As some of you may know, I have been banging on a fair bit lately, about business energy contracts and their unjustness. I have written to several MPs, including the Prime Minister about this. Obviously, Rishi’s office palmed my email off to another department, no surprise there, and they have since responded. (If you would like a copy of the letter, please email me.)
Most of it is the usual political bluster, but there are a couple of potentially helpful links. Firstly, the Government has recently published their decision document on expanding access to dispute resolution redress between small business and suppliers. So if you are an organisation with fewer than 50 employees you are entitled to free support from the Energy Ombudsman on disputes with your energy supplier. More information on this can be found at: http://www.gov.uk/government/c... you can also use this dispute path for issues with TPIs (Third Party Intermediaries or energy brokers).
Secondly, Ofgem undertook a review of the non-domestic energy market last year and at the start of April 2024, they published their statutory consultation decision document. This sets out updated rules for suppliers that were informed by the review www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/.... The outcomes expected from these changes include fairer treatment for all non-domestic customers, better support, and improved transparency to empower customers such as more clarity on the costs being paid to third party intermediaries like energy brokers. Don't hold your breath for any fast-action on this though!
Sometimes, when we are consumers, even if we have our own business, it is easy to forget that our business fraternity are all facing the same challenges in terms of spiralling costs and client downturn. With everyone tightening their belts, it is a tough decision to make when increasing your costs; increase them and you could lose customers, don’t increase them and you could put your business in the red. Rock and a hard place spring to mind!
Stay sane everyone and stay kind.
