The energy consumer watchdog is to be disbanded from 1 October.  The FSB has now raised concerns that energywatch’s work is unlikely to be covered by Consumer Direct, the body expected to take over the independent body’s responsibilities which has demonstrated little ability or willingness to tackle small business energy issues, it claims.

The concerns follow an FSB snap poll of over 1,000 business owners which shows that 57 per cent have made complaints to their energy companies and that only half of those complaints are being dealt with satisfactorily. 

With over 30,000 calls from small businesses every year energywatch has developed a strong reputation for representing small businesses in the energy market and its termination is bad news for small firms, the business body says. 

Andy Willox, FSB Scotland Policy Convenor said:

“This survey provides damning evidence that some energy companies are still not treating small businesses properly.

“It is sad to see that the Westminster at the very time when its work on behalf of small business consumers is most needed.

“The government has so far failed to ensure that there is an effective alternative in place. With Consumer Direct seemingly uninterested, come October there will be thousands of small business owners with nowhere to turn for help when their energy companies take them for a ride.”