The following is a list of the most frequently asked questions that are not covered by our other licensing pages.
If your query is not addressed either here or on our other licensing pages, or you would like to discuss a licensing matter further, please contact the licensing team at: licensing@ofgem.gov.uk.
Can I have a list of licensed companies?
Can you tell me if someone has applied for a licence and what the status of that application is?
You may look at our Applications notices page to see who has lodged completed applications with us. We are not however able to tell you who has sent in incomplete applications, or other details of the applications we are processing unless you are the applicant.
Do I need a licence?
Some activities, whilst falling within the definition of a licensable activity given in the Acts, are exempt or eligible for an exception from the need to hold licences. Ofgem can provide some guidance on exemptions orders and exceptions but cannot under any circumstances comment on whether a person carrying on an activity or proposing to carry on an activity will require a licence.
Please refer to our Licensable activities and Exemptions and exceptions pages for further information.
How to I apply?
Please read our Applications page for details.
How long does it take to process a licence application?
Licensing aim to process all licence applications within 45 working days from the date an application is acknowledged by Ofgem as being duly made (complete). However, the time taken may vary depending on the quality of the application received, requests for further information or clarification by Ofgem, and the time taken by applicants to respond to such requests. Applicants are, therefore, encouraged to apply well in advance of the date they wish to commence a licensable activity.
For licence applications relating to gas and electricity supply, gas shipping, electricity generation and gas and electricity interconnection, your application is deemed to have been granted if you have not heard from us by the end of the target completion period of 45 working days.
Please note that such tacit consent does not apply in respect of applications relating to gas transportation or electricity transmission or distribution licences. This is because it is in the public interest that we process such applications before they are granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us at licensing@ofgem.gov.uk.
Please read our Applications page for further details.
Is a new licence or a licence transfer required if the licensees name changes?
If a company's name changes and the licensee's company registration number remains unchanged then it is still considered to be the same legal entity and no new licence or transfer of licence is required.
If a licensee's company registration number changes as a result of amongst other things, a merger or a restructuring then it is a different company and an application for transfer of licence or a new licence application will have to be made and we suggest you read our Transfers and Applications pages.
We no longer wish to retain our licence. How do we give it up?
Please read our Revocations page for details.
Contact us
If the information you require is not covered here or if you have a query that you wish to discuss further please contact the licensing team at: licensing@ofgem.gov.uk
Useful link
You may also wish to look at the Your Energy Questions page - link opens in a new browser window on Consumer Focus’ website for more information on general questions.
Licence holder redress
Licence holders should, in the first instance, raise any issues or concerns with the relevant team in Ofgem. If after doing so, the issue remains unresolved then licensees may make a complaint to Ofgem. Please take a look at our How to Complain page for further details.
Consumer complaint
Further details on making a complaint or enquiry about an energy company or the energy industry can be found here.
If you wish to make a complaint about Ofgem processes or the way you have been dealt with by Ofgem, please take a look at our How to Complain page.
If you wish to make a complaint regarding behaviour which you believe may be a breach of any of the legislation that Ofgem has the power to enforce, please take a look at our Enforcement page.
Other redress
There are circumstances in which a dispute between an electricity supplier or distributor or a gas supplier or transporter and a consumer may be referred to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority for determination. These may arise under statute (particularly the Gas Act 1986 (as amended) and the Electricity Act 1989 (as amended)) or under the provisions of licences. Further details on our procedures for determining such disputes - PDF, 67Kb - link opens in a new browser window.