New proposals grant 200,000 businesses access to Energy Ombudsman

Newcastle-based Business Energy Claims is highlighting the need for better representation for all businesses after new Government proposals widen the reach of the Energy Ombudsman.

The changes will grant small businesses access to the Ombudsman complaint process and to be treated more like households, but the energy claims experts say this is not enough and want to extend their support to help those affected by energy mis selling.

Head of claims, Hannah Stewart, said: “The proposed changes to expand the types of businesses that are eligible to use the Energy Ombudsman is vital in the current climate, but there are still thousands of businesses left without help - this is where BEC comes in.

“Businesses have experienced a tough couple of years with the increases in the energy market and it is important that they hold their suppliers to account and continue to challenge any aspect of their energy contract that does not sit right with them.

“For the remaining thousands of ineligible businesses who receive an insufficient resolution to a complaint, we can provide the support that they need more than ever.”

Companies with fewer than 50 employees will now be able to take complaints to the Energy Ombudsman if they are unhappy with the behaviour of their energy supplier or are stuck in deadlock.

Previously, only “micro-businesses” with less than 10 employees had access to the Ombudsman service, however, with an 84 per cent annual increase in Ombudsman complaints in 2023, better representation for businesses was needed.

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.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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