Brokers and procurement
Supplier, broker and energy consultant: who does what?
Should we contact a supplier, broker or consultant?
The supplier sells and bills the energy under the supply contract. A broker or third-party intermediary may approach suppliers and help arrange the contract. A consultant may advise on procurement, data, efficiency or strategy, sometimes alongside brokerage. Titles are not standardised, so confirm the actual service, authority, supplier coverage and payment model.
Written by Energy Guide editorial team · Specialist review: Pending · Source checked:
The supplier holds the supply contract
The licensed supplier contracts to provide electricity or gas and issues the bill. It is responsible for supplier-side account handling, although metering, networks and industry data services may involve other parties.
A broker is an intermediary
A broker can collect requirements, seek offers and support administration. It does not become the supplier merely because it remains the main contact. If a problem arises, identify whether it concerns broker conduct, the supply contract, billing, the meter or the network.
Do not rely on the job title
Broker, consultant, procurement adviser and TPI can overlap. Establish the work and commercial relationship in writing.
- Is the organisation acting for us, for suppliers, or both?
- How many suppliers can it approach?
- Who pays it and how much?
- Does it provide independent technical advice?
- Who owns the data and supports us after signature?
Sources
These sources support the explanation above. Check the linked source for current rules and eligibility.