The
Code was launched in May 2003 and benefits
residential consumers by providing added
protection to that already enshrined in
law, detailing clear standards which energy
Sales Agents must follow. Integral to the
Code is the EnergySure Accreditation Scheme
which all Member companies must operate
which covers the rigorous selection, training
and assessment of Sales Agents. The Code
includes a requirement for compensation
to be offered when there is evidence that
a Sales Agent has fraudulently completed
a consumer contract.
The Code is sponsored by the Association
of Energy Suppliers (“AES”)
and is committed to the promotion of best
practice in energy selling. Since September
2003 the AES has been under the control
of the ERA.
Governance of the Code is undertaken through
the AES. The rules of the AES require Code
Members to comply with the Code and to be
subject to the disciplinary procedures set
out in the Code. The Association has appointed
a Code Manager to carry out the supervision,
administration and day-to-day operation
of the Code. The Code Manager acts independently
of all Members in operating the Code, putting
into place monitoring procedures regarding
Member performance, ensuring corrective
action where agreed performance standards
are not met and setting sanctions consistent
with the Code. In addition an annual audit
of individual Member’s compliance
with the Code is carried out by the Code
Auditor an independent body appointed by
AES who is a firm of registered auditors.
Deloitte was appointed as the new Code Auditor in 2007.
Supporting the Code’s governance
framework is the Code Panel whose members
are independent and come from a variety
of backgrounds, including consumer representation
and the wider business field. The Panel
is the means whereby appeals from Code Members
against decisions of the Code Manager will
be heard, and it will also take an overview
of the operation of the Code and put forward
recommendations.
Since ERA assumed responsibility for AES
much work has been done by AES with its
Members to ensure that Members have appropriate
procedures and processes in place which
enable them and their Sales Agents to comply
with the Code. AES works closely with its
Members who are continuously working to
improve sales practices across the industry.
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