“I’ve seen that some energy brokers work for free. Is this true?”

September 23, 2025
 · 
2 min read
Featured Image

It's been known that a lot of business energy brokers advertise their services as “free,” but unless they're feeling very charitable, this is not the case.

In most cases, brokers are usually paid via commission from the energy supplier, which is often referenced by the term 'uplift'.

So what is an uplift?

The uplift is a small margin added to the price of the energy they’re offering you. That extra bit, the uplift, is their commission.

For example, if the actual energy price is 10 pence per kWh, a broker might add half a penny. So you’d be paying 10.5 pence per kWh without necessarily seeing a separate "broker fee" on your bill. The energy supplier pays the broker their share behind the scenes.

But beware of brokers who escalate this uplift and add a much bigger margin to your contract. ALWAYS ask the question of how much uplift your broker is getting paid.

So the reality is that although you're not being invoiced for the broker's server, you're still actually paying, just indirectly.

In summary

At Honest, we're transparent with our clients about what our uplift on any contract actually is - you would never be kept in the dark about what this figure is.

And, with Honest, this uplift fee essentially covers the work we conduct throughout the course of your energy contract, such as full account management and dealing with your suppliers so you don't have to.

Do you need our help? You can reach our team by phone on 0191 7208 238 or by email at info@honestltd.co.uk

LATEST FROM THE BLOG

Featured Image
Ofgem are asking the question 'Are energy bills fair?' and has launched a review into energy bills and their costs across both domestic and …
Featured Image
It's being reported that two in five schools in England believe that the quality of education is being directly impacted by the rise in …
Featured Image
Managing energy costs can be one of the most complex and time-consuming tasks for businesses of any size. Between navigating supplier contracts, monitoring market …
Featured Image
Running a business comes with plenty of responsibilities, and one that often gets overlooked until it’s too late is renewing your energy contract. Timing …
Featured Image
Choosing the right energy contract for your business can be a tricky decision. One of the key choices you’ll face is whether to go …
Featured Image
A Letter of Authority (LOA) is a formal document that gives a third party, usually a business energy broker or consultant, the legal right …
Featured Image
On Saturday, Kev and Mark walked out at the Stadium of Light for Honest as they played against an excellent Foundation of Light team …
Featured Image
If you’ve ever worked with an energy broker to find better gas or electricity rates, you might have heard the term 'uplift' at some …
Featured Image
Honest Utility Group is proud to announce that we are now an Authorised Supplier for BT. Becoming an Authorised Supplier marks the next exciting …
Featured Image
As part of our quarterly Honest team day out, on Saturday the team ventured to No Limits Paintball and Laser in Newcastle to battle …

OUR ENERGY PARTNERS

coronadraxtotal-energiesscottish-powereonyu-energyssebritish-gasedfcoronadraxtotal-energiesscottish-powereonyu-energyssebritish-gasedfcoronadraxtotal-energiesscottish-powereonyu-energyssebritish-gasedf

SIGN INTO YOUR CLIENT PORTAL

SIGN INTO YOUR CLIENT PORTAL

WE'RE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH LEGION SCOTLAND.

RBLS_crest_only_rgb_large

GET IN TOUCH

Honest Utility Group
1 Haswell Court
Quay West Business Village
Sunderland
SR5 2AR

0191 7208 238
info@honestltd.co.uk

honest-group-logo-white

Honest Utility Group Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 13346107. Registered office: Honest Utility Group, 1 Haswell Court, Sunderland, England, SR5 2AR.