Ofgem

Ofgem is the Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets. Protecting consumers is its first priority. Ofgem do this by promoting competition, wherever appropriate, and regulating the monopoly companies which run the gas and electricity networks.

Other priorities and influences include:

• helping to secure Britain's energy supplies by promoting competitive gas and electricity markets - and regulating them so that there is adequate investment in the networks, and contributing to the drive to curb climate change and other work aimed at sustainable development by, for example:
• helping the gas and electricity industries to achieve environmental improvements as efficiently as possible; and
• taking account of the needs of vulnerable customers, particularly older people, those with disabilities and those on low incomes.

How is Ofgem governed?

Ofgem is governed by an Authority, consisting of non-executive and executive members and a non-executive chair. Non-executive members bring experience and expertise from a range of areas including industry, social policy, environmental work, finance and Europe. The Executive members of the Authority are Ofgem's Chief Executive and three Managing Directors.

The Authority determines strategy, sets policy priorities and takes decisions on a range of matters, including price controls and enforcement. The Authority's powers are provided for under the Gas Act 1986, the Electricity Act 1989, the Utilities Act 2000, the Competition Act 1998 and the Enterprise Act 2002. Further information is available in the Authority section of the website.

Ofgem does not deal directly with consumer complaints or enquiries.

Where a domestic or commercial energy consumer has a complaint or enquiry relating to their energy supply company or network operator, they should contact their energy supply company or network operator in the first instance.

Where a consumer has already been in contact with their energy supply company or network operator or requires information and advice on general energy issues, they should contact Consumer Direct. Click here for more information on Consumer Direct