Firms of up to 50 employees set to get access to Energy Ombudsman support under new proposals

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has announced plans to extend access to support from the Energy Ombudsman with disputes with their energy supplier.

Proposals would allow companies with up to 50 employees would qualify for support from the Energy Ombudsman, extending support to over 200,000 more businesses. Currently, only microbusinesses of up to 10 employees and households can access the ombudsman to get help with issues with their energy supplier such as disputes over bills, how a product or service has been sold, or customer service issues.

The move aims to boost protection for small businesses amid high energy costs, and offer an alternative to costly court fees to resolve resolve disputes.

The announcement by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero follows a survey conducted by energy regulator, Ofgem, which found 94% of respondents would welcome the move.

Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway said:

“We want to ensure [businesses] 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.”