Pubs urged to fight for fair energy deals

Energywatch is urging pubs to campaign for a better deal on energy.

The energy watchdog says small businesses should make their views heard on plans to offer small firms greater protection from being stung by energy contracts.

A consultation from energy regulator Ofgem asks whether small firms should be included in a proposal to make suppliers legally bound to take part in a redress scheme to resolve customer complaints.

The consultation relates to the implementation of the new Consumer Estate Agents and Redress Act.

Speaking at the Major Energy Users' Council Conference in London, Energywatch chief executive Allan Asher said: "We know from thousands of businesses that complain to us that the energy market is delivering neither choice nor value to them. Although they are the lifeblood of the UK economy, as energy consumers small businesses have no formal protections.​

"Identifying which businesses are covered by the Ofgem scheme is critical. Unless Ofgem get this right, there is the potential for hundreds of thousands of small businesses to be excluded from necessary protections.

"Energywatch argues that all small businesses with ten or fewer employees, regardless of how much energy they consume, should have protection from lousy service or sharp practice by energy suppliers.

"We encourage businesses to get in touch with their trade bodies and get involved in Ofgem's consultation process."

Recent data shows a 22% increase in calls for help from Energywatch to resolve disputes about billing, transfers and the way a contract has been sold to them.

The consultation on Ofgem's plan closes on 21 December and can be found here​.