1. Introduction

Scope - This document sets out the Standard License Conditions (SLC) applicable to micro businesses receiving electricity and gas supply services.

Purpose - The SLC ensures fair and transparent provision of energy services to micro businesses, with a specific focus on resolving disputes through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme.

2. Definitions

Micro Business - A business that meets the criteria set by the energy regulator, typically with an annual energy consumption below a specified threshold.

ADR Scheme - The Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme, an independent body designated to handle and resolve disputes between energy suppliers and micro businesses.

3. General Rights and Obligations

Fair and Reasonable - The energy supplier shall treat micro businesses fairly and reasonably in accordance with the SLC and applicable laws.

Provision of Information - The supplier shall provide clear, accurate, and timely information regarding energy tariffs, charges, contract terms, and billing to micro businesses.

Billing and Payment - The supplier shall issue accurate and understandable bills and allow various payment methods. Micro businesses shall pay invoices within the specified timeframe.

4. Dispute Resolution

ADR Scheme Access - The energy supplier shall be a member of an approved ADR scheme, ensuring that micro businesses have access to an independent dispute resolution mechanism.

Complaint Handling - The supplier shall establish a formal procedure for handling complaints and shall inform micro businesses about the process.

ADR Scheme Referral - If a dispute remains unresolved following the supplier's complaint handling process, the micro business may refer the matter to the ADR scheme for an impartial resolution.

5. Contract Terms

Contract Clarity - The supplier shall provide micro businesses with clear and concise contracts, outlining the rights, obligations, and terms of the energy supply agreement.

Contract Information - The supplier shall disclose key contract information, including contract duration, termination conditions, and any additional charges or fees.

Notice of Contract Changes - The supplier shall give advance notice to micro businesses in case of any proposed changes to the contract terms, providing sufficient time for review and decision-making.

6. Tariffs and Pricing

Transparency - The supplier shall provide micro businesses with clear information regarding energy tariffs, including unit rates, standing charges, and any additional fees or discounts.

Contract Renewal - The supplier shall inform micro businesses about contract renewal options and any changes to the pricing structure before the current contract's expiration.

7. Metering and Consumption

Metering Accuracy - The supplier shall ensure the accuracy and proper functioning of energy meters used for measuring micro businesses' energy consumption.

Meter Readings - The supplier shall request and record meter readings regularly, providing accurate billing based on actual consumption data.

8. Billing and Payment

Billing Accuracy - The supplier shall ensure that micro businesses are billed accurately, reflecting the actual energy consumption and applicable tariffs.

Payment Disputes - In case of a billing dispute, the supplier shall promptly investigate and provide a resolution, ensuring that any necessary corrections are made.

9. Termination and Switching

Termination Notice - The supplier shall specify the notice period required for termination of the energy supply agreement by the micro business or the supplier. The notice period should be reasonable and clearly communicated to micro businesses.

Switching Process - The supplier shall facilitate a smooth switching process for micro businesses wishing to change their energy supplier, ensuring minimal disruption to the energy supply.

10. Data Protection and Privacy

Data Security - The supplier shall implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the personal data of micro businesses, in compliance with applicable data protection laws.

Privacy Notice - The supplier shall provide a clear and comprehensive privacy notice to micro businesses, outlining the types of personal data collected, the purposes of processing, and the rights of individuals.

11. Compliance and Reporting

Regulatory Compliance - The supplier shall comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry codes of practice governing the provision of energy services to micro businesses.

Reporting Obligations - The supplier shall fulfil reporting obligations to regulatory authorities, including the submission of relevant data and compliance reports.

12. Amendments and Modifications

SLC Updates - The supplier cannot update or modify the SLC. This is set by OFGEM

Notification of Changes - The supplier shall inform micro businesses about any updates or modifications to the SLC, ensuring transparency and allowing for informed decision-making. These changes will be inline with OFGEM's requirements.

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

Governing Law - The SLC shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction where the energy supply is provided.

Jurisdiction - Any disputes arising from the SLC shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the relevant jurisdiction.

14. Conclusion

Effective Date - These SLC shall become effective upon the date specified by the energy regulator or as otherwise communicated by the supplier.

Compliance - The supplier and micro businesses shall adhere to these SLC, promoting a fair and mutually beneficial relationship in the provision of energy services.