Compliance and monitoring
How we monitor energy markets, accept information on possible breaches and work with companies so they comply with rules.
How we work with companies on issues they must act on
We aim to:
- find out about any energy market rule breaches early
- fix problems for consumers caused by breaches quickly
- put things right, including with fair consumer compensation
If we have credible information that a company might be breaching rules, we'll talk to them in the first instance. We can ask for more information, share any draft findings and give them time to respond for each compliance case.
We'll take more serious enforcement action where a company does not work with us constructively, harm to consumers, or we need to deter future breaches.
How we monitor energy markets
We monitor if licensed companies such as suppliers and network companies meet rules.
We gather information including:
- Citizens Advice, Advice Direct Scotland and Ombudsman Services on consumer problems
- data we routinely collect from companies including the complaints they get
- our own research into consumers’ experiences, including surveys and social media monitoring
- people working in energy companies who believe they have evidence of wrongdoing (whistleblowing)
- energy companies self-reporting potential non-compliance with licence conditions
- on wholesale energy transactions and the behaviour of companies and individuals trading energy
Market compliance reviews
We review whether markets with activities connected with electricity and gas supply, generation, transportation or transmission markets are working effectively for consumers.
We can refer a market for a Competition and Markets Authority investigation where we have reasonable grounds to suspect any market feature prevents, restricts or distorts competition.
How we share information so companies comply with rules
We make sure that licensed companies, especially new market entrants, know requirements.
We speak to them and publish:
- supply licence guides
- compliance case outcomes
- a round-up of our compliance work
If a company appears to have broken any rules, our compliance team can tell it what changes to make to avoid further action.
Read Enforcement and compliance cases.
Find out more about Fines and Redress payments.
Report potential breaches of energy market rules
Energy market wrongdoing
Employees with information about potential energy market rule breaches can report these.
Report wrongdoing at an energy company (whistleblowing).
Competition concerns
Share information about conduct by a business that may harm competition in energy markets.
Make a competition complaint.
Wholesale energy market abuse
If you suspect market abuse such as market manipulation and insider trading, report it.
Check what behaviour can suggest market abuse in the guidance on REMIT, from the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Agencies. This includes the definitions of 'inside information,' 'market manipulation' and 'attempt to manipulate the market'.
Report a suspicious wholesale trade by emailing market.conduct@ofgem.gov.uk.