6 Key Takeaways from #ELCC2025 Every TPI Needs to Know

2025’s ELCC brought together suppliers, TPIs, consultants, and tech innovators for a high-impact day of discussion on where the UK energy market is heading next.

On the day that also saw an impassioned Westminster Hall debate on Regulatory powers of energy suppliers to businesses take place (1st July 2025), a packed agenda at the Chicago Booth London Conference Centre the saw a range of panels tackle TPI regulation myths, the exploration of Net Zero opportunities for TPIs, Growth & tech for TPIs, Energy market trends and more.  

Many of the themes from ELCC 2024 carried through into this year’s conference, underscoring persistent pressure on brokers to prove value, stay compliant, and lead clients confidently into a lower-carbon future. ELCC 2025 simply turned up the volume and delivered a clear message: the TPI landscape is evolving fast – and brokers that adapt now will be the ones that lead. 

With regulation on the horizon, AI moving from buzzword to baseline, and customer expectations rising, staying ahead has never been more critical. 

OnlineDIRECT was on the ground, with Liam Teske (Head of Technology & Business Oversight), Dan Nichols (TPI Sales Manager), and David Bonham (New Business Account Manager) covering every session.

Here’s your definitive round-up. 

ELCC2025 Keynote speaker, Louise van Rensburg (Ofgem)

 

1 – TPI Regulation: Still no mandate, but the clock is ticking

Session Panel: Timothy Hipperson (Hipperson Consulting), Dan Parry (Shell Energy) 

The debate around broker regulation is intensifying. Ofgem made it clear that while it currently lacks the resources or remit to regulate TPIs directly, it strongly supports more structure and accountability across the sector.  

This session reinforced that regulation is not a question of if, but when—and brokers who wait risk being caught out. 

Ofgem’s keynote confirmed it: they won’t be regulating TPIs any time soon. The regulator lacks the resource, and the government will need to step in for formal regulation to happen. 

That said, the industry isn’t off the hook. Ofgem still wants to see suppliers and TPIs aligned on customer outcomes and Net Zero goals. A formal Code of Practice is likely if Ofgem is ever appointed as regulator—and billing remains the number one complaint from customers. 

“What stood out for me was the ongoing delay in formal mandated regulation and the increasing importance of brokers proactively self-regulating and adopting best practices.”  

— Liam Teske 

 

2 – Net Zero: A commercial opportunity in disguise

Session Panel: Paul Bowtell (Ecotricity), Paul Linnane (ElectraLink), Paul O’Connor (ENGIE), Scott Marasco (SSE) 

Net Zero isn’t just an environmental imperative, it’s a commercial lever waiting to be pulled. The panel made it clear that brokers who understand the motivations behind client sustainability goals will be better positioned to offer valuable, credible solutions. As suppliers and financiers remain hesitant, TPIs have an opening to lead. 

From landlords to brokers, every player has a stake in Net Zero. The panel made one thing clear: small and medium-sized businesses need support to reduce their carbon footprint and adapt to the green transition. 

Customers are interested and do want support with their Net Zero transformations. However, the current lack of easy-to-access and consume information means many still don’t “trust” the solutions on offer, and others just want an incremental change.

Brokers who step up by grouping customers to access better green deals, helping them use energy more efficiently, and connecting them with funding will be in the strongest position to succeed.

Understanding – and helping customers to better understand – building management systems, consumption/usage and engaging with MHHS are all great places to start.

 

3 – What successful TPIs are doing differently

Session panel: Sally-Ann Beaver (Utility Aid), Georgina Penfold (Spraga), Aimee Konieczny (Indigo Swan), Richard Price (Tickd) 

 Culture, clarity, and customer-centricity were common themes among high-performing TPIs according to the panel who offered with their simple, powerful advice: 

  • Invest in people and culture 
  • Specialise before you diversify 
  • Do the right thing, always 
  • Use AI to scale, but build on solid process foundations. Structured, well-managed data is key – it’s what turns information into insight, and insight into action. 

The most successful brokers aren’t trying to be everything to everyone—they’re focused, ethical, and building from a strong internal culture. This session served as a reminder that scaling starts with people and principles, not just platforms. 

 

4 – Smart tools & TPI growth: AI is here to stay

Session Panel: Alan Fordham (SystemsLink), David Sheldrake (POWWR), Paul Brannen (Jellyfish), Philip Best (Optima)   

This session put the spotlight on where brokers must go next: automation, data-driven insights, and tech-led service.  

As MHHS and half-hourly data become standard for all businesses, brokers will need platforms that can interpret this data, optimise usage, and improve reporting. Tech is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s core to survival. 

The tech panel showed a clear divide: those who are ready to automate and those who are falling behind. Brokers are under pressure to deliver more with fewer resources. 

Key themes: 

  • Real-time platforms and automation are no longer optional 
  • Lack of energy managers and technical expertise is a real blocker 
  • Audits, DEC certs, and optimisation services are growing fast 
  • The smart use of HH data is a competitive edge—but few are tapping into it 

While the tech panel was a mixed bag, one clear message emerged: we need a coherent MHHS data strategy. Brokers must ask: How do we use HH data to forecast, report, or serve clients better?

“The overriding message from this year’s ELCC was that AI is going to be heavily involved in dealing with, what I feel, are tumultuous times ahead for the industry.

“There was a real focus on doing right by your customers in order avoid issues in the future and investing in your future. With that though, comes opportunity to be a key player in this future.”

– David Bonham

Session Panel: Louis Ward (Npower), Tejal Shah (Flagship Energy), Charles Ramsay (TGP) 

No matter how good the tech or how clear the ethics, brokers still operate in a volatile market. This session provided a grounding look at what’s driving price fluctuations and future supply constraints.  

Energy costs, infrastructure, and demand-side pressures are shifting—and brokers must forecast and adapt accordingly. 

  • Expect price pressure through October: pipeline maintenance, cold snaps, global tensions 
  • Long-term: nuclear, fusion, LNG diversification, and storage (e.g. Rough facility) will reshape stability 
  • Data centre demand and cooling needs flagged as growing pressure points 

On a side note, we also noted Vest Energy’s presence at the conference, and see this as a subtle sign that battery storage is no longer considered quite so “niche”. Expect growing broker opportunities in decentralised solutions, flexibility, and low-carbon assets as part of SME and corporate procurement.

“Reinforcement of the importance of being an expert in the area you are discussing with customers was one of things that most stood out for me. In an ever–changing industry, it is vital that experts are used to avoid disappointment.

“For Brokers, the beauty of being part of OnlineDIRECT’s Broker Network is that we can assist with knowledge gaps, relationships with suppliers and providers and utilising our partners who are all experts in their fields to better support
your clients.”
– Dan Nichols

6 – A brave new world: Self-regulation or be regulated

Session panel: Panel: Chris Shaw (ECA & Utility Bidder), John Dixon (ReCCo), Dan Sullivan (SEFE) 

This closing panel was a wake-up call: formal regulation might still be two years away, but brokers who fail to act now may be left behind. Voluntary codes, transparent practices, and accreditation initiatives are stepping stones. The industry has a choice—shape its own future, or wait to have one imposed. 

Chris Shaw (ECA) noted that formal legislation could still be at least two years away. In the meantime, discussions pointed to a growing sense that brokers should take greater ownership of standards. Topics raised included: 

  • A central TPI accreditation list 
  • Transparent, voluntary codes 
  • Proactive governance from within the sector 

OnlineDIRECT is already preparing brokers for this shift.  

“Our focus is on equipping brokers with tools and expertise that help them confidently navigate this evolving landscape.”
— Liam Teske 

Final thoughts 

From commission rules to carbon solutions, the TPI market is evolving fast. Those who stay sharp, double down on value, and lead with trust will come out ahead. 

The broker of the future is tech-enabled, data-savvy, and deeply customer-focused. OnlineDIRECT is here to help TPIs be that broker, today – working closely with suppliers, brokers, and regulators to keep you informed and competitive. 

Want to explore how we can support your growth, compliance, or Net Zero strategy? Talk to your Account Manager or get in touch about joining our Broker Network.