Closing of energywatch 'will affect small businesses'
Oct 02 2008
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has stated many companies will not know where to turn following the closure of energywatch.
According to the association, the watchdog closed yesterday with its service being amalgamated into Consumer Focus, which will also encompass Postwatch and the National Consumer Council.
The FSB states lobbying has resulted in an energy ombudsman being created for small businesses, but says this development has not been widely publicised.
John Holbrow, environment and energy policy unit chairman for the federation, says companies are already under strain due to high prices and a volatile market.
'We are continuing to lobby for better representation of small businesses in the new set-up,' he adds.
He states good news for small firms is that under the new plans the electricity and gas regulator Ofgem will be placing energy companies under more scrutiny.
Conservative MP Peter Luff describes the decision to scrap energywatch as a 'spectacularly bad idea', especially in a time of rising prices.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) summary
Every year the UK Government and the EU produce policies that directly or indirectly affect small business. As the biggest representative body for small business in the UK and FSB policy team lobbies to lessen the impact of legislation for small business and to represent small business views in Westminster, Whitehall and Brussels.You can find more by visiting www.FSB.org.uk
Comment by David Bell
Thursday 16th October 2008Good news is that there is still a safeguard in the energy market. The Utilities Intermediaries Association (UIA), a Trade Association for consultants, brokers and agents, was formed recently to facilitate energy purchasing contracts between supplier and consumer. It is an independent, not-for-profit company and works with organisations within the energy industry, particularly suppliers, to improve relationships and understanding. All the major leading suppliers have pledged their support for the UIA. In fact, energywatch and Ofgem supported their initiative. Our company, Auditel became a member of the UIA right from the outset.
Report this comment
Comments [1]