Energy Comparison Websites: Do They Have a Regulator?

donaldfleming

Do energy comparison websites such as Simply Switch and Uswitch have a regulator (e.g., Ofgem) that can order them to pay compensation to a user on account of maladministration?

If the answer to the above is no, is an energy comparison company accountable to the Office of Fair trading? If so, could it order the company to pay compensation?

If the answer to the above is no, how would a user go obtaining compensation?

Wywth

donaldfleming wrote: »

Do energy comparison websites such as Simply Switch and Uswitch have a regulator (e.g., Ofgem) that can order them to pay compensation to a user on account of maladministration?

If the answer to the above is no, is an energy comparison company accountable to the Office of Fair trading? If so, could it order the company to pay compensation?

If the answer to the above is no, how would a user go obtaining compensation?

Energy comparison websites are, (or at least should be - the ones MSE promote certainly are), accredited by Ofgem.

Anyway, what is your particular issue you feel compensation is due to you for?

All the comparison site does is compare the tariffs of the various supplier, and may offer to process your switch for you should you so elect (and they allow this).
The sites MSE promote all give at least some cashback (or free wine) if you do allow them to switch.

As MSE Martin warns, cashback is never guaranteed until it lands in your bank account.

So what exactly do you think you may be due any form of compensation for, exactly? :huh:

If you truly believe you are entitled to any form of compensation, you can (as you can with any othe business) seek redress through the law courts.

donaldfleming

Thanks for your response.

I'm seeking information regarding this matter on behalf of a friend. He made an application through Simply Switch (SS) to transfer electricity suppliers on 7th July. Simply Switch confirmed by email that the transfer was being processed.

However, on 8th August, in the course of several telephone conversations, SS advised him that due to an 'unseen' error, the transfer had not been processed and offered their apologies.

My friend eventually got a tariff that he was happy with through EnergyHelpLine, but due to the error by SS, he is going to be paying a daily standing charge for 32 days. So, basically, he's looking for compensation for this plus the stress and inconvenience that the SS's error has caused him (he's a highly nervous person.)

That's the gist of it!

Wywth

donaldfleming wrote: »

Thanks for your response.

I'm seeking information regarding this matter on behalf of a friend. He made an application through Simply Switch (SS) to transfer electricity suppliers on 7th July. Simply Switch confirmed by email that the transfer was being processed.

However, on 8th August, in the course of several telephone conversations, SS advised him that due to an 'unseen' error, the transfer had not been processed and offered their apologies.

My friend eventually got a tariff that he was happy with through EnergyHelpLine, but due to the error by SS, he is going to be paying a daily standing charge for 32 days. So, basically, he's looking for compensation for this plus the stress and inconvenience that the SS's error has caused him (he's a highly nervous person.)

That's the gist of it!

Almost all suppliers have tariffs today that have a daily standing charge.
The one company that promotes itself as not making such a charge, (Ebico) also is known for not wasting money paying referral fees so most comparison sites won't process any request to that company ... although they still have to show them on the comparison site.

So we'll need a bit more detail, sorry.

What supplier & tariff was "your friend on?
What supply region is "your friend" in? (or first part of his postcode)
What is "your friend's" anticipated annual consumption gugure(s) in kWH
What supplier & tariff did he apply to move to with Simply Switch
What supplier & tariff did he eventually obtain through Energyhelpline.com

Without these details, I fear any loss, if any, is about £10 max.
Probably one to put down to experience to be honest. Buy "your friend" a beer or two to help him get over it