Small businesses in the U.K. get help with energy issues

London, U.K. — (METERING.COM) — March 26, 2007 – Small businesses get a raw deal in the U.K. energy market, according to gas and electricity consumer watchdog body energywatch, because they are not protected by consumer law, regulations or industry Codes of Practice. Domestic energy consumers do enjoy these levels of protection, and so energywatch and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have joined forces to push for improvements from the industry. They are also encouraging regulator Ofgem to introduce measures for better protection for small businesses.

Acknowledging that this will not happen overnight, a web site has been launched to assist small business owners to make the right decisions regarding their energy supply. The site is designed to give help, advice and guidance on some of the energy-related pitfalls that small businesses can encounter, such as what to consider when starting up, mis-selling, bad billing, misleading contracts and negotiating the best payment terms.

Make the Connection is a joint campaign by energywatch and the FSB that aims to encourage an energy market where all small businesses are treated fairly by energy companies; are given the protection they need; and have the information necessary to get the best from the market.