Our Commitment to High Standards

The ECA Members’ Code of Conduct sets out the minimum standards of professional, ethical and organisational behaviour expected of all members.

Compliance with the Code is a condition of membership and helps ensure ECA members demonstrate the professionalism, transparency and integrity that businesses should expect from the energy consultancy sector.

  • This Members’ Code of Conduct (“the Code”) sets out the minimum standards of professional, ethical and organisational behaviour expected of all members of the Energy Consultants Association Limited (“the ECA”).
  • Membership of the ECA is granted to sole traders, partnerships and limited companies acting as energy consultancies, TPIs and brokers (“Members”). This Code applies to:
    • Members and all of their respective principals, partners, directors, officers, managers, staff, and representatives; and
    • Any and or omission by or on behalf of the Member where that conduct is connected directly or indirectly to the activities of the ECA.
  • Compliance with this Code is a condition of membership. By applying for, renewing, or continuing membership, Members agree to be bound by this Code as amended from time to time.
  • This Code operates alongside membership terms and any associated policies. For the sake of clarity the following priority applies:
    • This code;
    • Membership terms; and
    • Any other policies of the ECA from time to time
  • The Code may be amended by resolution of the ECA Board (“the Board”). Members will be notified of material changes and continued membership constitutes acceptance.

Acceptance of this Code remains effective for the duration of membership unless membership is terminated in accordance with this Code.

  • Members shall at all times act in a manner that upholds the integrity, credibility and reputation of:
    • The ECA;
    • The energy consultancy and brokerage sector; and
    • The wider energy market.
  • Members commit to:
    • Acting honestly, fairly and professionally;
    • Treating customers fairly and transparently;
    • Conducting business with due skill, care and diligence;
    • Complying with all applicable laws, regulations and industry standards;
    • Avoiding conduct that could reasonably bring the ECA into disrepute.

  • Members must comply at all times with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including (without limitation) those relating to:
    • Energy supply and brokerage;
    • Consumer protection;
    • Data protection and privacy;
    • Competition law;
    • Financial crime and fraud prevention, including anti-bribery and corruption requirements.
  • Members must not offer, give, solicit or accept any payment, inducement, benefit or advantage that is unlawful or that could reasonably be perceived to improperly influence a business or customer decision.
  • Members remain solely responsible for their own regulatory compliance and business decisions.

  • Members shall ensure customers are provided with clear, accurate and sufficient information to make informed decisions.
  • Members must not misrepresent:
    • Their role or status;
    • The nature of services offered;
    • Any relationship with suppliers or third parties.
  • Customers must be clearly informed that they are dealing with an energy consultant or broker and not a supplier.
  • Products and services offered must be suitable to the customer’s needs, determined through appropriate fact-finding.
  • Members must not knowingly facilitate unlawful or improper practices, including improper change-of-tenancy arrangements or contract circumvention.

  • Members must ensure transparency in relation to commission and fees, including:
    • Disclosure of commission where required;
    • Compliance with applicable commission caps;
    • Clear explanation of uplift mechanisms for micro and non-micro customers.
  • Documentation must be clear, complete, provided in a timely manner, and must not be misleading.
  • Verbal contract recordings, where used, must not be edited and must accurately reflect commission earned.

  • Members must take reasonable steps to prevent, detect and address fraud in relation to customers, suppliers, referral sources and internal operations.
  • Appropriate due diligence must be undertaken on customers and referral sources.
  • Members must not knowingly use unlawfully obtained data, including data misappropriated from other market participants.

  • Membership provides access to engagement with the ECA and its community, including (without limitation):
    • Engagement with Board members for discussion, guidance and industry insight;
    • ECA communication channels and platforms operated or endorsed by the ECA from time to time, including dedicated Teams forums and online discussion spaces;
    • ECA-organised events, meetings and industry discussions;
    • ECA digital communications and public platforms, including the ECA website and official social media channels.
  • Such access must be exercised professionally and responsibly. Members must not:
    • Harass, pressure or unduly influence Board members;
    • Seek preferential treatment or implied endorsement;
    • Misrepresent guidance as formal advice or instruction.
  • The ECA’s Teams channels and forums are professional environments. While informal discussion is encouraged:
    • Members must not name or disparage other TPIs or brokers within ECA communication channels or forums;
    • Allegations or concerns regarding identifiable parties must not be raised in open forums and should instead be raised directly with the ECA or Board through appropriate channels;
    • Where concerns are raised with the ECA, they should be made in good faith and, where possible, supported by appropriate information or evidence;
    • Suppliers may be referenced factually and without defamation;
    • Discussions must remain respectful, constructive and non-abusive.

  • Members must not:
    • Misuse the ECA name, logo or reputation;
    • Claim or imply regulatory authority, accreditation or endorsement beyond membership;
    • Make public statements that could reasonably harm the ECA’s standing.
  • Public commentary, including on social media, must not bring the ECA into disrepute.
  • The ECA may provide Members with logos or branding materials for the purpose of identifying current membership. Any such use must:
    • Be accurate, current and not misleading;
    • Not imply regulation, approval, endorsement or oversight by the ECA;
    • Comply with any branding guidelines or instructions issued by the ECA from time to time; and
    • Cease immediately upon suspension or termination of membership.
  • The ECA reserves the right to require the removal, amendment or cessation of any use of its name or branding that it considers inappropriate, misleading or otherwise inconsistent with this Code.

  • The ECA exists to provide industry insight, support and shared learning.
  • Any guidance, commentary or discussion provided by:
    • The ECA;
    • Board members; or
    • Other Members – is general in nature and does not constitute legal, regulatory, financial or professional advice.
  • Members must not rely on ECA engagement as a substitute for independent advice and remain fully responsible for their own decisions and compliance.

  • The ECA is not a consumer complaints body and does not act as a regulator or ombudsman.
  • Nothing in this Code prevents the ECA from providing general guidance, support or shared learning to Members who are managing complaints or disputes within their own businesses.
  • The ECA does not encourage or act as a forum for commercial disputes, client complaints or competitive issues between Members.
  • The ECA may, however, consider concerns raised in good faith relating to whether the conduct of a Member, or of a Board member acting in their capacity as such, is consistent with this Code.
  • Information obtained by a Member through their own commercial activities or third-party relationships does not of itself create any obligation to report matters to the ECA.
  • Where the ECA considers it appropriate to make reasonable enquiries into matters within scope of this Code, Members must cooperate fully and promptly.

  • Where a potential breach is identified, the ECA may, at its discretion:
    • Conduct preliminary enquiries;
    • Seek explanations or evidence;
    • Refer the matter for formal consideration.
  • Outcomes may include (as appropriate and proportionate):
    • Informal guidance;
    • Written warnings;
    • Required remedial action or training;
    • Temporary suspension of membership;
    • Termination of membership in serious or repeated cases.
  • Suspension or termination does not give rise to any refund of membership fees.
  • Where a conflict of interest arises in connection with the consideration of a potential breach, the ECA will take reasonable steps to identify and manage such conflict appropriately.

  • Members may appeal a decision in writing within the timeframe specified by the ECA, using the contact details notified to the Member at the time of the decision.
  • Appeals will be considered on the basis of the information submitted by the Member and any relevant material reasonably requested by the Board.
  • Appeals will be considered by the Board, excluding any individuals with a conflict of interest. The Board’s decision shall be final.

Voluntary termination by a Member

  • A Member may terminate their membership by giving not less than 30 days’ written notice to the ECA prior to the anniversary of the date on which their membership commenced or was last renewed (the “Membership Anniversary Date”).
  • Where valid notice is given in accordance with clause, termination shall take effect at the end of the then-current membership period, regardless of the method of payment.
  • Membership fees paid are non-refundable. Where notice is not given in accordance with clause, membership shall automatically continue for the next membership period and any associated payment obligations shall apply.
  • The ECA will ordinarily notify Members of renewal through invoicing or other routine communications. Failure to receive such notification does not affect the operation of this section.

Termination or suspension by the ECA

  • The ECA may suspend or terminate membership in accordance with this Code where a Member is found to have breached its provisions.
  • Voluntary termination by a Member does not prevent the ECA from concluding any investigation commenced prior to termination or from recording its outcome.

Consequences of termination or suspension

  • Upon suspension or termination of membership for any reason, the Member must immediately:
    • Cease holding themselves out as a member of the ECA;
    • Cease use of the ECA name, logo or branding; and
    • Cease access to ECA platforms, forums and events.
  • Any ECA branding, logos or references to membership must be removed from websites, marketing materials, email signatures and social media:
    • Within 7 days of suspension or termination by the ECA; or
    • Within 14 days of voluntary termination by the Member.
  • Obligations relating to confidentiality, reputation and cooperation with any ongoing enquiry shall survive termination.

  • Members must maintain appropriate records, training and internal controls consistent with good governance.
  • This Code is governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Membership of the Energy Consultants Association (“the ECA”) is conditional upon compliance with this Members’ Code of Conduct (“the Code”).

A copy of the Code will be provided to Members upon joining the ECA. The current version of the Code will be maintained within the Members’ Portal and may also be made available through other ECA communication channels from time to time.

Members are responsible for ensuring they remain familiar with the current version of the Code and any amendments made to it.

By applying for, renewing, or continuing membership of the ECA, Members acknowledge and agree that they are bound by the Code, as amended from time to time, as a condition of membership.

Failure to comply with the Code may result in action being taken in accordance with its provisions, including suspension or termination of membership.

18th June 2026

Get Involved

The success of the ECA is built on the expertise, insight and engagement of its members.

Whether contributing to consultations, attending events or sharing industry knowledge, there are many ways to
get involved and help shape the future of the sector.