The main regulators of the business gas and electricity industries are Ofgem and Consumer Focus. Their key responsibilities include:
- protecting the customer
- promoting competition wherever appropriate
- regulating the monopoly companies running the gas and electricity networks
- promoting environmental improvements within the gas and electricity industries.
The role of Ofgem
Since 1999, Ofgem has taken steps to open up the energy markets, ensure fair competition between suppliers and reduce wholesale electricity prices.
Ofgem also aims to protect the customer against mis-selling (e.g. where a supplier gives you misleading or false information to encourage you to switch) and situations where suppliers unfairly prevent you from switching.
The role of Consumer Focus
If you feel you are being treated unfairly by your gas or electricity supplier, Consumer Focus can help. Although mainly aimed at domestic consumers, Consumer Focus also offers basic free, impartial advice to small businesses and has an Extra Help Unit for small businesses threatened with disconnection.
Go to Consumer Focus for more information.
Switch to a better deal today
Consumer Focus and Ofgem don’t offer price comparison services themselves. That’s where we come in. Call our business energy team on 0800 051 5492 or complete our online form to arrange a call back. We’ll find the best supplier in one phone call – and when you switch, we’ll handle all the paperwork too.