CASE STUDY

SO ENERGY

We help challenger energy supplier So Energy raise their political profile, positioning them as an energy consumer champion and delivering specific policy wins that have stopped customers getting overcharged.

OVERVIEW

We work with So Energy’s policy and regulation team to develop detailed policy position papers on issues like the need for a social tariff for vulnerable customers, and the need to protect customers from acquisition-only tariffs.

We then refine these and seek wider buy-in through industry and consumer group engagement, before presenting them to Government, Ofgem and MPs.

Alongside 1-2-1 engagement with political stakeholders, we hold annual MP drop-ins to brief politicians on the latest energy pricing trends, what industry and government support is available to customers struggling to pay their bills, and what policy action is needed to ensure customers are better protected from price shocks and overcharging. Previous events have been hosted alongside National Energy Action, Citizens Advice and EnergyUK.

OUTCOME

So Energy regularly give evidence to Select Committee inquiries on retail energy issues, and participate in industry-wide roundtables with Ministers and Ofgem.

A recent policy win has included successfully calling on Ofgem to overturn a decision that would have allowed suppliers to overcharge their loyal customers by offering teaser deals on switching websites. So Energy and a host of consumer groups coordinated a joint letter to Ofgem, and commissioned polling making the case for the U-turn, which resulted in Ofgem banning acquisition-only tariffs from price comparison websites.