AN organisation based in Daresbury has been visited by the new Minister for Energy Consumers.

Daresbury Park-based Energy Ombudsman has welcomed MP Miatta Fahnbulleh to its head office.

Approved by Ofgem, Energy Ombudsman plays an important role in building trust in the energy sector by providing a free and impartial service for resolving disputes between consumers and energy suppliers.

Over the past 12 months, Energy Ombudsman handled more than 100,000 disputes, demonstrating its significant role in the sector.

During the visit, Energy Ombudsman highlighted the work being done to support energy consumers and drive positive change across the industry.

The team discussed how it utilises complaints data and consumer insight to work with suppliers to improve the consumer experience in the energy sector.

Ms Fahnbulleh had the opportunity to meet with dispute resolution executives who manage the disputes, talking to consumers daily.

As well as an office tour, chief ombudsman for energy Ed Dodman and group CEO Simon Palmer provided further insight into the wider work of Energy Ombudsman.

Simon said "It was a privilege to host the minister and share our commitment to consumer protections, with a view to building trust between consumers and energy suppliers.

“Our collaboration with political stakeholders is key to shaping effective policies that benefit all energy users.”

Ed added: “We thank Miatta Fahnbulleh for her time and valuable discussion.

“It was an important experience for our team, and we look forward to continuing to build on our relationship to ensure that energy consumers remain at the heart of industry developments."

Ms Fahnbulleh commented: “We are working to make sure that everyone is treated fairly in our energy market.

“So, it was great to see the work the Energy Ombudsman is doing to help resolve disputes and deliver positive outcomes for consumers.

“An extra 200,000 businesses will be eligible to reach out to the Ombudsman by the end of the year, along with heat network customers in the near future, expanding protections for more energy users.”