Statutory consultation: Standards of conduct for suppliers in the retail energy market

Consultation
  • Upcoming
  • Open
  • Closed (awaiting decision)
  • Closed (with decision)

In regulating the retail energy market we have committed, over time, to rely more on enforceable principles rather than detailed rules about how suppliers should run their businesses. The principles-based domestic and non-domestic Standards of Conduct licence conditions were introduced in 2013 and require that suppliers treat customers fairly.

The domestic and non-domestic Standards of Conduct are the foundation stone of the supply licences. We therefore want to be certain that they can achieve their policy intent into the future. This statutory consultation sets out our final proposals for amending the tests and thresholds within both of these licence conditions so they have a sharper focus on consumer outcomes. For the domestic Standards of Conduct only, we also set out our final proposals regarding two new broad principles that require suppliers to enable consumers to make informed choices and to have special regard for consumers in vulnerable situations. 

This statutory consultation also proposes changes to Ofgem’s information gathering powers. These changes would allow us to monitor the market more effectively as we rely more on principles.

Respond name

Andrew Thomsen