Energy bills for firms will be cut by around half their expected level this winter under a huge UK Government support package confirmed yesterday.
The scheme will fix wholesale gas and electricity prices for businesses for six months from October 1, shielding them from crippling costs.
Hospitals, schools and charities will also get help.
It comes after ministers announced a multi-billion-pound plan to help households with bills for two years.
Analysts suggest the help for firms and households combined could cost up to £150billion.
Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Russell Borthwick said: "As we enter the winter months, businesses will welcome this short-term relief on energy bills.
Heads above the water
"This measure will allow many firms to keep their heads above the water, at least for now."
But he warned: "The lack of clarity beyond the next six months will leave many businesses facing a deeply-uncertain future.
"Households have been given the assurance of a two-year energy price cap - and the same certainty should be extended to commercial customers.
"More broadly, a triple threat crisis of rising energy costs, soaring inflation and the aftermath of the pandemic continues to cripple businesses.
"We hope to see much more action from the government to reduce the burden of costs on business and help grow our economy when the chancellor delivers his mini-Budget on Friday."
Energy market reform needed
Director general of UK Steel, Gareth Stace, said the move would give steelmakers "the chance to get through the winter". But he called on the government to "rapidly reform the energy market to ensure longer-term competitive prices".
It is understood the new scheme will be reviewed after three months with an option to extend support for "vulnerable businesses" - but it is still not known what sectors come under the category.
Wholesale prices, which are what suppliers pay for energy in bulk before they distribute it to customers, are expected to be fixed for all non-domestic energy customers at £211 per MWh for electricity and £75 per MWh for gas. Those rates will be the base cost, to which other add-ons, such as standing charges will be added by suppliers.
Independent analyst Cornwall Insight told the BBC the plan marked a "substantial" 45% discount on wholesale energy prices at the end of last week.
The government said the scheme would apply to companies which had agreed fixed deals at higher prices on or after April 1, when energy bills started to surge. Those on variable and flexible tariffs will also be eligible.
Companies do not need to contact suppliers as the discount will automatically be applied to their bills, with savings seen from October but received from November.
'Huge pressure'
Prime Minister Liz Truss said the government understood the "huge pressure" businesses, charities and public sector organisations faced with bills. She added that the new scheme would provide "certainty and peace of mind".
Bur Labour business spokesman Jonathan Reynolds said there were still questions about "how much this will cost and who will pay for it".
The support will apply to all non-domestic energy customers.
Officials have not said how much the package will cost the taxpayer, but Cornwall Insight estimates it at around £25billion.
The government announced earlier this month that bills for a typical household would be limited to £2,500 annually until 2024 under a separate scheme.
On Wednesday, it also said new laws would be introduced to ensure landlords passed the discount on to tenants who pay all-inclusive bills. And an additional £100 payment would go to households that do not receive support for their heating costs, such as those not served by the gas grid.