Where do I complain about my energy company in the UK?

The short answer

Start with the company itself, in writing. If that does not solve it, an independent body settles disputes with energy companies.

📜 The rules in the UK

What to do first

Complain to your supplier or network operator first and give them 8 weeks to fix it, unless they send a deadlock letter sooner. Then raise a dispute with the Energy Ombudsman. In Northern Ireland, go to the Consumer Council instead.

Energy Ombudsman · free 📞 0330 440 1624 🔗 energyombudsman.org

Official source: ofgem.gov.uk · Checked 2026-09-27

Rules differ by region

Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) — Regulator: Ofgem. The Ofgem price cap applies to standard variable tariffs. Disputes go to the Energy Ombudsman. Power cuts: call 105. Gas emergency: 0800 111 999. Warm Home Discount available (rules differ in Scotland).
Northern Ireland — Regulator: Utility Regulator; no Ofgem price cap. Unresolved complaints go free to the Consumer Council (0800 121 6022), which also runs an official price comparison tool. Power cuts: NIE Networks 03457 643 643. Gas emergency: 0800 002 001. No Warm Home Discount; no smart meters yet (rollout planned from 2028).

🪜 Step by step

Complain to the companyWrite to customer service: the problem, what you want, and proof. Ask for a reference number.
Note the deadlineSee below how long the company has to answer before you can escalate in the UK.
Go to the dispute bodyIf there is no solution, file your case with the dispute body below.
Report rule-breakingYou can also inform the regulator. It does not settle individual cases everywhere, but it uses complaints to act.

📇 Who to contact

Energy OmbudsmanSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 0330 440 1624 🔗 www.energyombudsman.org

Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.ofgem.gov.uk

Utility Regulator (Northern Ireland)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.uregni.gov.uk

Citizens Advice (Great Britain) / Consumer Council for Northern IrelandIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk

❓ Questions

Does it cost anything?

Many dispute bodies are free for consumers. The details for the UK are on this page.

Is the decision binding?

That differs per country and body. The dispute body explains it before you start.

Can I still go to court?

Yes. Going to a dispute body does not take away your right to go to court.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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📣 Where do I complain about my energy company in the UK?