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Apply for an energy licence

Find out if you need an energy licence and how to apply, including a licence transfer.

We issue licences to companies to operate in energy markets.

You need to apply for a licence if you want to:

  • generate, store, move (distribute, transmit or interconnect) or supply electricity
  • transport, arrange to transport or supply gas
  • transfer an energy licence to a different company

Find out if you need a licence

You may not need to apply for an energy licence if your activity is covered by:

  • an exemption (for both electricity and gas suppliers)
  • an exception (for gas suppliers only)

To find out if an exemption or exception applies to you, check the:

You can also ask the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ).

If no existing exemption applies, you can ask DESNZ for an individual exemption. Find out how to apply for an individual exemption on GOV.UK.

See some examples of gas exemption orders and electricity exemption orders.

Check if you need to apply elsewhere

There are some situations when you have to go through a different process to operate.

You need to make a different application if you want to: 

Make your application

Get an application pack, including the form and guidance.

If you are applying to transfer a licence, you must provide all the information required for any application and satisfy the same requirements.

If you plan an innovative approach or service, get support from our team who support innovation before you apply by emailing innovationhub@ofgem.gov.uk.

Ask questions about the application process by emailing licensing@ofgem.gov.uk. We cannot advise you on completing your form.