Response to Ofgem’s latest coronavirus update | 8 Apr 2020

Regulator Ofgem has today (Wednesday 8 April) published a blog post and open letters to energy suppliers and networks, setting out its expectations of the industry during the disruption caused by Covid-19. The letters set out what is “high priority and must be delivered” by businesses.

Regulator Ofgem has today (Wednesday 8 April) published a blog post and open letters to energy suppliers and networks, setting out its expectations of the industry during the disruption caused by Covid-19.

The letters set out what is “high priority and must be delivered” by businesses.

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“The purpose of today’s letters is to provide clarity so that the industry is free to focus on core services to customers.”

Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley

Ed Dodman, director of regulatory affairs at Trust Alliance Group, which runs the Energy Ombudsman scheme, welcomed the update from Ofgem.

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“The regulator is demonstrating a balanced and fair approach to the coronavirus crisis, taking into account both consumers’ needs and the operational challenges that many companies are facing.

“Energy suppliers are being reminded by Ofgem to continue to signpost consumers to our service in the usual timeframe. This is important as it gives companies clarity and ensures consumers with unresolved complaints still have access to independent redress.

“For our part, when complaints come to us we are giving consumers and suppliers more time to prepare their case and submit evidence, in recognition of the challenges that everyone is facing at this time.

“In line with the approach being taken by many suppliers, we are prioritising essential customer issues and emergency cases.”

Ed Dodman, director of regulatory affairs at Trust Alliance Group