What is an energy dispute?

Energy disputes encompass a wide range of conflicts within the energy sector. They involve various stakeholders such as energy companies, energy suppliers, brokers and utilities companies. These disputes can arise from regulatory issues, contractual disagreements, and challenges associated with energy projects.

ARC Costs has network of energy dispute solicitors and law firms. They provide the necessary legal advice and dispute resolution services to address these conflicts effectively. If you wish to speak to an energy law solicitor within our network, contact us today.

We also assist solicitors in the recovery of their legal costs on conclusion of a successful case.

Types of dispute

Billing disputes

Incorrect charges:

Claims for overcharging or incorrect tariff or unit cost application by the energy supplier are a common cause of claims.

Meter reading errors:

Discrepancies between actual meter readings and the estimated readings used for billing can cause disputes between consumers and energy suppliers.

Energy contract disputes

Mis-sold contracts:

Claims may arise where consumers allege they were misled about the terms and conditions or costs of their energy contracts. Mis selling issues may include:

• Misrepresentation of costs and hidden fees
• Misleading statements about fees
• Misleading contract terms
• Inaccurate information about energy sources

Breach of contract:

Instances where the supplier fails to meet the agreed terms, such as not providing the agreed amount of energy.

Out of contract rates

Consumers sometimes find themselves being charged out-of-contract rates. These are typically higher, due to administrative errors or miscommunication. Claims can be made to rectify these rates.

Back-billing

Historical undercharging:

Claims may arise in relation to substantial back-dated bills issued by suppliers for energy consumed but not billed previously. There are regulations limiting how far back suppliers can claim.

Service complaints

Poor customer service:

Complaints may arise regarding inadequate support or response times from energy suppliers.

Disruptions and reliability issues:

Claims may be made concerning frequent outages or poor energy supply quality affecting business operations and home life.

Network charges

Disputes may arise over charges related to the maintenance and use of the energy network. These can often be higher than expected.

Green energy claims

Renewable energy certificates:

Issues may arise regarding the accuracy and allocation of Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) certificates. These certify the renewable origin of the electricity supplied.

Feed-in tariffs:

Claims may be brought concerning the payments for generating renewable energy. These may include disputes over the amount paid or eligibility criteria.

Energy Efficiency Grants and Schemes

Non-payment of grants:

Disputes may arise related to the non-payment or incorrect payment of grants and incentives for energy efficiency improvements.

ECO (Energy Company Obligation):

Claims related to the support provided by energy suppliers for energy efficiency measures under the ECO scheme.

Hidden commission

Energy brokers act as third party intermediaries between consumers and energy suppliers. they assist in arranging energy contracts for consumers by finding and negotiating energy contracts.

Some brokers may receive undisclosed commissions from energy suppliers. These commissions can be included in the energy rates, leading to higher costs for the consumer.

Energy brokers have a duty to act in your best interest. Hidden commission issues may arise in the following ways:

Non-disclosure:

The broker fails to inform the client about the commission they will receive from the energy supplier.

Excessive commission:

The commission is significantly higher than standard industry rates, impacting the overall cost of the energy contract.

Undisclosed mark-up:

Brokers may add a mark-up to the energy rates provided by suppliers without disclosing this to the client.

Energy dispute solicitors

Energy dispute solicitors provide critical support to both claimants and defendants involved in energy disputes. Their expertise in energy law and the unique challenges of the energy sector ensures that their clients, whether they are initiating or defending a claim, receive comprehensive legal representation. 

Although energy disputes can be resolved through the Energy Ombudsman or OFGEM, there are some instances where a solicitor may be required to resolve the dispute.

They may assist claimants in obtaining:

• A refund in instances of overcharging
• Compensation for service interruptions
• Compensation for issues such as breach of contract, mis selling or undisclosed commission
• Compensation for loss of earnings
• Accelerated repair in certain circumstances.

Energy dispute solicitors can help in the resolution of disputes using negotiation, alternative dispute resolution or court litigation, if necessary.

How can ARC Costs assist?

ARC Costs have a network of energy dispute solicitors. If you wish to make a claim, contact us today and we can put you in touch with the best solicitor for your case. Many solicitors will deal with these types of cases on a no win, no fee basis.

ARC Costs can also assist will all aspects of costs concerning the claiming or defending of energy claim costs.

ARC Costs are a team of independent and experienced Costs Draftsmen and Costs Lawyers. We regularly assist Paying and Receiving parties in the recovery/contention of costs.

We can assist in the preparation/challenging of Bills of Costs. We can also assist in conducting of detailed assessment proceedings, and the preparation of Points of Dispute/Reply.

Should you require our assistance or have any further queries regarding costs, please contact us on 01204 397 302 or email one of the team at info@arccosts.co.uk.

We may receive payments from third party solicitors on our panel (for non-FCA regulated work) to whom we may refer your claim. We will never charge you for any referrals made to our panel of third parties.

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