Responding to Ofgem’s new proposals to provide greater protection for businesses, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“We welcome the launch of the consultation on Ofgem’s proposals to provide greater protection for businesses. It shows the energy regulator has listened to our calls to take action against poor customer services and narrow the treatment gap between small businesses and domestic customers.
“We’ve been repeatedly calling for greater access to the Energy Ombudsman, which currently only applies to microbusinesses (with 10 employees or under). The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is right to adopt our proposal to extend access for firms with fewer than 50 employees.
“Many of our members rely on energy brokers to secure the best deals though the costs of these services are often hidden in their supply contracts. Requiring energy companies to show the two costs separately will give a better understanding to small businesses of what they are paying for and help build confidence in the Third-Party Intermediaries industry.
“Expanding existing rules on Standards of Conduct to all businesses regardless of their size is also a welcome move. This will send a clear message to energy suppliers that there would be no tolerance of unfair treatment of their small business customers.
“Today’s announcement is encouraging news, and we hope these proposals will be implemented swiftly.”
ENDS
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About FSB
As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.
FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.