Energy Brokers Face Crackdown: Regulation Incoming, Says Government
Published: 10 July 2025 | By Energy Solicitors Limited
Days of Deregulation May Soon Be Over
The UK government’s upcoming regulation of energy brokers marks a pivotal development, welcomed by many in the energy legal and consumer protection sectors. This follows years of growing concern over mis-sold business energy contracts, hidden commission structures and lack of accountability.
At Energy Solicitors Limited, we have long represented clients who were misled or financially disadvantaged by energy brokers.
Businesses should take note as this marks a major turning point.
Government Consultation: Overwhelming Support for Regulation
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has revealed the findings of a recent public consultation, where stakeholders across the board supported direct regulation of energy brokers, also known as Third Party Intermediaries (TPIs).
Key voices included:
- Consumer watchdogs
- Energy suppliers
- Brokers themselves
The message is clear - self-policing in the broker market has failed.
How Have Energy Brokers Been Mis-Selling Contracts?
Many businesses, especially small and medium enterprises have been signed onto inflated energy tariffs, with brokers taking undisclosed commissions from suppliers. These arrangements often lacked transparency, leaving companies locked into costly deals without any awareness of how much the broker profited.
Common issues include:
- Undisclosed commissions
- Limited independent avenues for redress
- Contracts signed under pressure or without full information
A New Energy Broker Regulation Framework
The government is now weighing options for a formal regulatory framework. Two possible models are being debated:
- A general authorisation regime
- A bespoke licensing system for TPIs
Regardless of which route is taken, one thing is certain: change is coming.
Proposed regulatory principles include:
- Mandatory transparency around commissions
- Clear conduct rules for brokers
- Stronger dispute resolution mechanisms
What Does This Mean for UK Businesses?
For thousands of small and medium-sized businesses, this could bring much-needed protections. If you've ever felt you were misled into a business energy contract or weren’t told about broker commissions, now is time to review your agreements.
At Energy Solicitors Limited, we specialise in:
- Business Energy Mis-selling
- Energy Overcharging
- Dispute Resolution & Ombudsman Complaints
- Revenue Recovery Disputes
We’ve helped clients recover tens of thousands of pounds and our team is already preparing for the upcoming regulatory shift.
Get Ready: The Market Is Changing
As energy brokers increasingly move into areas like smart energy tech, net zero services, and efficiency consulting, their influence over business energy choices is growing. But with that influence comes a need for trust, transparency and legal accountability.
If your business has been affected by dishonest broker practices, or you want a review of your energy contracts, contact our energy dispute solicitors today.
