Energy regulator Ofgem has unveiled plans to expand existing rules on Standards of Conduct to all businesses, increasing transparency for businesses when using brokers and expanding who can access the Energy Ombudsman.
Under the proposals, companies with up to 50 employees would qualify for support from the Energy Ombudsman – with issues ranging from disputes over bills and energy supply, to how an energy product or service has been sold, or wider customer service issues.
Currently, this support is only available to businesses of up to 10 employees, and households.
The move follows a survey conducted by regulator Ofgem, which found that 94% of the total respondents – which included businesses organisations, consumer groups, and suppliers – said they would welcome this move.
Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway said: “This government has always stood by businesses, and we want to ensure they are getting proper support and service in dealing with energy suppliers.
“That’s why we’re proposing expanding the reach of the Energy Ombudsman to cover an extra 200,000 businesses, allowing them to access free, impartial advice and resolve issues with their supplier without the need for an expensive trip to court.
The move to expand the Energy Ombudsman’s support to businesses with up to 50 employees has been welcomed by the ACS.
Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The energy market can be extremely difficult for convenience retailers to navigate, particularly when there are issues with billing and supply and the introduction of this support will be positively received by local shops as it will enable retailers to resolve energy disputes efficiently and affordably.”
