Today, two important conversations are taking place. One on stage in London, and one in Westminster.
Together, they reflect a growing recognition of the challenges our sector faces and the value that good brokers bring.
Two Conversations, One Sector
The Energy Live News Consultancy Conference (ELCC) brings together consultants from across the UK.
Meanwhile, in Parliament, a Westminster Hall debate will examine the regulatory powers over business energy billing.
Different audiences, different formats, but both centred on fairness, clarity, and the future of the non-domestic energy market.
At ELCC: Sharing Practical Insight and Broker Leadership
We’re proud to be supporting a sold-out ELCC today.
With hundreds of brokers and suppliers attending, ELCC is a key fixture and we’re contributing to two sessions that speak directly to our members’ priorities.
At 1:30pm, Richard Price (MD of Tickd and ECA Executive Team member) will share a grounded view of what a high-performing TPI operation looks like today. Navigating compliance, client needs, and commercial realities with clarity and focus.
At 3:30pm, Chris Shaw (CEO of Utility Bidder and ECA Chair) will lead a frank session on where the sector is heading.
With new rules on commission disclosure, changing supplier expectations, and heightened compliance pressure, his message will be one of preparation, adaptation, and resilience.
Over To Westminster: Why This Debate Matters
At the same time, Sarah Edwards MP is opening a Westminster Hall debate on how business energy billing is regulated.
It’s been initiated by the Backbench Business Committee, and we see this as a significant step.
The debate is grounded in clear evidence. Businesses now represent 31% of UK energy consumption, spending over £20 billion annually.
But despite this scale, many SMEs still face:
- Long delays when changing address
- Poor customer service
- Limited support from some TPIs
- A lack of clear complaint processes or accountability
Chris Shaw, Sarah Edwards, Paul Askew, Simon Askew
The ECA has been actively involved behind the scenes.
We recently met with Sarah Edwards MP to share insight from our members and make the case for fairer treatment of brokers and customers alike.
During this morning’s debate, Sarah called for:
An investigation into Ofgem, raising concerns that it appears to coach suppliers rather than regulate them
Stronger enforcement powers for the Energy Ombudsman
A six-month limit on back billing
A cap on deemed contract rates for non-domestic customers
She also publicly thanked the ECA for our input.
We’re pleased to confirm that we’ve agreed to assist in developing a kitemark scheme to help identify reputable brokers, and to support the creation of a customer-facing website where businesses can check their energy rates and ensure they are not being overcharged.
We will provide our member’s with further updates as this matter develops.
You can read the full debate briefing here: CDP-2025-0145 – Regulatory powers over billing of energy supply to businesses (PDF)
What This Means for Brokers
We know from recent conversations with members that billing frustrations, supplier timelines, and inconsistent support continue to cause problems.
That’s exactly why today matters.
Regulatory change isn’t fast. But momentum is building.
Strengthening billing standards, enforcing clearer contracts, and improving complaints processes are not just policy tweaks.
They’re the foundations of a more transparent and resilient non-domestic energy market.
Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to poor billing practices.
Strengthening regulation around supplier service levels, data access, and intermediary quality will ultimately help firms plan better, invest smarter, and weather market shocks more effectively.
Today Matters
Between the packed agenda at ELCC and the policy attention in Westminster, today signals something we’ve long pushed for. A more serious, more inclusive conversation about the role of brokers and the shape of the non-domestic energy market.
Whether you’re in the room with us at ELCC or following the parliamentary debate online, one thing is clear. Brokers are being heard, and progress is possible.
We’ll share key takeaways from both sessions with our members later this week via the member portal.
We’ll continue to show up, speak up, and share updates with members as both regulatory and industry conversations evolve.
Let’s keep moving forward, together.
If You’re Not Yet a Member, Now’s the Time
Brokers who are part of the ECA are already leading the way in professional standards.
✔ Access to expert-led training and guidance on regulatory changes
✔ Support with compliance, ADR, and complaints handling solutions
✔ A collective voice to represent brokers’ interests with Ofgem and policymakers
✔ Networking opportunities and industry recognition
If you would like to become a member today and share in tomorrow’s success, please contact enquiries@energyconsultantsassociation.co.uk with the following information:
• Membership tier relevant to your business turnover
• Business address
• Main contact details
• Monthly/Annual payment
Or fill out this form to recieve our information pack
If you have any questions, please reach out to Joe Wilson at joe.wilson@energyconsultantsassociation.co.uk or call 07875343161.
If today’s agenda speaks to the challenges you face, or the kind of support you want more of, we’d love to welcome you as a member.
Let’s build the future of this sector together.
