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Microbusiness review is “much needed, but long overdue” says Citizens Advice

3 May 2019

Citizens Advice, in its role as the official consumer watchdog for energy, has responded to Ofgem's announcement of a strategic review of the microbusiness energy market.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“This review is much needed, but long overdue. Microbusinesses face a number of challenges engaging with the energy market and often end up paying well over the odds.

“Comparing prices can be difficult. The problem is made worse by the sharp practice of some brokers who mislead customers or engage in outright fraud.

“The lack of protections or redress for those who’ve been misled leaves microbusinesses out of pocket, undermines trust and reduces future engagement in the market.”

“Ofgem’s review must lead to fundamental changes in the way that microbusinesses are protected.”

Notes to editors

  1. Citizens Advice includes the national charity; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service.
  2. Citizens Advice is the statutory consumer advocate for energy and post. We provide supplier performance information to consumers and policy analysis to decision makers.
  3. The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free, independent support for prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.
  4. Citizens Advice offers Pension Wise services at 500 locations in England and Wales.
  5. Citizens Advice’s services are free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to all regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
  6. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
  7. For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 to talk in Welsh.
  8. We helped 2.6 million people face to face, by phone, email and webchat in 2017-18. For service statistics see our monthly publication Advice trends.
  9. Citizens Advice staff are supported by over 23,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 locations in England and Wales.