check your current bill against previous bills.
4
TCR band
Your Targeted Charging Review (TCR) band affects the residual element of your standing charge. If your band has changed, this will affect your charges. Your band is determined by your agreed capacity or consumption level.
5
Contract end date
If your contract is ending within the next 6 months, now is a good time to compare renewal prices across multiple suppliers. The network cost increases affect SSE customers on SSE Choice. Other suppliers may price these costs differently.

Could my MPAN, MiC or TCR band affect my charges?

The SSE network cost letter explains the industry-wide increases to TNUoS and Available Capacity charges. However, the exact standing charge on your bill is also shaped by supply-point-specific data held against your MPAN. If your standing charge has increased by more than you expected, or by a different amount to other SSE customers you know, it is worth understanding how these factors work and whether the data being used for your supply is correct.

MPAN top line

Your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) has two parts. The bottom line is the 13-digit supply number. The top line, sometimes called the S-number or supplementary data, encodes four fields that directly influence how network charges are calculated for your supply point:

Profile Class (PC):Determines how your consumption is profiled for settlement. Most non-half-hourly business supplies are Profile Class 3 to 8.
Meter Time Switch Code (MTC):Identifies the type of meter and how it records consumption across time periods.
Line Loss Factor Class (LLFC):Encodes your distribution voltage level and region, which determines the Line Loss Factor applied to your consumption.
Distributor ID:Identifies your Distribution Network Operator (DNO), the company that owns and operates the local network serving your premises.

A change to any of these fields, for example following a meter upgrade, a network reconfiguration, or a data correction, can alter the network charges applied to your supply, independently of any supplier price increase notification.

MiC and Available Supply Capacity

Maximum Import Capacity (MiC) is the maximum level of electricity your supply point is authorised to import from the distribution network, measured in kVA. It is agreed with your DNO and recorded in your MPAN data. Where applicable, the capacity level recorded for your supply point can be relevant to capacity-related network charges such as the Available Capacity (AvCap) charge on your standing charge. The precise relationship depends on your DNO and contract type.

Available Supply Capacity (ASC) is a related term used by some DNOs, particularly in the context of connection agreements, to describe the maximum capacity available at the connection point. In practice, ASC and MiC are often used interchangeably, though the precise definition can vary between DNOs and contract types.

If your MiC is set higher than your business currently needs, you may be paying for capacity you do not use. A DNO review can sometimes reduce the MiC and therefore the AvCap charge, though this is subject to network conditions and the DNO's agreement.

TCR bands

The Targeted Charging Review (TCR) is an Ofgem reform that changed how residual network charges, the fixed costs of maintaining the network, are recovered from non-half-hourly electricity customers. Under TCR, each non-half-hourly supply point is assigned to a charging band based on its supply characteristics, including capacity and consumption data. The applicable band and thresholds depend on the relevant network charging structure and supply data. The band determines the residual element of the standing charge.

TCR bands are reviewed periodically. If your agreed capacity or consumption level moves across a band threshold, or if the thresholds are adjusted, your band can change, which will affect your standing charge. A band change is separate from the SSE network cost notification, but both can affect your standing charge at the same time.

We cannot confirm your TCR band or whether it has changed without reviewing your supply data.

Line Loss Factors (LLF)

A Line Loss Factor (LLF) is an industry and network-settlement value used in calculating the electrical energy losses that occur as electricity travels through the distribution network. Line Loss Factor Classes (LLFCs) are set by Distribution Network Operators and are specific to your supply point's distribution voltage level and region. Your LLFC is encoded in the top line of your MPAN and is used in the settlement process and in calculating network-related charges for your supply.

LLFs are reviewed annually by DNOs. If your LLFC has changed, for example following a network reconfiguration or a voltage level change, your LLF may have changed too, which can affect both your unit rate cost and your standing charge.

LLF changes are not announced by suppliers in the same way as price increases. They can occur quietly and affect your bill without a specific notification.

DNO and distribution region

Your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is the company that owns and maintains the local electricity distribution network serving your premises. There are 14 licensed DNO regions in Great Britain, operated by six groups. Your DNO is identified by the Distributor ID in the top line of your MPAN.

DUoS (Distribution Use of System) charges, AvCap charges, and LLFs all vary by DNO region. This means that two SSE Choice customers with similar consumption levels but in different distribution regions can have materially different standing charges and can be affected differently by the same industry-wide network cost changes.

Not sure whether your supply data is correct?

If your standing charge has increased substantially and you want to understand whether the MPAN data, MiC level, TCR band or LLF being used for your supply is correct, we can help. We regularly review supply information as part of billing investigations for SSE customers, and we do not charge for the initial review.

01256 844048 [email protected]

Important: We cannot tell you whether MiC, TCR band or MPAN changes caused your specific increase without reviewing your supply data. The information on this page is general guidance only and is not legal or contractual advice. SSE's statement that customers cannot terminate solely due to these changes is attributed to SSE. It is not our legal opinion on your contract rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want us to check your SSE bill?

Send us your SSE bill or the network cost letter and we will review the Available Capacity figure, standing charge breakdown and whether your renewal is competitive. We have 40+ years of combined energy industry experience and compare SSE against 20+ suppliers at no cost to you.

Upload your bill 01256 844048 [email protected]