A temporary zero rate applies to qualifying electricity supplies in Great Britain from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. If your bill still shows 5% or 20% VAT on qualifying electricity, you may be owed money. Answer six questions — get your expected rate and a ready-to-send refund request.
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If your electricity supply qualifies (domestic, charity non-business, or under the de minimis limits) and you're in Great Britain: 0% until 31 March 2027. Outside those cases: the reduced 5% rate still applies to qualifying low-usage rules generally; standard 20% applies to ordinary business supplies.
Not necessarily. If the bill covers days before 1 October, suppliers may charge 5% on that pre-change usage (the rate follows the date energy was consumed, worked out from meter readings). But if 5% applies to consumption from 1 October onwards on a qualifying GB supply, that looks like overcharging — use the checker above to confirm your expected rate, then ask the supplier to correct it and refund the difference.
Ask your supplier first — suppliers can rebill and refund. Normal VAT rules allow reclaim of overpaid VAT for a period of years (up to four); confirm the exact window with your supplier or an accountant. This tool is general information, not tax or legal advice.
The temporary zero rate is electricity-only. Mains gas for qualifying use stays at 5%. If your gas bill shows 20% for a home, that's worth querying; 5% is correct.
Northern Ireland keeps the 5% reduced rate for qualifying supplies during this window — the temporary zero rate doesn't apply there.