The Switching Error – Ofgem Crackdown
With more customers switching than ever before, a new compensation standard has been set as part of an Ofgem Crackdown on switching errors in order to better protect customers.
Now the Ofgem crackdown means customers will automatically receive payment of £30 from suppliers if they experience delays or mistakes when switching energy companies.
The new compensation requirement will come into effect on 1st May 2020 and applies if switching takes longer than 15 working days, if customers are switched by mistake or if their final bill doesn’t arrive within six weeks.
Ofgem actually introduced the first compensation scheme last year when suppliers had to pay out if they failed to meet minimum standards, such as failing to spot and correct mistaken switches or refunding credit balances to customers, but since then, more than 700,000 customers have received compensation, out of which 27% were for mistaken switches and 73% for late credit balance refunds.
Mary Starks, Executive Director for Consumers and Markets at Ofgem said: “More customers are switching than ever, with a record 6.4 million changing supplier in 2019. But we also know that a minority can still experience problems when they switch. As part of our commitment to protecting consumers and enabling competition, we are introducing these new standards to give customers further peace of mind, and to challenge suppliers to get it right, the first time.”
Black Sheep Utilities takes the hassle out of switching suppliers. We strive to be outstanding in our field, so to find out how much you could save on any of your utility renewals or to find out more about how we are keeping you connected give us a call on 01273 914000 or alternatively set up a call-back appointment with one of our experts.
