Complain to your energy supplier
If you’re having a problem with your energy supply, try getting in touch with your supplier before you make a formal complaint. They might be able to resolve the problem informally.
Tell them what’s happening, and what you want them to do about it. They might be able to sort it out then and there.
You should note down the:
- date and time you get in touch
- person you speak to
- problem you talk about
If you’ve already spoken to your supplier about your problem, and aren’t sure whether to make a formal complaint, you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline for free, impartial advice.
Making a formal complaint
The first thing you should do is gather any supporting evidence. What you’ll need depends on your issue - for example you could:
- take photos of a faulty meter
- get together copies of unusual bills
- gather notes from phone calls you’ve had
- look for emails from your supplier about the problem
You’ll also need details of your complaint and your energy account number to hand. You can find this on a recent bill.
When you’re ready, you can complain to your supplier over the phone, or in writing by email or post.
Look online for your suppliers ‘complaints procedure’ - this should be listed on their website, and includes contact details for complaints.
Complain over the phone
You’ll need to explain the problem when you call, and tell them how you’d like them to resolve it - for example, by giving you money back if you’ve been overcharged.
Ask them how long it’ll take for their response, and if they have a reference number for the complaint.
It’s a good idea to note down the time and date you call, and who you speak to - you might need to prove this later.
Complain by email or post
When you put your complaint in writing, you’ll need to explain:
- what the problem is, and when it started
- how your supplier can resolve it - for example, by giving you money back if you’ve been overcharged
If you’re complaining by post, you can fill in this template letter. Print the letter and send it to the address listed in your supplier’s complaints procedure.
Ask the Post Office for proof of postage - you might need to prove when you sent the letter.
You can complain by email using the address listed in your supplier’s complaints procedure. If you can’t find an email address, you can call your supplier and ask them for it.
Make sure you keep a copy of any emails you send to or receive from your supplier - you might need to refer to them later.
What happens next
Your supplier will get in touch with you if they need any more details about your complaint.
They should send you a ‘decision letter’ or ‘letter of deadlock’ within 8 weeks. This explains how they’ll deal with your complaint.
If you need to take your complaint further
You can complain to the energy ombudsman after making a formal complaint if you:
-
you have a letter of deadlock and aren’t happy with the decision
-
didn’t get a decision letter or letter of deadlock within 8 weeks
The ombudsman is impartial - they’ll look into both sides of the case and make a decision. If they think your complaint was dealt with unfairly, the ombudsman can make your supplier change their decision.