Utilities customers get a better deal

Utility Auditing is helping to set up a new professional industry body called the Utilities Intermediaries Association (UIA) to improve professional standards in energy brokerage and consultancy.

Rising energy prices have opened the door to increasing numbers of opportunists promising to deliver cheaper business energy deals and it is very difficult for customers to tell the difference between the rogue and respected broker.

With around 60 per cent of utilities being purchased through intermediaries this is now a real concern, says North West-based Utility Auditing , which is helping to set up a new professional industry body called the Utilities Intermediaries Association (UIA) to improve professional standards in energy brokerage and consultancy.

One of its aims will be to force those underperforming suppliers to take notice and fulfil their responsibilities to improve standards within the market place.

UIA is a not for profit company with a mission to enhance the reputation of the industry and give confidence to customers as well as providing a strong representative voice and support for third party intermediaries.

The launch of the Code of Practice is scheduled to take place on 5 July 2006.

Says Jeff Wealands, technical director for Utility Auditing and a UIA Council Member "It is time to regulate our industry and ensure that customers can clearly identify those businesses which adhere to professional standards and will deliver the best service".

UIA, whose initiative is endorsed by energywatch, is creating a register of reputable and professional brokers and consultants who meet stringent requirements and agree and operate to a strict code of practice.

It is also developing a process whereby dissatisfied customers of UIA registered intermediaries can seek redress.

"UIA will be providing networking and training opportunities for members of the association to help them continuously improve standards and increasingly differentiate themselves from unregulated operators", continues Wealands.

"In everything we do we will seek to be open, transparent and ethical.".

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