Questions to ask any energy broker

Brokers, consultants and comparison services all help businesses buy energy, and the labels are not always used consistently. What matters is what the company does, how it is paid, and what you sign. We are a broker, paid by commission, so these are the questions we expect you to ask us too.

Questions to ask

• How are you paid, and by whom? How much commission is in the price, in pence per kWh and in pounds per year?
• Which suppliers do you compare: a panel, or the whole market? Which ones did you ask for my quote?
• Do you receive different commission from different suppliers?
• Will you tell me if staying with my current supplier is the better option?
• What do I sign, what does a Letter of Authority let you do, and how do I withdraw it?
• Which redress scheme are you a member of, and how do I complain?

What the rules say

Since 1 October 2024, suppliers have had to show broker fees in the principal terms of non-domestic energy contracts. From December 2024, suppliers may only work with brokers that belong to a redress scheme, such as the Energy Ombudsman or the UIA, for small-business contracts. So you should be able to see the commission in writing, and have somewhere to go if things go wrong.

Our answers

ITEA Limited trades as BizUp360. How we are paid. When you sign a contract we arranged, the supplier pays ITEA Limited a commission. For energy and gas this is usually included in your unit rate or standing charge. The amount is shown in your contract's principal terms, and we will tell you in writing, in pence per kWh and in pounds per year, before you sign. We compare offers from a panel of suppliers, not the whole market. We may receive different commission from different suppliers, and we will always tell you what we receive. We will tell you if staying put is the better option, and you are free to say no to any offer.