Ofgem warns TPI regulation is coming – ELCC hears call for clearer standards
Ofgem is likely to regulate the non-domestic energy broker market, according to Louise van Rensburg, the regulator’s Head of Non-Domestic Retail, who addressed the Energy Live Consultancy Conference (ELCC) in central London yesterday.
Speaking to a packed audience of 350 delegates, Louise said Ofgem’s current voluntary framework for Third Party Intermediaries (TPIs) “isn’t working for all customers” and issued a clear warning that regulation is “on the table”.
She said: “We are actively considering whether regulation is needed in this sector… we are moving at pace to work out what that could look like.
“I know that regulation is not everyone’s favourite word, but it is something we think is necessary to explore because we do think there are gaps in the market.”
Ofgem has already introduced licence requirements for energy suppliers that deal with brokers, aimed at improving transparency and clamping down on malpractice.
But Louise admitted the job is far from done: “We do get a lot of complaints about the non-domestic market… We are now looking at the role of TPIs and what additional standards may need to be put in place.”
She acknowledged that the TPI sector plays a vital role but made it clear Ofgem wants to strengthen protections, especially for small businesses, charities and the public sector, which are often more vulnerable to poor practices.
Improving communication was another key theme, with van Rensberg pledging to build better dialogue between Ofgem and the TPI community.
“We know we don’t always get it right. So we want to have more conversations with you. Please come and talk to us, challenge us, tell us what you need,” she said.
Delegates also heard that Ofgem will seek industry input as it develops its approach, signalling that regulation will not be imposed in a vacuum.
But Ofgem’s message was clear: standards must rise and the regulator is ready to act.
“We want to work with you, not against you,” she concluded, “but we are serious about ensuring customers get a fair deal.”
Watch the full session here
Copyright © 2025 Energy Live News LtdELN