A UK government consultation is in process looking at introducing a new threshold for bringing cases to the Energy Ombudsman that will include small businesses.

Currently, most small businesses that have a dispute with their energy supplier are unable to access the Energy Ombudsman for help with dispute resolution.

The consultation proposes that there be a new small business definition that will expand access to businesses with:

  • up to 50 employees; and
  • less than £6.5 million annual turnover or £5 million balance sheet total; or
  • annual electricity consumption of less than 500,000kWh; or
  • annual gas consumption of less than 500,000kWh

The consultation proposals and details for how to respond are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/new-threshold-for-businesses-accessing-the-energy-ombudsman