The Government has launched a new scheme to address the liquidity requirements faced by energy firms operating in the UK’s wholesale gas and electricity markets. The Energy Markets Financing Scheme provides resilience to firms, and the economy, reducing the eventual cost for businesses and consumers.

Delivered with the Bank of England, this scheme addresses the extraordinary liquidity requirements faced by UK energy firms a result of margin calls. There will be a 100% guarantee to commercial banks covering additional lending extended to firms. Each loan facility agreement will last up to 12 months and will begin from when the guarantee is issued by the commercial lender.

The scheme will support energy firms that are facing short-term liquidity challenges but would otherwise be in sound financial health. Firms must be Ofgem-licensed (or have an Ofgem-licensed entity), and have a pre-existing relationship with an approved commercial bank or banks).

Firms can apply to the scheme for the next three months.

The deadline for applications is 27th January 2023.