The law that applies
Gas Act 1986
Regulates gas supply and sets the framework for supplier licences and consumer protections.
Electricity Act 1989
Equivalent framework for electricity supply.
Ofgem Standard Licence Conditions
Binding rules on all energy suppliers. Cover billing accuracy, complaint handling, debt recovery, and direct debit management.
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982
Services must be performed with reasonable care and skill at a reasonable price.
The process - step by step
Formal complaint letter to the supplier
Send a written complaint citing the Ofgem Standard Licence Conditions breached. Set a deadline for resolution.
Deadlock letter or 8-week clock
If unresolved after 8 weeks, or if the supplier issues a 'deadlock letter', check the official Energy Ombudsman eligibility guidance for your supplier and complaint.
Potential Energy Ombudsman route
This may be available only after the supplier and complaint stage have been verified. Check the official scheme guidance before referring a case.
Possible next steps
Check the official Energy Ombudsman eligibility guidance
An external energy route may be available after the supplier and complaint stage are confirmed. Verify the supplier's current scheme arrangements and eligibility directly with the official service.
This is general guidance only. Whether an external scheme applies depends on the company, its membership, the complaint stage, and verified case facts. Fight My Corner does not currently start an external route.
Important warnings
Energy companies must issue a final bill within 12 months of your account closing. After that, they may be time-barred from claiming that debt.
Direct debit increases must be justified. You can ask for a breakdown and challenge unjustified increases.
Keep all bills, correspondence, and meter readings - they are essential evidence.
What Fight My Corner covers for this dispute
What's included
- Overcharging and billing error disputes
- Incorrect direct debit increases
- Final bill challenges
- Smart meter installation disputes
- Failure to switch complaints
What's not included
- Debt collection proceedings (though we can generate letters responding to them)
- Physical infrastructure or safety issues - contact the network operator
Start your fact-checking intake
Tell us what happened with energy & utilities. We'll save the facts you confirm and check the company classification. No letter is generated at this stage.
Legal disclaimer · Fight My Corner provides dispute guidance, not legal advice.