At a time when energy costs can make the difference between survival and insolvency, the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has been made aware of a practice on the part of energy companies, which gives rise to a potential legal claim which may be of interest and assistance to the owners of equestrian properties.
In the non-domestic energy market, it is common for suppliers to pay commissions to brokers who introduce customers to the suppliers. These commissions are typically calculated as an ‘uplift’ on the unit cost of electricity or gas, which is directly passed on to the customer. Often these commissions are either completely secret, or inadequately disclosed.
It is a peculiarity of the situation that whilst businesses should know if they used a broker, if the broker was not fully transparent with them they will not know (without asking their energy supplier) whether commissions were charged, the amount, or how they were calculated or paid.
Specialist law firm, Harcus Parker is mounting a group claim against a number of different energy companies. A group claim enables claimants to seek compensation where it would otherwise be uneconomic to do so. Litigating as a group also brings about speed, efficiency, and cost economies by way of sharing information, documentation, and the risks of bringing the case. The claim, if successful, will achieve two things: compensation for past overpayment of energy costs; and pressure to put a stop to the practice in future.
The law firm will act on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis, so you will not be required to make any upfront payment to us. Their fee will be calculated as a proportion of any damages received. We have also committed to donating 2% of any damages received (from their fee) to a number of charities, including those whose members are particularly affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
If you feel that you may have been mis-sold a new energy package, it is possible to sign up to the claim directly by opting in through this link:
Harcus Parker: Energy Litigation
It should take you no more than 10 minutes to register through the link and if you have any difficulties the firm can provide assistance.
They require 2 documents from those applying to include you in the process.
- The contract you signed with the energy broker at the start of the contract.
- One bill so the supplier of the energy can be identified. Should the payment of commission not have been disclosed the energy supplier has a legal obligation to disclose this to the law firm.
I have attached for your information:
- Harcus Parker Energy Claims Briefing Note
- Undislosed Comission Claims: Advice (Provided for the sole purpose of deciding whether to instruct Harcus Parker Limited in litigation)
Please do feel free to share this with other businesses that you think may be similarly impacted upon.