UK Government Launches Review to Strengthen Ofgem’s Consumer Protections

The energy regulator’s role and powers are under scrutiny to address high bills, poor service, and support the transition to clean energy.

The UK government has initiated a comprehensive review of Ofgem, the energy regulator, to enhance its ability to protect consumers and ensure fair practices in the energy market.
Proposed reforms include shortening complaint response times, improving access to automatic compensation, and granting Ofgem more authority to mandate refunds for customers affected by poor service or wrongdoing.
The review aims to rebuild trust in the energy sector following the 2022 energy crisis, which exposed gaps in the regulator’s ability to handle price spikes and supplier collapses.
Ministers are also focused on aligning Ofgem’s role with the government’s net-zero goals, including facilitating investment in renewable energy infrastructure and improving energy efficiency in homes.
The review, set to conclude in February 2025, comes as the government faces criticism over high energy bills and controversial changes to winter fuel payments for pensioners.