EnergyScope
How to check a broker
Check identity, written scope, fees and complaint arrangements. Registration does not amount to a safety guarantee.
Checking a broker is about clarifying identity, scope, fees and complaint arrangements, not getting an EnergyScope safety rating or recommendation. Registration, membership or a polished website alone are not a quality guarantee.
Information to check yourself
- Name and contact details: keep the company/trading name, website, phone and email used.
- Written scope: confirm what they will and will not do, and whether an LOA or other authority is requested.
- Fees and data: ask in writing how commission/fees are handled and how data may be used, kept or shared.
- Complaint arrangements: find their own complaint process and appropriate independent/official checking routes.
Keep these records first
- Website pages, written service descriptions and quote copies.
- The registration/complaint channels you checked, dates and results.
- Written replies about identity, scope, fees and data use.
General checking method
- Obtain the legal/trading name, website, address and contact details first; check that they match across the quote, emails and service terms.
- Ask in writing who the broker represents, which suppliers it approaches, whether it covers the whole market, and how many offers it will provide.
- Request the service scope, commission/fees, payment route, data use and any LOA requirement; only give authority that you actually need.
- Where a redress-scheme membership is claimed, ask for the scheme name and registration details and, where useful, check with the supplier too. Membership is not a guarantee of quality, price or outcome.
- Read the complaints process and escalation route, and keep the written record. If information conflicts or you are pressured, pause instead of agreeing immediately.
TPI
What is a TPI (Third-Party Intermediary)?
Ofgem uses TPI for an organisation or person that helps customers buy energy or manage energy needs. A TPI can be an energy broker, price-comparison website or procurement-support company; the actual energy supply contract remains with the supplier.
- A TPI can help obtain quotes, compare or arrange a contract, but its search may cover only some suppliers.
- A TPI may charge the business directly, or be paid by a supplier with the cost reflected in the bill. Ask for the payment route to be explained first.
- Using a TPI does not guarantee whole-market coverage, the lowest price or the most suitable contract. Compare matching usage, term and cost assumptions.
Ofgem · UK
Official checking sources and limits
Ofgem’s current public guidance says a broker paid by a supplier should belong to an approved redress scheme, and the supplier should be able to say which scheme applies. Ofgem does not treat those schemes as its accreditation or recommend individual brokers.
- Redress scheme
- Micro and small businesses should ask a broker about its alternative redress/QDSS arrangement before using it. If a dispute arises, first follow the broker’s process and then verify the applicable scheme.
- A TPI is not the supplier
- A TPI provides energy-related assistance but does not supply the energy. Supply, account or billing questions may need to go directly to the supplier.
- Possible mis-selling
- Ofgem advises reporting suspected broker mis-selling to Trading Standards. Keeping calls, emails, quotes and versions of terms helps explain the concern clearly.
Direct checking links
Use these links to check available registration or membership information. A result is not an EnergyScope, Ofgem or other-body recommendation or guarantee of a broker’s quality or quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a TPI, broker and supplier?
A broker is a common type of TPI; TPIs can also include comparison websites or procurement-support companies. The actual energy supply contract is with the supplier.
Must a TPI search the whole market?
No. Ask it to state in writing which suppliers it approaches, which it excludes and how many offers it will provide; do not assume a whole-market comparison.
Does redress-scheme membership prove a broker is reliable?
It can help you verify an available dispute-resolution arrangement, but it is not an EnergyScope, Ofgem or other-body guarantee of service quality, price or outcome.
How do I check a broker’s redress scheme?
Ask the broker for the scheme name and registration details, then check the scheme’s public information or ask the supplier. Keep the date and result of your check.
What should I do if an unfamiliar TPI calls me?
Do not agree because of pressure. Ask for identity, company details, service scope and written information first. If you do not want further contact, say so clearly and keep a record.
Do I need to provide a full bill or an LOA first?
No, not to read this page, use the tools or compare information you already hold. Before any company asks for data or authority, confirm the minimum fields, purpose, duration and revocation route.