Ofgem is launching an investigation into whether BES Commercial Electricity Ltd and Business Energy Solutions Ltd (together BES) are in compliance with rules that ensure deemed rates – the rates you pay if you are not in a contract with a supplier but are using energy – are not unduly onerous for customers.
BES is a UK-based non-domestic utilities supplier based in Lancashire.
The investigation will examine whether BES is in compliance with the requirements of Standard Licence Condition (SLC) 7.3. Where a customer is supplied based on a deemed contract relationship, the supplier is required by SLC 7.3 to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the terms of its deemed contracts are not unduly onerous. .
The opening of this investigation does not imply that Ofgem has made any findings about non-compliance.
See how we handle investigations and our Enforcement Guidelines.
A deemed contract normally applies if you move into new business premises, begin to use electricity and/or gas, and you don’t agree a contract with a supplier. You could also be on a deemed contract if your current contract ends but the supplier continues supplying energy that you use, if the original contract does not state what will happen at the end of a contract or does not have renewal provisions. Please note, Ofgem will not be able to offer further comments on ongoing investigations.