Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment she has made of the (a) efficiency and (b) effectiveness of the (i) Energy Ombudsman and (ii) Ombudsman's complaint resolution processes; and what steps she is taking to help ensure consumers writing to the ombudsman receive comprehensive and helpful feedback and advice.

Ofgem is responsible for certifying Alternative Dispute Resolution entities and appointing the Energy Ombudsman (EO). The EO is important for ensuring good consumer outcomes and trust by investigating disputes between suppliers and consumers.

Every two years Ofgem assesses the performance of the EO to ensure they still meet the approval criteria. The latest completed assessment, covering 2019-2021 is available on Ofgem’s website.

Ministers meet regularly with the EO to understand trends in consumer complaints and ensure a high-quality service.