The Energy Mis‑Selling Scandal That Could Cost You Thousands
Energy lawyers at Energy Solicitors Ltd (ESL) are waving a giant red flag for UK businesses: if you used an energy broker, you might have been hit with hidden commissions that could cost you millions—well, a few thousand pounds, but that’s a lot for a small shop.
What Happened to Queenie’s Casino Slots?
- Case‑in‑point – The little entertainment club in County Durham won about £14,000 from Engie after the court found the broker had hidden a commission in the contract.
- Why it matters – The ruling shows a pattern: brokers often pocket fees, and the real grocer (the energy supplier) keeps that money under wraps.
- “Henrietta Potter” style drama – The judge called it a “half‑secret case” because the club’s owner knew a broker would get paid but didn’t know how much or that the money came from the club’s own bill.
Why This Could Be Your Problem Too
ESL’s senior partner Victoria Myers warns that the energy market “is fractured and under‑regulated.” She says:
- Energy brokers must disclose commissions, yet many hide them.
- Big suppliers, like Engie, sometimes keep brokers happy by not revealing the fee structure.
- Other businesses could be paying £1,000 – £2,000 more each year because of these hidden costs.
- In total, the UK could be losing around £2.25 bn a year across ~2.2 million firms.
What the Court Said
The judge’s decision was a shocker for Engie: it wasn’t just a small oversight—it was deliberate concealment. Key take‑aways:
- Engie’s policy was to keep the broker’s commission secret.
- The broker set the commission size, then made a deal that wasn’t in the client’s best interest.
- Clients were locked into long‑term contracts with no cooling‑off period.
ESL’s Call to Action
“Think of it as a new PPI‑style scandal,” says Victoria. “We’re betting thousands of innocent business owners have slipped into this trap.” What’s next for you?
- Check your energy bill—look for any hidden fees or vague percentages.
- Get an independent review if you used a broker.
- Don’t be the next victim. The best defense is scrutiny.
Why a Little Fair Payment Matters
The Queenie’s owner summed it up: “For a small operation, a few thousand pounds is a big deal. Energy bills are already a monster, and you don’t want to double‑up on hidden charges.”
Bottom line
Don’t let your energy setup become a secret financial drain. Reach out to a lawyer or an independent energy consultant—your hard‑earned money deserves transparency.
