Crackdown on switch bar

The energy regulator Ofgem has pledged to crack down on suppliers that try to stop businesses from switching supplier after allegations that British Gas Business incorrectly objected to some firms moving.

Under a slew of new proposals it published yesterday to make the energy market fairer for small businesses, Ofgem said it would extend protection currently covering the smallest firms to another 150,000 companies, more than 90 per cent of the market.

It also wants suppliers to state clearly on all bills when contracts end so firms do not get caught out by rollovers on to more expensive tariffs.