Energy regulator Ofgem has pledged to support small businesses and ensure suppliers treat them more fairly.

Retailers had criticised Ofgem’s consultation for not covering back-billing and automatic rollover of contracts in the November 9 issue of Convenience Store.

Responding to the article, an Ofgem spokesman addressed these concerns. “Ofgem has made it clear it wants to see back-billing reduced to one year for micro-businesses and other small businesses,” he said.

“We have made it clear to suppliers that we do not expect to see any more cases of businesses being back-billed for lengthy periods of time.”
It also set out plans to improve the service provided by suppliers, with the threat of fines for those who are found to be in breach of conduct. “Ofgem wants to increase protection for small businesses and we have proposed a number of reforms to achieve this. They include new standards of conduct on how suppliers treat customers on billing, contracting and switching supplier - backed up by enforcement action and fines if suppliers breach them.”

Ofgem’s consultation is open until December 21 and submissions can be made at www.ofgem.gov.uk.