OnlineDirect Limited

04/09/2025

Explaining to customers all the different factors that affect the price they pay for their energy is always a tricky one, even for established brokers.

On a basic level, charges can largely be broken down into two categories:
🔵 Commodity cost = The wholesale cost of the power/gas
🟠 Non-commodity costs = Everything else

However, the myriad different non-commodity (or TCP) charges – and why business energy customers have to pay them – are far less easy to understand.

With Ofgem's recent publication of its RIIO-3 Draft Determinations Impact Assessment, we've updated our explainer article on business energy charges to include the proposed increases to TNUoS charges anticipated from 2026.

We also take a look at exactly what each of the different charges that go into the price of business electricity supply are, why they are there, and - importantly - how much they each account for of the total electricity bill.

📰 Read "Business Energy Charges Explained" over on the blog* https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/blog/business-energy-charges-explained/

*Don't forget to bookmark it for easy access next time your customers ask you for a breakdown of the charges they see on their bill!

A breakdown of the different charges that can be found on business energy bills, why they are there, and how much they each account for of the total bill.

11/08/2025

⚽ Premier League Football's back this week - and so is the OnlineDIRECT Invitational Mini League!

Set up your team and join the our Mini League to be in with a chance of winning one of our mini-league prizes*!

Reckon you've got what it takes to beat last year's League (Brett McCormick) and Cup (Mark Winder) winners, and earn this season's bragging rights!?

There's a new scoring system in place this year and quite a few high-scoring players have had their position updated - so lots of opportunities to pick up extra points, especially if you play your 𝖼̶𝖺̶𝗋̶𝖽̶𝗌̶ Chips right, this time round!

⌛ Gameweek One deadline is 18:30 this Friday, 15th August.

ENTER YOUR TEAM HERE 👉 https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/kjwvnd



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*𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘋𝘐𝘙𝘌𝘊𝘛 𝘐𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦, 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦® 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘍𝘗𝘓 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺 24𝘵𝘩 𝘔𝘢𝘺 2026 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯.

𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘍𝘗𝘓 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛&𝘊𝘴 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘺. 𝘍𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘋𝘐𝘙𝘌𝘊𝘛 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪-𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘛&𝘊𝘴 𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵.

15/07/2025

Earlier this month, a packed agenda saw a range of panels tackle TPI regulation myths, the exploration of Net Zero opportunities for TPIs, Growth & Tech for TPIs, Energy Market Trends and more.

OnlineDIRECT was on the ground, covering every session, and sharing some great feedback and insights with the team on their return:

🗣️ “There was a real focus on doing right by your customers in order avoid issues in the future and investing in your future. With that though, comes opportunity to be a key player in this future.” (David Bonham)

🗣️ “Reinforcement of the importance of being an expert in the area you are discussing with customers was one of things that most stood out for me. In an ever–changing industry, it is vital that experts are used to avoid disappointment." (Dan Nichols)

Read their top TPI takeaways over on the blog: https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/blog/key-broker-takeaways-elcc2025/

From commission rules to carbon solutions, the TPI market is evolving fast. Those who stay sharp, double down on value, and lead with trust will come out ahead.

If you're not already in our Broker Network and you want to explore how OnlineDIRECT can support your growth, compliance, or Net Zero strategy, we'd love to hear from you.

Give our New Business Team a call on 01604 641363 or find out more on our website: https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/our-services/

30/05/2025

📰 Why Brokers Should Pay Attention to the Surging Solar Sector

With soaring electricity prices, corporate ESG mandates, and a regulatory environment that’s more supportive than ever, SolarPV is no longer a niche technology.

It’s now a mainstream solution that offers immediate value to business clients across nearly every sector - and a substantial growth opportunity for brokers who understand how to position it.

As clients seek greener, cheaper, and more independent energy solutions, brokers who can also advise on renewables are better positioned to both retain and win customers.

Adding solar to your brokerage services portfolio allows you to:
🔵 Strengthen your value proposition
🔵 Future-proof your client relationships
🔵 Tap into new commission and referral income
🔵 Help clients meet Net Zero and ESG goals

Businesses are under pressure to reduce emissions, cut costs, and invest in long-term resilience. Solar PV answers all three – but someone has to introduce the opportunity.

And who better than their existing energy broker!

READY TO MAKE HAY WHILST THE SUN SHINES?

Explore the potential of solar PV our latest article: https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/blog/solar-sector/

Sign up for our free Introduction to Solar webinar on 24th June: https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/blog/introduction-to-solar/

22/05/2025

👨‍💻 WEBINAR: An Introduction to Solar for Energy Brokers

The latest in our free webinar series takes place on Tuesday 24th June at 11am.

This isn’t a technical deep dive, it’s a fast-track commercial guide to help brokers understand how to integrate solar PV into their energy services and start generating new revenue.

Plus, we’ll show you how to break down the numbers and identify which customers solar is most likely a good fit.

Whether you’ve never touched solar before, or you’re solar-curious but unsure where to begin, this is your chance to get ahead of the curve.

Join us as we explore:
🔵 The Solar market and opportunities it presents to Brokers
🔵 What businesses need to know about site assessments, installation, and ongoing maintenance
🔵 Financing models that enable businesses to adopt solar without upfront capital investment through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) & Leasing option

🎟️ REGISTER HERE: 2014438b-20e4-40d5-a625-5e290c6975cc@e78f1a31-9736-4f5a-92ff-eaabfbe0d926" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2014438b-20e4-40d5-a625-5e290c6975cc@e78f1a31-9736-4f5a-92ff-eaabfbe0d926

Can't join us on the day?
The recording, transcript and related resources will be available after the event at https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/blog/introduction-to-solar/

31/03/2025

📰 Waste Service Opportunities for Energy Brokers

As of today (Monday 31st March 2025) businesses with 10 or more employees will need to separate recyclable materials from general waste in line with new "Simpler Recycling" policy - part of the UK government's broader commitment to moving towards a zero waste, circular economy.

For many businesses this means that they will now need separate containers for:
🔵 Residual (non-recyclable) waste
🔵 Food waste
🔵 Paper and card
🔵 All other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass)

With the policy change leaving many businesses responsible for sourcing their own waste management services from a licenced waste contractor for the first time, there's a big opportunity to be had for energy brokers.

At OnlineDirect, our Waste specialists can take the hard work out of the initial contract set-up and ensure that the right services are in place for your customers. And, if their requirements change, it’s quick and simple to make adjustments, too.

Check out our latest blog post to learn more about the opportunities and how we can help: https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/blog/business-waste-recycling-opportunities/

Or get in touch to speak with one of our experts today https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/our-services/waste-management/

10/03/2025

📰 The Change of Tenancy (COT) Process

A Change of Tenancy (COT) – sometimes referred to as a Change of Occupancy (CoO) – is a process that businesses must complete when moving into or out of a property, notifying utilities suppliers that a change in the legal entity responsible for the supply has occurred.

Whether it’s an incoming or an outgoing occupancy, before anything else can happen, a COT form needs to be completed and signed by the customer. This can then be submitted, alongside a signed Letter of Authority (LOA) to action the relevant next steps.

🔵 All suppliers expect a suitable COT form, full details including the landlord details and a lease agreement
🔵 Some suppliers require the customer to go direct
🔵 Some suppliers will only price COT contracts via their Bespoke Sales Channel

We cover all this - and more - in our latest mini guide for brokers: https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/blog/change-of-tenancy/

Here at OnlineDIRECT we have a team of COT, Metering and Billing specialists within our Broker Support Team that are on hand should you need additional support.

In most instances we are able to manage a Change of Tenancy on your behalf. In cases where we can’t – or the COT is identified as being “high-risk” – we’re still able to guide you through the process.

Not already working with us? Find out more about our broker services and software already used by 100s of the UKs energy brokers and how to join them at https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/our-services/

05/02/2025

👨‍💻 WEBINAR: EV Workplace & Destination Charging

The latest in our free webinar series - taking place next Tuesday (11th Feb) at 11am - sees us welcome our friends from the UK's only EV CPO & Data Collector, Stark.

Brokers attending this webinar will learn everything they need to know about EV Workplace & Destination Charging, including:
🔵 Why your customers should be looking to adopt EV charge points – and when it makes sense to do so
🔵 Commercial/funding options for businesses – including the government EV grants currently available
🔵 The revenue opportunities on offer to you, as a Broker
🔵 How a typical installation project works – and the benefits of going via OnlineDIRECT

Join live to get your questions answered by Stark's Head of EV Sales, Patrick Tayleure-Emmitt, and EV Business Development Manager, Fiona Price.

🎟️ REGISTER HERE: f2d167fc-e818-4fa7-8afa-b960ca6e8f7b@e78f1a31-9736-4f5a-92ff-eaabfbe0d926" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f2d167fc-e818-4fa7-8afa-b960ca6e8f7b@e78f1a31-9736-4f5a-92ff-eaabfbe0d926

Can't join us on the day?
The recording, transcript and related resources will be available after the event at https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/blog/workplace-destination-ev-charging/

17/01/2025

🔜 New Ways of Working: Innovative Tools, Services, and Market Insights for Energy Brokers

The first in a new regular series of webinars we’re planning on running for our Broker Network starts next week.

If you're already a member of our Broker Network*, this one's for you - and it's not to be missed!

Join us as we explore:
🔵 Recent regulatory changes you need to be aware of – and how we’re helping brokers adapt
🔵 Changes we’ve made to our “Ways of Working” document and processes

Plus, we’ll also be sharing an exclusive preview of some of the updates coming to our energyengine® platform in the next few months that will help you save time, reduce errors and boost efficiencies when handling bespoke and SME contracts.

🎟️ Register your interest: fe72705e-8fa9-4de9-a061-6276a932ee8a@e78f1a31-9736-4f5a-92ff-eaabfbe0d926" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/fe72705e-8fa9-4de9-a061-6276a932ee8a@e78f1a31-9736-4f5a-92ff-eaabfbe0d926

(𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠)

If you’re not already working with us and you’d like to learn more, please visit the Join Us page on our website (https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/join-us/) or give our New Business team a call on 01604 641363.

13/01/2025

📰 TPI Letter of Authority (LOA)

Whether you’re new to energy brokering, or already have years of experience under your belt, a letter of authority is a crucial document, without which (alongside membership of a recognised ADR Scheme), you’re unable to do business.

Put simply, as a broker acting on behalf of a customer, the energy/water supplier needs written confirmation from your customer that:

🔵 You're working on their behalf
🔵 The extent of your authority, and
🔵 How your fees/commissions are being paid

At OnlineDIRECT we have a specifically worded Dual Branded LOA (DBLOA) template which we recommend all our brokers use and provide as a free template, downloadable from our energy tendering platform (energyengine®).

You can learn more about what LOAs are, why you need one and how to access our supplier-approved template in our latest article over on our blog: https://www.onlinedirect.co.uk/blog/tpi-letter-of-authority/

If you're not already a member of our Broker Network and are interested in learning more about our platform and services, visit our website or give the team a call on 01604 641363.

02/01/2025

🎉 Our team is back after their seasonal break and our office and phonelines are now open!

We hope you had a wonderful break too and are looking forward to working with you throughout the year as we focus our efforts on delivering customer excellence in addition to a range of exciting new service partner, supplier offerings and energyengine® platform updates.

👀 Watch this space...

23/12/2024

📆 Our office is now closed. We'll be open again in the New Year, on Thursday 2nd January.

In the meantime, we would like to take this opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas to those that are celebrating, and send our best wishes to all for 2025.