| Following a probe by OFGEM (the energy industries | | | | contracts. All suppliers will have the same terminations |
| regulator) new rules have been introduced for energy | | | | policy.o All business electricity and business gas |
| suppliers of business electricity and business gas to | | | | suppliers will write to customers at least 3 months |
| micro business. | | | | before the end of the contract advising of future rates |
| OFGEM has classed micros business as companies | | | | and what to do if they wish to leave the supplier. |
| with less than 10 employees and a turn over of less | | | | Small businesses have historically struggled with |
| than 2.3 million pounds per year. | | | | knowing when to terminate their energy contracts. |
| The new rules which come into effect from the 18th | | | | Which has led to many businesses having to deal with |
| January 2010 are below:o Highlight the key terms and | | | | being rolled on to higher energy contracts for 2 or 3 |
| conditions available to small businesses at the time of | | | | years? The new rules have given business a much |
| sale, and provide full terms and conditions in writing.o All | | | | larger window of when they are able to terminate their |
| door to door sales and verbal contracts to be followed | | | | supply agreement. The new rules of when a |
| by full written terms and conditions.o Energy suppliers | | | | termination can be forwarded to a supplier are |
| will only be able to automatically roll over business | | | | between when the contract is signed up to 3 months |
| electricity and gas customer contracts for a maximum | | | | before the contract has ended. |
| of 12 monthso All small business will have the option on | | | | OFGEM will audit all business electricity and business |
| the contract to opt out of a contract roll over in the | | | | gas suppliers to insure they are following the rules. |
| future.o Small business will no longer have difficult | | | | OFGEM has warned energy suppliers that they will |
| terms and conditions regarding terminating supply | | | | face heavy fines if they do not follow the rules. |