What should a business expect from a good energy broker?
28 Aug 2026
Published in: Member News
Ofgem plans to regulate energy brokers, aiming to improve transparency and customer protection. Businesses should already expect clear advice, understand why contracts are recommended, know how brokers are paid and receive support beyond simply signing a deal.
The energy broker market is changing.
Ofgem confirmed in July that it is preparing to regulate third party intermediaries, the broad category that includes energy brokers and price comparison services.
For businesses that use brokers to source and manage energy contracts, this is important.
It is also something I welcome.
Commercial energy can be complicated. A broker can help a business navigate suppliers, contract structures, market movements and renewal decisions without the owner needing to become an energy market specialist themselves.
But that relationship relies heavily on trust.
Why is regulation being considered?
The government has set out its intention for Ofgem to regulate the sector, giving it powers to set rules, monitor the market, investigate companies and require intermediaries to be authorised.
Ofgem is currently reviewing the sector before developing the detailed framework.
For businesses, that should ultimately mean greater consistency around transparency, customer treatment and the quality of support received.
Those are not unreasonable expectations.
In fact, I think businesses should expect them already.
Your broker should be able to explain what they are recommending
Energy procurement shouldn't involve handing somebody a bill and being presented with a contract to sign.
A broker should understand the business.
That includes looking at consumption, contract dates and future requirements.
For some businesses it should also include understanding when electricity is consumed, not simply how much is used over the year.
Different organisations have different priorities.
One might want maximum budget certainty.
Another may be comfortable taking more market risk.
A business expecting rapid growth may need something quite different from one reducing its premises or energy consumption.
The recommendation should reflect that.
Cheapest and best are not necessarily the same thing
This is another important distinction.
A low headline unit rate can attract attention, but commercial contracts contain more than one number.
The structure of charges, contract length, terms and the suitability of the supplier all need to be considered.
A business should understand what it is signing and why that particular option has been recommended.
Ask how your broker is paid
This shouldn't be an uncomfortable question.
Businesses should understand how the organisations advising them are being remunerated.
A professional broker should be able to explain their commercial arrangement clearly.
Support shouldn't finish when the contract is signed
For me, energy consultancy isn't simply procurement.
Clients sometimes need help with supplier queries, contract information, changes to their business or planning for the next renewal.
And the market itself continues to change.
Wholesale energy prices remain sensitive to global events, regulation continues to develop and the electricity market is increasingly using more detailed consumption data.
There is value in having somebody keeping an eye on those things rather than starting the relationship again every time a renewal arrives.
Regulation should make the good businesses stronger
There are many very good energy brokers already working transparently and professionally.
Ofgem itself recognises that intermediaries have an important role to play in helping businesses and households navigate the energy market.
The challenge is making sure customers receive that standard consistently.
If regulation makes it easier for businesses to distinguish between good advice and poor practice, that should strengthen confidence in the sector.
And in the meantime, businesses don't need to wait for new rules before asking better questions.
Ask what has been compared.
Ask why an option is being recommended.
Ask how your broker is paid.
Ask what support you will receive afterwards.
Good advice should stand up perfectly well to scrutiny.
If you'd like help understanding your current business energy position or an upcoming renewal, visit www.yourenergyconsultant.co.uk
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