Energy suppliers 'must promote ESO to customers'

• By E4B
• 28 November 2007
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Business electricity suppliers have been urged by a new report to promote the Energy Supply Ombudsman (ESO) to their customers.

Gas and electricity regulator Ofgem made the calls after research found that a broad range of customers had received satisfactory service from the service which was set up to tackle consumer complaints.

However, the body also discovered that many energy suppliers are not providing information on the ESO on their bills, meaning many customers are not aware of the service.

Ofgem chief executive Alistair Buchanan said: "Competition allows customers to switch their supplier if they receive poor service and this remains the ultimate sanction, but the Ombudsman is now giving customers an additional route to get their complaints resolved.

"It also places additional pressure on companies to do all they can to resolve complaints before they get to the Ombudsman."

Ofgem's research has come after it also recently unveiled a new energy rating system designed to help household and business electricity customers choose the most energy efficient services and products on the market.