What Is TNUoS?
TNUoS (Transmission Network Use of System) charges help pay for the high-voltage power lines that carry electricity from power stations to local distribution networks. They cover the cost of building, operating and maintaining the UK's transmission system.
Suppliers pay these costs and recover them through customer bills. While TNUoS rates vary by region, they generally make up only a small part of your overall electricity charges.
Are TNUoS Charges Increasing?
Yes, current five-year forecasts point to a sharp rise. The main drivers are large-scale upgrades to the transmission network and the wider transition to net zero, both of which require significant investment. As spending rises, TNUoS charges rise with it.
These figures are still provisional. Draft charges are published each November and confirmed in January, with any changes applied from 1st April each year.
How Do Customers Pay TNUoS Charges?
Suppliers pay TNUoS on your behalf and then recover the cost through your energy bill. Depending on your contract, the charge may already be built into your unit rate.
If you're on a pass-through contract, non-commodity elements such as TNUoS appear as separate line items. In these cases, suppliers typically apply any increases automatically.
What's Happening To Prices Now?
Suppliers aren't taking a uniform approach. Some are raising prices only for new contracts, while others are increasing prices for all customers, including those already on fixed-term deals. It depends on each supplier's terms and conditions.
Even though the current numbers are forecasts, several suppliers have already begun passing these expected increases on to customers.
Business Energy From Trusted Providers
