Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the press release entitled Ofgem requires improvements from energy suppliers on customer direct debits published on 13 July 2022, what discussions he has had with Ofgem on the steps it is taking to secure improvements from the twelve energy suppliers found to have weaknesses in their direct debit and charging processes.

BEIS Ministers regularly have discussions with Ofgem on a range of issues relating to the energy market.

Having completed a review on whether energy suppliers are setting customers’ direct debit payments appropriately, Ofgem is working with seven suppliers found to have minor weaknesses in their processes. The five suppliers found to have moderate to severe weaknesses are required to implement rapid and robust improvements to their processes and reassess customer direct debits where necessary. Failure to act fast enough may result in Ofgem taking enforcement action. Ofgem intends to strengthen direct debit rules in the supply licence. Details available at https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/statutory-consultation-strengthening-fixed-direct-debit-rules.