# Energy complaints handled by ombudsman jump 16% amid cost pressures

By Simon Francis — 2026-08-24

Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, knows the energy market is letting people down after complaints handled by ombudsman rose by 16 per cent.

He said: “These figures are a warning that the energy market is still failing to get the basics right.

“It’s therefore exactly the wrong moment for Ofgem to be consulting on replacing prescriptive billing rules with a looser, outcomes-based approach.

“Its own consultation floats the idea of scrapping some requirements on bill accuracy, timeliness and meter readings, which could make it harder for consumers to understand their rights and challenge poor service when things go wrong.

“With bills set to rise again from October, this is not a minor inconvenience. A wrong or missing bill can push people into the red.

“Energy debt is already at record levels as people struggle to afford energy, while the energy industry continues to post billions in profit.”

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