Open letter from Louise van Rensburg, Deputy Director for Third-Party Intermediaries, Ofgem
Ofgem’s call for input launches a review of the Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs) sector, marking a pivotal moment for the UK energy market.
The consultation – open until 16 July – is inviting input from TPIs, customers and their representatives, suppliers and anyone else with an interest, to better understand the TPI sector and its structure, and to ensure that new TPI regulation to strikes the right balance: be robust enough to protect consumers, yet proportionate enough to sustain the valuable role TPIs play.
The starting point must be a deep understanding of the sector – and right now, that picture is incomplete.
We have already had good engagement with several TPIs and representative groups. But to be able to create the right regulation that doesn’t over or under regulate, we need to know more.
That’s why we’re looking to find out more about the number and different types TPIs, what they offer, and how they work. Building our understanding and ensuring we have the most accurate picture of the sector as possible will benefit our regulatory design moving forward.
The current call for input will form the foundation of future regulation. If TPIs want a framework that recognises the nuances of their business models, now is the time to engage – we are in listening mode.
Too often, TPIs risk being painted as the ‘bad guys’ in the energy market – portrayed as self-serving and/or misaligned with consumer interests. While there have undoubtedly been instances of poor practice that justify scrutiny, it would be a mistake to generalise across the entire sector.
TPIs play an important role in helping consumers – particularly small and medium-sized businesses – navigate an increasingly complex energy landscape. As suppliers and other energy sector participants offer new products and services to customers to meet net zero goals, TPIs will play a crucial part in helping customers choose what’s best for them.
TPIs provide comparison services, procurement expertise, and access to deals that might otherwise be difficult to secure. They can act as a bridge between suppliers and customers, improving choice and driving competition. Any regulatory approach that fails to recognise this contribution would be flawed.
This is why balance must be at the heart of the regulatory approach. Future regulation should work for consumers, TPIs and the wider market. An approach that promotes transparency, accountability, and fair competition – without unnecessarily impacting viable business models – offers the best opportunity to build trust and maintain choice.
The coming months will therefore be crucial.
Ofgem has taken an important first step by inviting your views through its call for input and survey. Meaningful engagement from across the industry will be critical to the success of this process. TPIs, suppliers, and consumer groups all have a role to play in shaping a framework that is fair, workable, and future-proof.
For TPIs, the message is clear – please don’t sit on the sidelines.
Ofgem is actively seeking evidence, insights, and practical perspectives. This is a chance to help define the rules of the game rather than simply reacting to them later. Every contribution matters.
With the 16 July deadline approaching, the window for influencing this process is open – please do feed in your information and views.
Find out more about Ofgem’s call for input and survey on TPIs here:
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