The energy ombudsman has received 37,061 cases between January and September this year, three times the number in 2013, 97% of which were found to be valid resulting in compensation or an apology from the energy supplier.
Lewis Shand Smith, the energy ombudsman said:
“The aftermath of the recession, coupled with intense political and public scrutiny of the largest energy suppliers, has left customers less willing to put up with poor service and more likely to take action”.
2014 has also seen a three-fold increase in the number of valid complaints being dismissed by “incompetent” energy suppliers despite being worthy or speedy resolution. The level has grown so rapidly that suppliers are now incorrectly turning 1,000 complaints a week away.