Energy Independence Bill: POWWR's Initial Response to a Changing Energy Market

Following the introduction of the Energy Independence Bill on 4 November 2026 and our subsequent webinar with Ofgem, POWWR explores what the proposed reforms mean for energy brokers, third-party intermediaries and suppliers.

The introduction of the UK Government's Energy Independence Bill to Parliament on 4 November 2026 marks a significant moment for the energy industry. While the legislation proposes wide-ranging reforms addressing affordability, consumer protection and the transition to a more flexible energy system, one development is particularly significant for the business energy market: the proposed regulation of energy brokers and third-party intermediaries (TPIs). For the first time, these organisations could be brought under direct regulatory oversight by Ofgem, introducing a statutory framework for authorisation, conduct standards, monitoring and enforcement.

At POWWR, we welcome this direction of travel. We believe the proposals represent an opportunity not simply to strengthen regulatory compliance, but to create a more transparent, trusted and efficient energy sales ecosystem.

What does the Bill mean for energy intermediaries?

Energy brokers and TPIs provide an essential service, helping businesses navigate complex energy markets, compare commercial propositions and secure appropriate contracts. However, concerns surrounding mis-selling, undisclosed commissions and inconsistent commercial practices have contributed to calls for greater oversight.

The proposed legislation would give Ofgem powers to authorise intermediaries, establish conduct requirements, monitor market activity and take enforcement action where necessary.

Although the legislation remains subject to parliamentary scrutiny, it signals a fundamental change in how the intermediary market may operate. For responsible brokers, this could provide an opportunity to demonstrate their value, build customer confidence and differentiate through transparent commercial practices.

Our discussion with Ofgem: what happens next?

On 5 November, just one day after the Bill was introduced, POWWR hosted a webinar with representatives from Ofgem to discuss the proposals and their implications for the intermediary market. The discussion reinforced several important messages.

• Ofgem is seeking to establish a proportionate, outcome-focused regulatory framework that strengthens consumer protection without unnecessarily restricting competition or innovation.
• The regulator commenced its review of the TPI market in June 2026, with findings expected in early 2027. These will inform the development of authorisation requirements, conduct standards and monitoring arrangements.
• Ofgem also indicated that developing the full regulatory framework could take at least two years following the introduction of its statutory powers, with implementation dependent on parliamentary progress and subsequent regulatory decisions.
• Crucially, the industry has an opportunity to help shape the framework before detailed requirements are finalised.
• The webinar also highlighted Ofgem's interest in how digitalisation, automation and potentially AI could make regulatory processes more efficient and accessible.

Building transparency into the transaction

At POWWR, we believe regulatory readiness and commercial efficiency should not be competing priorities.

Historically, energy sales transactions have relied on disconnected systems, manual processes and fragmented information. Customer authority, tender submissions, pricing, contracts and commission calculations may all be managed separately, creating duplication, administrative complexity and limited visibility across the transaction lifecycle.

As regulatory expectations evolve, demonstrating how commercial decisions were made, approved and executed will become increasingly valuable. Technology can embed transparency and accountability directly into these workflows. From validating customer authority and recording contractual terms to maintaining auditable transaction histories and reconciling commissions, connected digital processes can support stronger governance while reducing operational friction.

Although specific future commission disclosure requirements have not yet been established, greater visibility and traceability already deliver commercial benefits for brokers, suppliers and their customers.

The opportunity for technology and AI

Digitalisation also creates opportunities to improve how organisations respond to evolving regulatory requirements. Automation can reduce manual verification, improve information accuracy and support consistent processes. AI could further assist with document processing, identifying inconsistencies and managing operational exceptions.

However, automation must be accompanied by reliable data, appropriate controls and traceable decision-making, particularly where commercially significant or compliance-related decisions are involved.

Through POWWR's Unified Platform, we are building connected capabilities spanning meter and Letter of Authority validation, tender management, pricing, contracts and commission reconciliation. Our ambition is to simplify the complexity of energy sales by making commercial processes more connected, efficient and transparent by design.

Looking ahead: shaping the future together

The Energy Independence Bill represents more than a regulatory milestone. It presents an opportunity to rethink how suppliers, brokers and TPIs interact, share information and build customer trust. While precise requirements will take time to emerge, organisations can already begin evaluating their governance, commercial processes and technology infrastructure. POWWR will continue engaging with Ofgem, our customers and the wider industry as the proposals develop.

This initial response is the beginning of that conversation.

In our forthcoming white paper, Energy Independence Bill: Building a More Transparent and Connected Energy Sales Market, we will explore the proposed framework in greater depth, examine its implications for brokers, TPIs and suppliers, and consider how technology can help the industry prepare.

Our belief is simple: the greatest opportunity is not merely to adapt to regulation, but to use it as a catalyst for building a more connected, efficient and trusted energy market.

This article reflects POWWR's perspective on the Energy Independence Bill as introduced on 4 November 2026 and insights from our webinar with Ofgem on 5 November. The Bill remains subject to parliamentary scrutiny, and future regulatory requirements have not yet been finalised.

About POWWR

 POWWR is a cloud-based software provider for the energy and utilities sector. Its advanced platforms and simple solutions help over 30 energy suppliers and more than 1,600 brokers win more deals and grow their businesses. The company was previously known as UD Group in the United Kingdom. 

For more information on POWWR, please visit https://www.powwr.com/ or contact Jo Forsdike at jo.forsdike@powwr.com.