From 1 December 2025, a new charge began appearing on most UK business electricity bills: the Nuclear RAB Levy.
If you’ve spotted a new line labelled "Nuclear RAB Pass-through Charge" on your invoice, here’s what you need to know.
What is the Nuclear RAB Levy?
The Nuclear RAB (Regulated Asset Base) Levy is a government-introduced charge designed to help fund the development of large-scale nuclear energy projects in the UK. Rather than waiting until a plant is operational to recover costs, the RAB model spreads construction costs over time by collecting contributions through electricity bills.
Why has it been introduced?
The RAB model aims to reduce financing risk for investors and lower long-term costs for nuclear projects. By supporting funding during construction, the government hopes to accelerate the UK’s transition to a low-carbon, secure energy system while keeping costs more predictable over time. You can read the official government procedure and criteria for the RAB model designation here.
Who has to pay it?
Nearly all non-domestic electricity customers will see this charge on their bills. The only major exceptions are certain Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) with official exemption certificates. For most UK businesses, the levy is unavoidable and will appear as a regulated, non-commodity cost.
How does it appear on your bill?
You’ll typically see it listed as "Nuclear RAB Pass-through Charge", alongside other regulated charges. While it may not seem significant on its own, it’s one of several policy-related costs that can affect your overall energy spend.
What can you do about it?
While you can’t remove the charge, you can take control of your wider energy costs.
We help businesses understand their bills, uncover hidden costs, and plan ahead. If you're unsure how this levy affects your contract or budget, we’re here to help with clear, honest advice and no jargon.