Economy Energy: Provisional Order

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On 14 February 2014, we issued a provisional order to Economy Energy in accordance with Section 25(2) of the Electricity Act 1989 and section 28(2) of the Gas Act 1986.  The Gas and Electricity Markets Authority ('the Authority') has been in discussions with Economy Energy regarding compliance with its obligations under:

a. the standard conditions of the gas and electricity supply licences (collectively referred to as ‘SLC’); and

b. the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Complaints Handling Standards) Regulations 2008 (‘Complaints Handling Regulations’).

The particular behaviours of concern giving rise to the provisional order are that Economy Energy Domestic Customers are or were:

1. at risk of being off electricity and/or gas supply during cold weather due to Economy Energy not meeting the requirements of the Complaints Handling Regulations and SLC 22.3; and

2. being blocked from switching away from Economy Energy when they requested to do so, for reasons that were not compliant with the provisions of SLC 14 and 14A.

Based on the information received by the Authority, it appears to the Authority that Economy Energy is contravening or is likely to contravene the following relevant condition or requirement (as applicable):

1. SLC 14, 14A, and 22; and

2. Regulations 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the Complaints Handling Regulations.

Provisional orders are issued in certain circumstances in accordance with the statutory framework and where certain conditions are satisfied. Further information regarding provisional orders is contained within our Enforcement Guidelines.

On 25 March 2014 we issued notice of our intention to confirm the provisional order.

On 13 May 2014 we confirmed the provisional order with modifications.

On 12 November 2014 we issued notice of our proposal to revoke provisions of the confirmed Provisional Order.

On 12 December 2014 we issued a Revocation Order, confirming the proposal, revoking the majority of the provisions of the confirmed Provisional Order with two provisions remaining in place. We also issued a Notice setting out the reasons for this decision and the effect.

On 30 April 2015 we issued notice of our proposal to revoke the remaining provisions of the confirmed Provisional Order.

On 3 June 2015 we issued a Revocation Order, confirming the proposal to revoke the remaining provisions of the confirmed Provisional Order. We also issued a Notice setting out the reasons for this decision and the effect. 

The confirmed Provisional Order is no longer in place.