the Upcoming Winter Season, with a Focus on Improving Suppliers' Resilience and Customer Service Standards

With gas and electricity costs expected to peak during this time, Ofgem is responding to customer complaints about poor customer service standards and implementing new rules to ensure that households can easily contact suppliers for support if they are struggling to pay.

In order to improve suppliers' resilience to market shocks, Ofgem is planning to introduce a minimum capital requirement.

This is part of its efforts to ensure a stable energy market and build on the new rules brought in last November to strengthen suppliers' business models.

Additionally, Ofgem is looking to protect households' credit balances better by exploring the possibility of ordering suppliers to ringfence a portion of their holdings.

For non-household customers, including businesses, Ofgem plans to examine broker practices following suggestions that large commissions are being added to bills.

Energy bills for businesses have been slower to come down after the spikes witnessed over the past year due to unprecedented wholesale gas costs.

However, the industry regulator is determined to improve suppliers' support of consumers, with lines of communication being broadened and open for longer, including on weekends.

Early intervention to offer support, such as temporary repayment holidays, to customers who are unable to pay will also be encouraged.

Ofgem's Director, Neil Lawrence, emphasized the importance of good customer service, particularly for vulnerable consumers, and stated that every supplier must raise their game to provide a consistent service that customers can rely on.

The regulator's proposals are aimed at making a positive difference for consumers and are expected to be in place before the winter months return.

The proposals have been welcomed by interest groups, especially those hit hardest by rising energy costs.

UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls noted that energy costs are up by 80% year-on-year and that almost half of businesses who signed a contract at the peak of the energy crisis fear their business is at risk of failure.

She added that it is reassuring to see Ofgem taking steps to support the hospitality sector.

In conclusion, Ofgem's proposals aim to provide greater protections for households and businesses ahead of