Logistics UK calls for electricity discounts for fleet operators

Logistics UK has responded to today’s announcement that some British businesses whose energy use is intensive will receive significant discounts on their electricity bills, by calling for the policy to apply to the logistics sector, to help make the shift to electric vehicles affordable.

In a move expected to save businesses more than £400 million per year from April 2026, manufacturers in sectors such as steel, chemicals, cement, glass and paper will benefit from a 90 per cent discount on electricity network charges.

Michelle Gardner, deputy director for policy at Logistics UK, said: “If the government is serious about its commitment to decarbonisation, it must make the cost of electricity more affordable to ensure logistics operators can invest in the switch to electric vehicles.

“Our sector is set to become a future energy intensive industry due to the shift to electric fleets, so logistics should be granted the same dispensations as the other sectors named today.

“Fuel is the single biggest cost paid by our sector, but while the UK has the highest industrial electricity prices in the G7, our industry will find it hard to stay competitive while still delivering everything that industry and consumers rely on every day.

“Increasing use of cost-effective electricity will be vital if logistics businesses are to decarbonise, so we need support from government to keep our industry driving the growth the country needs and urge it to extend the electricity discounts across our sector.”