Smaller firms unhappy with energy sector
THREE quarters of small businesses do not think there is enough competition in the energy market, while two thirds think it is difficult to switch supplier, according to a study by the Federation of Small Businesses published yesterday.
The industry body surveyed over 1,400 of its members to get their view of the energy market, after the so-called big six suppliers pledged to end automatic rollover contracts, to make it easier for small businesses to keep an eye on their tariffs.
More than 80 per cent of FSB members surveyed said energy suppliers did not care about their needs, while 81 per cent said that energy firms should publish easily comparable fixed prices to make it easier to get the best deal.
“It’s clear from our research that many small businesses don’t trust the big energy suppliers to deliver a smarter, fairer and more transparent billing process,” said John Allan, national chairman of the FSB.
The FSB will present this research in its response to the Ofgem consultation on whether the retail energy market should be referred to the Competitions and Market Authority.
The CMA investigation is likely to start in June and is expected to take 12 to 18 months.