Energy Disputes

Yes, we offer free initial consultations to clients during which you will discuss your energy related legal issue or concern with one of our expert lawyers to determine the scope of the issue, the solutions and how we may be able to assist in achieving the best outcome for you.

Our expert lawyers are experienced in both contentious and non-contentious energy related issues and will be able to provide you with expert advice on your concern. Please do not hesitate to book a free initial consultation with one of our lawyers today.

Yes. We consider each claim on a case-by-case basis and we will discuss the different funding options with you to assess what type of funding arrangement would be in your best interest including whether you have an existing insurance policy in place which may provide a contribution towards your legal costs.

Our expert lawyers are experienced in both contentious and non-contentious energy related issues and will be able to provide you with expert advice on your concern. Please do not hesitate to book a free initial consultation with one of our lawyers today. For more information on funding arrangements, please see our Funding Options page.

Energy mis-selling involves the improper sale of energy contracts, often using deceptive practices, misinformation, or unclear terms that mislead consumers and businesses into energy agreements that may not be in their best interest.

In the UK’s energy sector, this prevalent issue impacts consumers by trapping them in contracts that are financially straining and misaligned with their actual energy usage or needs. Mis-selling can often occur in several instances for example:

• Offering tariffs based on inaccurate or exaggerated energy usage estimates
• Failing to disclose integral contract terms, including penalties or fees
• Misrepresenting savings or benefits of the new tariff compared to the existing one
• Unauthorised switching of energy providers without explicit consent

The consequences of energy mis-selling for consumers and businesses includes unexpected high bills, being bound to uncompetitive rates, and navigating through a complex switchback process. This can hinder financial planning and escalate operational costs, especially for businesses where energy is a significant expense.

Case Example: Our expert energy lawyers have been instrumental in helping several clients to pursue mis-sold energy contracts and recover substantial financial reparations. For Client A, a large retail chain, our lawyers encountered a claim where the client was mis-sold an energy contract based on exaggerated usage estimates, leading to inflated bills and operational turmoil. Engaging directly with the energy supplier, our lawyers navigated through intricate negotiations, asserting the mis-selling and its financial impact on Client A. Our expert lawyers were able to recover significant sums for the client.

If you think you have been mis-sold an energy contract, please do not hesitate to call our expert energy lawyers today for a free consultation or complete our booking form to schedule a call at time that is convenient for you.

Energy brokering involves an intermediary, known as an energy broker, working between energy suppliers and consumers (which can be individuals or businesses) to facilitate the procurement of energy at the most favourable terms possible. Given the complex and fluctuating nature of energy markets, brokers offer their expertise to navigate through various energy plans, tariffs, and contractual terms, aligning them with the consumer’s requirements and budget. There are several steps that an energy broker will need to consider during the brokering process to find a suitable energy contract including:

1. Understanding Client Needs: Energy brokers initiate their process by understanding the specific energy needs, consumption patterns, and budgetary constraints of their client.
2. Market Analysis: Brokers analyse the energy market, scrutinising various suppliers, tariffs, and contractual terms, to identify options that correlate with the client’s specifications.
3. Negotiation and Contracting: Leveraging their market insights and supplier relationships, energy brokers negotiate terms with energy suppliers, aiming to secure rates and conditions that are optimal for their client. Subsequently, they facilitate the formulation and signing of the energy contract between the client and supplier.
4. Ongoing Management (if part of the service): Some brokers provide ongoing services, managing the client’s energy account, ensuring compliance with the contract, and potentially renegotiating terms upon contract renewal to consistently align with the client’s evolving needs and market conditions.
5. Commission-Based Compensation: Typically, energy brokers are compensated via commissions from energy suppliers upon contract signature, meaning clients often do not directly incur costs for the broker’s services.

The value that energy brokers can provide lies in their market knowledge, negotiation capabilities, and the convenience of managing energy procurement processes. However, it is pivotal that consumers engage with brokers who uphold transparency and client interest, especially given instances where misalignment can occur due to commission-driven motivations.

You may have a claim against the energy broker if the broker misrepresented or mis-sold you an energy contract that was not suitable for you. Further, the broker may have received a secret commission which you may not have been aware and the contract offered to you was not the best offer or the most suitable contract for your needs. If you think you have an energy mis-selling claim, please do not hesitate to give us a call today.

A TPI, or Third-Party Intermediary, in the context of the energy sector, refers to a company or individual that acts as a mediator between energy suppliers and consumers — often businesses.

TPIs encompass a range of entities, such as energy brokers, consultants, or aggregators, and they assist in negotiating, procuring, and managing energy contracts and usage. Their role is crucial in simplifying the often-complex landscape of energy procurement and management for consumers.

You may have a claim against the energy broker if the broker misrepresented or mis-sold you an energy contract that was not suitable for you. Further, the broker may have received a secret commission which you may not have been aware and the contract offered to you was not the best offer or the most suitable contract for your needs. If you think you have an energy mis-selling claim, please do not hesitate to give us a call today.

Identifying the grounds for energy mis-selling claims is paramount for consumers to shield themselves against unethical practices and to initiate corrective measures when mis-selling does occur. The energy sector, with its myriad of tariffs, contracts, and supplier options, is unfortunately rife with opportunities for mis-selling to unsuspecting consumers. There are several grounds on which a mis-selling claim can be advanced such as:

1. Misrepresentation of Contract Terms: Instances where the terms, costs, or benefits of an energy contract were misrepresented or inadequately explained, leading consumers into an unsuitable contract.
2. Undisclosed or Hidden Fees: Failure to transparently disclose all pertinent costs, fees, or charges associated with an energy contract, leading to unexpected financial burdens on the consumer.
3. Unauthorised Contract Switching: Illegally switching a consumer’s energy supplier or contract without their informed consent or knowledge, often referred to as ‘slamming’.
4. Aggressive or Coercive Sales Tactics: Employing high-pressure, aggressive, or coercive sales tactics that force consumers into hastily agreeing to an unsuitable or unwanted contract.
5. Inaccurate Billing and Overcharging: Overcharging consumers through inaccurate billing, flawed meter readings, or by placing them on an incorrect tariff, leading to financial losses.
6. Misleading Information or False Promises: Providing consumers with misleading information or making false promises regarding potential savings, energy usage, or other benefits of the contract.
7. Contract Tie-Ins and Exit Penalties: Ensuring consumers in long-term contracts with steep exit penalties or not making them aware of the contractual duration and termination clauses.
8. Targeting Vulnerable Consumers: Exploiting vulnerable consumers, such as the elderly or those with limited understanding of the energy market, by selling unsuitable contracts or employing unethical sales tactics.

If you think you have an energy mis-selling claim, please do not hesitate to give us a call today so that our experienced energy lawyers can assesses and advise on the value of your claim.

If you believe you have been mis-sold an energy contract, taking prompt and strategic actions is crucial to mitigate potential financial repercussions and secure an optimal resolution.

Mis-selling in energy contracts can take place in various forms, including misrepresented costs, undisclosed terms, or inaccurate usage estimates.

If you think you have been mis-sold an energy contract, then please:

1. Document Everything: Ensure that all communications, agreements, and promotional materials related to the energy contract are meticulously documented. This includes emails, call records, and any physical or digital correspondence.
2. Review Your Contract: Analyse your contract comprehensively, juxtaposing promised rates, terms, and conditions against what was verbally promised or marketed.
3. Engage Legal Assistance: Consulting with legal experts, like our experienced team at Go Legal, who are experts in successfully handling energy mis-selling claims, will provide you with tailored guidance and strategic support in navigating through legal and regulatory pathways.
4. Contact the Energy Ombudsman: If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction within eight weeks, you can escalate it to the Energy Ombudsman, who can impartially assess and provide a resolution for your case.
5. Seek Compensation or Contract Rectification: With our expert legal guidance, explore avenues for compensation for any overpayments or financial repercussions, and work towards rectifying or terminating the mis-sold contract.

If you think you have an energy mis-selling claim, please do not hesitate to give us a call today so that our experienced energy lawyers can assesses and advise on the value of your claim.

In our experience there are several remedies that are available to victims of energy mis-selling including:

1. Refunds: Compensation often involves refunds for overpayments resulting from mis-sold energy contracts, rectifying inaccurate billing, and overcharging.
2. Contract Termination: Achieving the nullification of an unsuitable or mis-sold contract, freeing the consumer from unwarranted obligations and penalties.
3. Financial Reimbursement: Reimbursement for any financial losses incurred due to mis-selling, which may encompass overpayments, penalty fees, and any consequential losses.
4. Compensatory Damages: In some instances, compensatory damages for distress, inconvenience, or other non-monetary impacts may be sought, although these are less common.
5. Alternative or Corrective Services: Provision of alternative services or corrective actions, such as placing the consumer on an accurate tariff or rectifying service discrepancies.

Case Example: Our expert energy lawyers have been instrumental in helping several clients to pursue mis-sold energy contracts and recover substantial financial reparations. For Client A, a large retail chain, our lawyers encountered a claim where the client was mis-sold an energy contract based on exaggerated usage estimates, leading to inflated bills and operational turmoil. Engaging directly with the energy supplier, our lawyers navigated through intricate negotiations, asserting the mis-selling and its financial impact on Client A. Our expert lawyers were able to recover significant sums for the client.

If you think you have an energy mis-selling claim, please do not hesitate to give us a call today so that our experienced energy lawyers can assesses and advise on the value of your claim.

Yes, there are limitation periods and deadlines that you must be aware of if you wish to pursue an energy mis-selling claims or compliant including:

1. Standard Limitation Period: The standard limitation period for bringing a claim related to contract mis-selling, under the Limitation Act 1980, is six years from the date of the mis-selling or from when you first realised you were mis-sold. If this date has passed, there pay be other ways around this such as deliberate concealment or date of knowledge that our experienced lawyers will be able to advance on your behalf to mitigate any issues in relation to the primary limitation date.
2. Ombudsman Guidelines: The Energy Ombudsman typically requires complaints to be raised with them within 12 months of receiving a deadlock letter from the supplier, or within 9 months of raising the complaint with the supplier if no deadlock letter is received.
3. Regulatory Protocols: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other regulatory entities may have specific protocols and timelines for raising and addressing mis-selling claims within their jurisdiction.

Securing compensation and adhering to limitation dates are pivotal aspects of managing energy mis-selling claims, safeguarding consumers against financial ramifications and ensuring their rights are robustly upheld. If you have an energy mis-selling claim, we are here to help you. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today for a free consultation.

Navigating the complexities and challenges of a mis-sold energy contract requires experienced and results driven legal expertise that will get the best outcomes for you. Our experienced lawyers are here to stand by your side, offering proficient support in renegotiating and redrafting mis-sold energy contracts:

1. Expert Negotiation: Our team excels in articulating, negotiating, and securing terms that align with your operational needs and financial capacities, ensuring that your reformed contract is mutually beneficial and transparent.
2. Addressing Mis-Selling: Identifying and addressing aspects of mis-selling, we ensure that renegotiations rectify discrepancies, accurately represent service offerings, and safeguard your interests effectively.
3. Regulatory Adherence: Ensuring your contracts adhere to prevailing regulatory norms, we safeguard your business from potential legal pitfalls, ensuring compliance and operational legality.
4. Transparency and Clarity: We prioritize drafting contracts that are transparent, clear, and devoid of ambiguous terms, enabling you to comprehend and navigate your energy agreements with assuredness.
5. Strategic Alignment: Crafting contracts that are strategically aligned with your business objectives, operational needs, and financial capacities, we assure that your energy engagements are optimized and conducive.

Our energy lawyers are here to guide, advocate, and support your journey through renegotiating and redrafting mis-sold energy contracts, ensuring that your engagements in the energy sector are transparent, compliant, and strategically aligned.

Identifying a mis-selling claim, especially within the intricate confines of energy contracts, demands a keen eye for discrepancies and a fundamental understanding of what constitutes mis-selling. It typically involves practices wherein the information provided to you was inaccurate, misleading, or insufficient to make an informed decision including:

1. Inaccurate Information: If your energy contract was sold based on inaccurate or misleading information regarding tariffs, usage estimates, or savings, this flags potential mis-selling.

1. Undisclosed Terms: Failure to transparently disclose all pertinent contract terms, especially those involving penalties, tariffs hikes, or additional charges, signals mis-selling.
2. High-Pressure Sales Tactics: If you were coerced or pressured into signing the energy contract without ample time to comprehensively understand and consent to the terms, mis-selling may have occurred.
3. Mismatched Tariffs: If the agreed-upon tariff does not align with your energy consumption patterns or financial capabilities, especially if this mismatch results from misleading advice or information, this may constitute mis-selling.
4. Unauthorised Switching: If your energy supplier was switched without your explicit consent or knowledge, this is a clear-cut instance of mis-selling.

Understanding the nuances of mis-selling and aligning with seasoned legal professionals ensures that your claims are substantiated, addressed, and resolved, safeguarding your financial and operational interests.

While it is challenging to pinpoint an “average” claim value due to the variability in contract sizes, industries, and mis-selling extents, we have witnessed claims ranging from a few thousand to several hundred thousand pounds. For instance, our lawyers successfully aided Client C, a manufacturing enterprise, in recovering £65,000 due to a mis-sold energy contract which incorporated hidden fees and misleading savings projections.

Yes. If you believe you have been misled, a claim can be pursued. It is important to document all communications, contract versions, and promotional materials that may illustrate misleading information or misrepresentations. At Go Legal, this documentation is crucial in forming a robust case, advocating for your right to accurate, transparent, and ethical energy contract selling.

If you believe you may have a mis-selling claim, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced lawyers for an initial consultation to assess your claim.

There are several common signs that you may be the victim of energy mis-selling by your energy provider including:

• Inconsistent Billing: Fluctuating or inconsistent bills without a clear usage-based explanation.
• Undisclosed Fees: Discovery of charges and fees that were not transparently disclosed or explained.
• Unauthorised Switching: Unauthorised changes to your energy supplier or tariff without your informed consent.
• Misleading Information: Receiving information or promises that prove to be inaccurate or unfulfilled.

If you believe you may have a mis-selling claim, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced lawyers for an initial consultation to assess your claim.

Identifying an incorrect energy tariff involves scrutinising your energy bills, contract terms, and comparing these with your actual consumption and needs. Discrepancies in billing, unexplained cost hikes, or charges incongruent with your understood terms could signal incorrect tariff placement. At Go Legal, we facilitate meticulous energy contract reviews, aiding businesses in discerning and rectifying tariff inaccuracies.

If you believe you may have a mis-selling claim, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced lawyers for an initial consultation to assess your claim.

Yes, pressure or coercion into switching energy suppliers can constitute mis-selling. Energy decisions should be informed and free from undue pressure. If you have experienced aggressive sales tactics, misleading offers, or felt compelled to make a hasty decision, you may have a basis for a claim.

Compiling a robust evidence base is crucial. This may include:

• Communication Records: Emails, calls, or correspondence detailing promises, offers, or information provided.
• Contract Documentation: The energy contract itself and any related documentation.
• Billing Statements: Historical and current billing statements to highlight discrepancies or unexplained charges.
• Marketing Materials: Any brochures, emails, or materials showcasing offers, rates, or promises.

Yes. Even if you have switched suppliers, if your previous energy contract was mis-sold, you can pursue a claim. Instances of misrepresentation, hidden fees, or misleading terms from past supplier interactions can still form the basis of a valid legal claim.

Yes, claims can often be made on behalf of others, particularly if they are vulnerable or unable to manage the claim themselves. A Power of Attorney or demonstrable legal responsibility may be required to act on their behalf such as a letter of authority to allow you to pursue the claim on their behalf. Our experienced energy legal team supports clients in acting for relatives or vulnerable individuals, ensuring ethical and transparent processes that safeguard their interests.

In our experience there are several typical steps in pursuing a business energy claim including:

• Document Compilation: Gather all relevant documents, including contracts, communications, and bills.
• Engage Legal Support: Enlist experienced legal expertise, such as Go Legal, to review, advise, and strategize your claim.
• Identification of Mis-Selling: Clearly identify instances and evidence of mis-selling or contract discrepancies.
• Claim Submission: Formally submit your claim, utilising your legal support to navigate through the submission process effectively. We will firstly engage in the pre-action protocol to see if the matter can be resolved without Court proceedings and we will consider the amount of loss you have suffered as a result of the mis-selling (and consider any early offers). In addition, we can also pursue a complaint to the energy ombudsman on your behalf and regulatory complaints which will further enhance your prospects of success if a regulator makes a finding in your favour which we may be able to use in any litigation.
• Negotiation & Settlement: Work through negotiations and towards a settlement that rectifies the mis-selling and compensates the business accordingly. Our lawyers are expert negotiators and trained mediators; we will work to get the best outcome for you and your business.

If you believe you may have a mis-selling claim, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced lawyers for an initial consultation to assess your claim.

If you have been mis-sold a business energy contract, there are several things that may happen with your business energy contract such as:

• Contract Nullification: The existing contract could be nullified if deemed unlawfully mis-sold.
• Revised Contract: You might be offered a new, revised contract that accurately reflects lawful selling practices and transparent tariffs.
• Compensation: Your business could be compensated for any overpayments or consequential financial losses.

We will consider what the best remedy for your case is right from the outset, and our experienced lawyers will work to achieve that outcome for you quickly and cost effectively. Please do not hesitate to call our expert energy lawyers today for a free consultation.

Yes, while interconnected, they bear distinctions:

• Mis-Selling: This pertains to the unfair, untruthful, or incorrect selling of a product or service, such as an energy contract that is incongruent with promised tariffs or conditions.
• Misrepresentation: This refers to the provision of false or misleading statements that influence your decision to enter into a contract, without necessarily involving the selling process directly.

Go Legal adheres to stringent definitions, ensuring that claims are meticulously structured to address the specific nuances of mis-selling or misrepresentation encountered by businesses like yours.

It should be a fairly easy process to determine whether your energy bills are higher than they should be, for example:

• Comparison: Compare your bills against initial quotes, contract tariffs, and market averages for similar consumption profiles.
• Charges: Scrutinise your energy contracts for undisclosed, unexplained, or incorrect charges that inflate your bills.
• Usage: Analyse whether your billed usage aligns with your actual consumption and operational patterns.
• Contract Review: Perform a comprehensive review of your contract terms against your billing statements.

Our experienced lawyers will conduct an initial assessment of your documents and information you have available to determine whether you have been the victim of mis-selling by your business energy provider. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today for a free consultation.

Yes, you certainly can. Claims against your current energy supplier for past mis-selling practices are common and can be pursued while you maintain your ongoing contract.

If you suspect deceptive marketing tactics from your energy supplier:

• Documentation: Compile all communications, advertisements, and promotional materials that exhibit potential deception.
• Legal Consultation: Seek immediate legal advice to explore the viability of a mis-selling or misrepresentation claim.
• Communication: Engage with your supplier, expressing your concerns and seeking clarifications, ensuring to document all interactions.

Yes, you generally can switch energy suppliers during a mis-selling claim process but there may be charged and penalties depending on the contract. Be mindful that switching supplier does not negate your right to pursue a claim against a previous supplier. It is important to take legal advice from our expert lawyers before considering switching energy contracts during your contractual terms.

Simply provide us with some details of the contracts that the broker(s) put in place for you, sign a letter of authority allowing us to engage with the broker(s) and supplier(s) and we will do the rest.

We will write to the broker & suppliers to ascertain the value of your claim, and let you decide if you wish to launch a claim. We will try to keep your involvement to as little as possible, and will use our expertise to gather all evidence with little to no interruption to yourself, although sometimes we will require your help.

The duration of the energy mis-selling claims process can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case, the evidence available, and the responsiveness of the involved parties. It might take several weeks to months, and in some complex cases, possibly longer. Our experienced lawyers will work on your energy mis-selling claim to resolve the issues and get your compensation as quickly and cost effectively as possible.

Yes, supplying false information about potential savings can be grounds for an energy mis-selling claim. In scenarios where promised savings were a pivotal factor in contract agreement and those savings are not realised due to the provision of incorrect information, a claim may be substantiated.

Yes. Being on a fixed-term energy contract does not prevent you from pursuing a mis-selling claim if you believe that the contract was sold to you under misleading or false pretences. If you are not sure, our experienced lawyers will conduct an initial assessment of your documents and information you have available to determine whether you have been the victim of mis-selling by your business energy provider. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today for a free consultation.

Yes, claims against third-party energy brokers for mis-selling are possible if you were misled, provided with inaccurate information, or promised unrealised savings.

The Energy Ombudsman acts as an impartial entity in resolving disputes between consumers and energy suppliers or brokers. If a mis-selling dispute is not resolved satisfactorily within a stipulated time, you may escalate the matter to the Ombudsman, who will review the case, potentially offering resolution recommendations or compensatory measures.

Our experienced lawyers often advise that pursuing a legal claim and a compliant to the energy ombudsman should be done in parallel in order to achieve the best outcome for you; the ombudsman may make some regulatory findings of fact which can be used in your legal claim to resolve it in your favour.

While the primary focus of energy mis-selling claims often revolves around financial remedies, claiming for emotional distress and inconvenience is also possible. Your claim can encompass the emotional and practical disturbances encountered, provided they can be substantiated and correlated to the mis-selling. However, there is an extensive evidential burden on you to provide the emotional distress and inconvenience and often medical evidence will be required.

To protect your business against future energy mis-selling you should:

• Familiarise yourself with common mis-selling tactics.
• Thoroughly examine and understand all contract elements before commitment.
• Consider utilising unbiased third-party services such as our lawyers for contract vetting.

There is not any specific government-backed scheme directly compensating victims of energy mis-selling. However, regulatory bodies like Ofgem impose fines and may require suppliers to compensate affected customers in certain instances of regulatory violations.

Yes, small business owners can, and often do, make claims for energy mis-selling. Your business size does not negate your right to be treated fairly and transparently by energy suppliers and brokers. If you, as a small business owner, were misled, provided with incorrect information, or pressured into an unsuitable contract, you may have grounds for a claim.

Small businesses can be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of energy mis-selling, given their often-limited resources to absorb unexpected and unjustified costs. At Go Legal, we streamline the claims process, ensuring small business owners are provided with robust, straightforward, and effectual legal support, amplifying their voice against mis-selling practices.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today for a free consultation.