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Micro-Business Energy Rights: What Ofgem Guarantees You

If you qualify as a micro-business you have protections most owners never use. Here is the full list and how to invoke them.

4 June 2026 6 min read

Do you qualify?

You are a micro-business if you meet any one of: fewer than ten employees and turnover under €2m; annual electricity use under 100,000 kWh; or annual gas use under 293,000 kWh. Most independent shops, cafés, salons and small offices qualify.

Your protections

Suppliers must display contract end and notice dates on bills, cannot enforce long automatic rollovers, and must disclose broker commission where a broker is involved.

  • Maximum 30-day notice requirement to terminate at contract end
  • Written contract renewal terms provided in good time
  • Access to the Energy Ombudsman after eight weeks of unresolved complaint

Using the Ombudsman

Raise the complaint with the supplier first and get the reference. After eight weeks, or on receipt of a deadlock letter, escalate free of charge. Ombudsman decisions are binding on the supplier.

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