Energy Ombudsman Small Business H1 Data 2026

Energy Ombudsman has accepted 7,168 small and microbusiness cases between January and June 2026.

Overall energy complaints escalated to Energy Ombudsman have increased 16 per cent in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.

The Ombudsman accepted 46,532 cases between January and June 2026, up from 40,068 during the first six months of the previous year. Of the 46,532 cases accepted, 7,168 were small and microbusiness cases.

Since 19 December 2024, the service has expanded to include small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, helping them resolve disputes with energy suppliers and energy brokers without resorting to costly and time-consuming court proceedings. In 2025, approximately 13,500 small and micro business cases were accepted by the Ombudsman.

During 2026, Energy Ombudsman accepted 3,578 small and microbusiness cases in the first quarter and 3,590 in the second quarter, indicating a consistent level of demand for its services.

Billing-related disputes were the most reported category, accounting for nearly two-thirds (62%) of business disputes. This reflects a similar pattern to that seen among domestic consumers.

2025 was the first full year that Energy Ombudsman reported on supplier signposting rates, measuring whether consumers and businesses were informed about their right to refer unresolved complaints to the Ombudsman after eight weeks or once a deadlock had been reached.

In the first half of 2026, only 55.5% of small or microbusinesses cases were signposted to Energy Ombudsman by suppliers.

Ed Dodman, Chief Ombudsman for Energy, said: "The first half of 2026 shows that small and microbusinesses are continuing to make use of the protections available to them through Energy Ombudsman. The volume of cases demonstrates the need for independent dispute resolution when businesses reach deadlock with their energy supplier.

"Billing remains the most common issue raised with us, mirroring what we see in the domestic market. For businesses, disputes of this kind can take up valuable time and resources, making prompt and effective resolution particularly important.

"With 99% of businesses now able to access our service, we are helping more organisations resolve disputes fairly and providing insight that can help suppliers and brokers improve outcomes for their customers."

Energy Ombudsman, approved by industry regulator Ofgem, is the UK’s largest alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme for the energy sector. It provides consumers and 99% of businesses with an independent, easy-to-use process to address issues with energy brokers and suppliers.

Read the full Energy Ombudsman H1 2026 complaints data here: Energy Ombudsman Complaints Data | Insights and… | Energy Ombudsman

For more information on Energy Ombudsman visit www.energyombudsman.org.