Ofgem launches investigation into Community Energy Scheme UK

Press release
Publication date
Industry sector
Supply and Retail Market

Ofgem has launched an investigation into Community Energy Scheme UK’s sales and customer service practices.

Ofgem’s investigation is in relation to sales practices, and solar panel installations, for social housing tenants in Stoke-on-Trent.

The investigation will examine whether the company breached consumer protection rules, including potential breaches of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.

The opening of this investigation does not imply that we have made any findings about non-compliance.

See further details about the investigation.

Notes to editors

  1. The Community Energy Scheme, which was set up in 2018, is an arrangement  between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Community Energy Scheme UK Limited (CES). CES installs solar photovoltaic panels on Stoke’s social housing roofs and sells the electricity from these panels to the tenants. 
  2. Ofgem will use its consumer protection powers to undertake the investigation. The Gas and Electricity Markets Authority is a designated enforcer under Part 8 of the Enterprise Act. This means that it is empowered to take action to enforce certain consumer protection legislation such as the  Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

For media, contact 

Ruth Somerville: 020 7901 7460 / 07990 139504 ruth.somerville@ofgem.gov.uk

Media out of hours mobile: 0792 882 9894 (media calls only)

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Ofgem is Britain’s independent energy regulator. Our role is to protect consumers now and in the future by working to deliver a greener, fairer energy system. We do this by:  

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