Ofgem intends to confirm provisional order on Npower

Energy regulator Ofgem has announced it intends to confirm a provisional order on big six supplier Npower requiring it to “fully co-operate” in the latest simplified collective switch trial.

Ofgem issued the provisional order on 24 September after Npower had “refused to fully comply”.

Suppliers are required to take part in Ofgem’s programme of consumer engagement trials which are testing ways to help those on more expensive default deals to save money through switching, the regulator said.

The trial of 100,000 Npower customers is now underway and confirmation of the provisional order will ensure that Npower “fully co-operates in all aspects of the trial.”

This includes processing switches by its customers involved in the trial, weekly reporting on progress and providing Ofgem with results after the trial has been completed.

In response to the announcement, an Npower spokesperson said: “Npower is complying with the terms of the provisional order and will continue to do so.

“This collective switch trial has raised important issues which we continue to pursue in the courts.”

Earlier this month Utility Week revealed that Npower was continuing with its application for a “fuller” court hearing to address “important issues” raised by the collective switching trial process.

Following an investigation into the energy market carried out by the Competition and Markets Authority between 2014 and 2016, Ofgem introduced powers to oblige suppliers to participate in its consumer engagement trials.

In August, the regulator issued Npower with a formal direction requiring the company to allow 100,000 customers on more expensive default deals for three years or more to take part in the next collective switch trial this winter.

Ofgem said it is now “consulting on the intention to confirm the provisional order and will publish a final decision in December”.