Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the Energy Ombudsman's enforcement powers.

The Energy Ombudsman (‘EO’) is an independent body providing a free service for energy consumers unable to settle a dispute with their supplier. Although the Department has close links to the EO, we do not regulate it. Ofgem is responsible for appointing the EO and assesses its performance every two years (latest assessment is here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/biennial-assessment-ombudsman-services-under-adr-regulations-2019-2021.

DESNZ ministers meet regularly with the EO and I visited its offices recently. Ministers also meet regularly with Ofgem and suppliers to make clear that the Government expects suppliers to provide a high standard of service and do more to prevent customer disputes.