Energi‑Hustle Alert: Are You Paying for Hidden Fees?
Energy‑law brutes from Energy Solicitors Ltd (ESL) are sounding the alarm—think of them as the modern‑day Sherlocks of the power market. They say it’s time for UK businesses to pull up their sleeves and scan their energy contracts because you might be losing thousands of pounds this very week.
What Just Happened in County Durham?
- Queenies Casino Slots, a small entertainment spot, snatched a £14,000 payout from Engie. The court found that Engie and an energy broker had kept the commission secret.
- The judge dubbed it a “half‑secret case.” The casino didn’t know how much the broker would earn—until the final judgment came more than a century later.
- “Deliberate concealment,” the judge read. “Engie had kept the broker happy by not revealing the commission, and that’s a conflict of interest that put the business at a disadvantage.”
Why This Matters for Businesses (And Yes, Your Kitchen Cabinet Too)
ESL’s senior partner, Victoria Myers, explains that brokers should disclose any commissions per the law. Yet many have slipped in hidden fees, letting suppliers like Engie profit off the unsuspecting business owner. In a recent Ofgem survey, 67% of small & micro‑businesses used a broker to pick tariffs—often locking in fixed contracts for five years with no cooling‑off. Big trouble, huge pennies.
ESL’s Mission—A Massive £2.25 bn Target
“We’re hunting down the dark‑side deals and targeting the billions lost to mis‑selling batteries, not just to protect small firms but to hold the entire market accountable.”
Queenies’ CEO Is No One‑Sided Righteous Sugar
In his own words:
“Winning damages isn’t just about the money. For us, the £14k is a lifeline that keeps the lights on at Queenies. But the real shocker is the hidden commissions covering a massive part of our bill—costs many of us can’t afford to add.”
The boss warns other businesses: Do not let your bill bite, unannounced.
What’s the Big Picture? A PPI‑style Scam on the Horizon?
Victoria claims that the Engel‑broker saga could develop into a “next‑big PPI scandal” with thousands of businesses unknowingly shackled by hidden fees. A modern‑day call to arms: check contracts, fight back, and remember— the power is in your hands, not in those with the fancy titles.
Stay Informed… And Money‑wise
For anyone already chasing energy bills, the message is clear: Review your contract. Speak up. Seek help. And don’t let hidden commissions become a surprise party.
