Energy terms explained

The body established by the Enterprise Act 2002 (which replaced the Office of Director General of Fair Trading) with functions that include enforcing consumer protection law and competition law, reviewing mergers and conducting market studies.

We are the independent energy regulator for Great Britain. Our priority is to make a positive difference for consumers by promoting competition in the energy markets and regulating networks.

Ombudsman Services: Energy means the Ombudsman Services provided to Energy Suppliers and Energy Network Operators. The Ombudsman’s principal aim is to receive complaints made by complainants in accordance with the Ombudsman’s Terms of Reference and to consider and, where appropriate, investigate such complaints in order to encourage and/or facilitate the terms of their resolution, settlement and/or withdrawal.

Where a consumer does not receive a paper version of a bill or statement of account and would need to access the internet and use a computer or communication device.

A discount provided to a customer with online account management.

A tariff for the supply of electricity/gas which may only be entered into via a website, and/or a tariff which must be managed fully or partly by a customer via a website.

A tariff that is available to new and existing domestic customers at any given time.