FAQs

In May 2019, OFGEM announced its strategic review of the microbusiness energy market. The reasons for the review were that OFGEM felt some micro-businesses were struggling to engage effectively with the market. As a result, four key points were announced.

These included disclosure of principal contractual terms, including Broker cost information, a broker dispute resolution scheme managed by the Ombudsman, banning of all termination notifications for microbusinesses and new information for microbusinesses to access for regular guidance and advice. All of these are expected to be implemented between October-December 2022.

As part of OFGEM’s microbusiness review, it was confirmed that the provision of the principal contractual terms, including third-party cost information, will be implemented. As a result, many energy suppliers continue to adapt contract paperwork and verbal scripts to reflect the change.

Each supplier will likely interpret the review findings differently, which is why we expect each supplier to take a different approach. OnlineDIRECT will continue to update brokers through its usual means of communication as soon as we have updates from each supplier.

Yes, a suitable LOA is required for all pre-contract & post-contract enquiries to the supplier to help us obtain contract information, assist you with a contract renewal and manage any query resolutions for you.

It’s also worth noting that suppliers often require a suitable dual-branded LOA for contract submission and tenders through our Bespoke pricing service. A dual-branded LOA with your details (The Energy Broker) and OnlineDIRECT is often required. These can be downloaded from our energyengine®.

It’s important to remember that the Authorised Supply Capacity is likely to have been set with the Distribution Network Operator at the capacity level to meet current or future business needs. Understanding the customer’s requirements for the present and future is very important when judging whether to a supply capacity.

It’s important to note that if a supply capacity is reduced, there is every chance the capacity could be made available elsewhere on the network. If, after careful consideration, the agreed capacity is too high for what is required, then the most appropriate route to begin reducing the capacity is to contact the Distribution Network Operator. Each operator will have forms which will need completing to begin the process.

OnlineDIRECT works with many suppliers offering multiple products which can be tailored to meet your client’s needs. We can provide fully fixed, fixed at forecast, pass-through, flexible-purchasing and many other variances depending on the supplier and the individual request.

When a product is advertised as fully-fixed, we always recommend that Brokers review the product specification in full before presenting to the customer. For SME products, this can be found via our energyengine® system or through your Account Manager for any products tendered through our Bespoke Pricing team.

The energy markets operate on a live pricing market, therefore intraday volatility often means pricing can be pulled at any time. However, bespoke pricing is generally valid on the same day it’s quoted. The deadline varies with suppliers, but the industry deadline is typically 4pm.

This can vary depending on the tender request and is often supplier dependent. However, the typical turnaround for a tender ranges from 3-5 working days. If you’re looking for something sooner, it’s worthwhile contacting your Account Manager to see what we can arrange with the supplier.

Seconds! So long as you have the consent of your Customer, and basic meter information, energyengine® will provide you with instant pricing from a range of 20+ suppliers.

Yes! We’ve spent years designing our energyengine® platform to make it very simple to use and understand.

We also know that new systems can sometime be a little scary, so we offer tailored training sessions, a support library, and a dedicated Account Management team for every Broker! You’ll get as little or as much support as you need.

Simply put – our people! When you join OnlineDIRECT, you’re not just another number, our Brokers are our Partners. Behind our state of the art broker sales system are; best-in-class Customer Service and Support Teams – focused entirely on helping you provide a premium sales service, dedicated and experienced Account Managers, world leading technology support, and a company-wide focus on helping Brokers build successful long-term businesses.

Yes! We have an experienced team of water experts who will guide you through the entire process, with access to a number of retailers to ensure the best pricing as well as water audits, installations, and site works. Visit our Water Pricing page to find out more!

We offer brokers a range of metering services, including the installation of a new meter! Through our in-house account management team we help to deliver Brokers an end-to-end service taking away all the complications. Visit our Metering page to find out more!

We have supported many of our Brokers in helping to deliver a sustainability strategy to their customers. Through effective reporting, expertise and innovative green tech we have a range of solutions to help support businesses. Contact us today to find out more!

We have access to a range of partners who can support with green technology to help brokers add value with their customers and deepen existing relationships. We even have access to partners to help them fund it! Visit our Energy Efficiency page to find out more!

We understand the importance for brokers to get paid for all their hard work! Via our energyengine® platform, we offer hassle-free, self-billed commission payments to ensure brokers are paid promptly. Our self-billing process is efficient and simple, providing brokers with all the information required to run a successful business.

We work with over 25 suppliers with varying payment schedules and complexities in how they pay. Our commissions’ team take this pain away by regularly chasing all the suppliers for payment to ensure you can focus on selling! If you’re looking for more information about a particular supplier and how they pay, contact us today, and we would be happy to help!

OnlineDIRECT will retain a portion of the broker’s commission from the supplier as our administration fee for the services we provide to you.