Meta Description:
98% of energy brokers operate outside basic transparency standards. Whilst you negotiate what should be the simplest utility purchase, hidden commissions and vague fees are the industry norm—not the exception. Discover how to separate the trustworthy consultants from those cutting corners.
What Is the TPI Code of Practice?
When you’re hunting for an energy consultant, the TPI Code of Practice should be on your radar. It’s a voluntary structure that sets standards for brokers operating between your business and energy suppliers. Think of it as a quality benchmark. RECCo, an independent body regulated by Ofgem, runs the whole thing.
Here’s the kicker. The Code demands broker transparency on all charges and contract terms. No hidden fees. No surprises. It also requires customer consent through Letters of Authority before anyone acts on your behalf. Brokers must also inform customers that their service is provided according to the Code and where the Code can be found. This commitment to energy management partnership principles ensures that your broker works transparently to align your energy strategy with your business goals. Reputable consultants provide clear reporting that highlights measurable results to demonstrate the value of their recommendations.
Sounds great, right? Well, hold on. As of January 2026, only 52 companies have signed up. Out of 2,700+. That’s less than 2%. Blimey. This matters because the energy broker market is currently unregulated, meaning standards vary wildly from one company to the next.
Seven Promises Every TPI Code Broker Makes
Here’s the thing—these brokers also can’t use high-pressure tactics.
No bullying. No exploiting your inexperience.
And if something goes wrong? They’re registered with dispute resolution schemes. If you’re unhappy with a response, you can escalate to bodies like the Energy Ombudsman for micro businesses.
You’ve got backup. Real accountability exists here.
Only 2% of Brokers Have Signed the TPI Code
Out of more than 2,700 energy brokers operating in the UK, only 52 have actually signed the TPI Code of Practice. That’s less than 2% of the industry. This low adoption rate contrasts sharply with the growing number of businesses committing to verified social and environmental standards through alternative frameworks. Choosing a broker who prioritises comprehensive energy compliance solutions ensures your business meets regulatory requirements whilst optimising operational efficiency.
Why Adoption Remains Low
Despite all the fanfare around the TPI Code of Practice, only about 2% of energy brokers have actually signed it. That’s not a typo. Market awareness is basically nonexistent—most businesses don’t even know the Code exists. So why would brokers bother?
Here’s what’s really going on:
- No enforcement teeth. Ofgem can’t mandate it. Regulatory uncertainty means brokers face zero penalties for ignoring the whole thing.
- Transparency costs money. Signing means disclosing commissions, training staff, and registering for dispute resolution. Non-signatories skip all that hassle. Many brokers lack investment in the energy audits and monitoring infrastructure that responsible advisors employ to serve their clients properly.
- The biggest players aren’t playing. Major national brokers and comparison site operators? Largely absent from the signatory list.
Businesses seeking energy optimisation through comprehensive energy assessments would benefit from working with accredited brokers who demonstrate commitment to transparent practices. Basically, brokers are gambling that mandatory regulation won’t arrive anytime soon. And honestly? They’re probably right.
Voluntary Standards Fall Short
So those adoption numbers we just mentioned? They paint a pretty bleak scene. Out of an estimated 2,200 brokers and consultants in the non-domestic market, only 23 had signed the Code by July 2024. That’s roughly 2%. Yikes.
This creates serious market fragmentation. You’ve got a tiny group playing by the rules. Everyone else? Doing their own thing. Without real-time reporting on consultant compliance, organisations cannot easily verify adherence to ethical standards.
Here’s the kicker. The whole system runs on voluntary participation. No one’s forcing compliance. No one’s tracking who’s actually following through. There’s no thorough monitoring structure to objectively measure TPI performance. Organisations committed to ethical green growth understand that voluntary standards without enforcement mechanisms undermine market integrity and accountability.
Finding Verified Signatories
Finding a broker who’s actually signed the TPI Code? Good luck. Only 52 brokers out of an estimated 2,700+ have actually committed. That’s less than 2% of the entire industry. Blimey.
Here’s what you’re up against:
- Industry directories remain your best bet – they list verified signatories you can actually trust
- Broker vetting falls entirely on you – there’s no enforcement holding unsigned brokers accountable
- Hidden fees run rampant amongst non-signatories – no standardised disclosure requirements exist
The reality? Most brokers operate without any transparency requirements. Some even pretend to be actual energy suppliers.
Between 50% and 80% of businesses use these intermediaries, yet reliable verification methods barely exist. You’re not alone in feeling frustrated. The system’s broken.
How to Verify Your Broker’s TPI Code Status
Tracking down whether your energy broker actually holds a valid TPI Code status? Yeah, it’s not exactly straightforward. The industry doesn’t hand out a simple verification checklist. Frustrating, right?
Here’s what you can actually do:
| Action | What to Request | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Contact the parent energy company | Confirmation of TPI compliance | Direct source verification |
| Request documentation | Valid Letters of Authority | Proves legitimate authorisation |
| Ask about complaint handling | Written procedures and records | Shows accountability standards |
No independent audit database exists for quick lookups. You’ll need to dig. Request their LOA directly. It should show company letterhead, registration number, and explicit permissions. If they dodge? Red flag. Your community of savvy business owners knows better.
Red Flags Your Broker Isn’t Following the TPI Code
Spotting a shady broker isn’t rocket science if you know what to look for.
Hidden commission structures are a major warning sign—we’re talking about brokers who embed 3-5p/kWh uplifts in your rates without bothering to tell you, then act like their service is “free.”
Other red flags include limited supplier quote options (because they’re pushing contracts that pay them the most, not ones that fit your needs) and missing consent documentation that leaves you without proof of what you actually agreed to.
Hidden Commission Structures
When your energy broker dodges questions about how they get paid, that’s not coyness—it’s a red flag. Hidden commissions are the industry’s worst-kept secret. And honestly? You deserve better.
The TPI Code demands transparency. Full stop. Legitimate brokers tell you upfront how much they’re making and when. The shady ones? They wait until after you’ve signed.
Watch for these warning signs:
- No written documentation explaining their fee structure before contract signing
- Broker incentives that only get mentioned in passing—or not at all
- Vague answers about how they’re compensated by suppliers
Here’s the thing: if they won’t explain it, they’re probably hiding something. The Energy Ombudsman’s complaint data backs this up. You’re not paranoid. You’re paying attention.
Limited Supplier Quote Options
Although your broker swears they’ve searched the entire market, those three nearly identical quotes tell a different story. Limited options often signal supplier bias—your broker’s working from a short list that benefits their commission structure, not your bottom line.
Here’s what proper documentation looks like versus what you’re probably getting:
| What You Should Receive | What Shady Brokers Provide | The Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Written market search records | Verbal assurances only | No paper trail |
| Justification for excluded suppliers | “Trust me” explanations | Zero accountability |
| Competitive assessment data | Single-digit quote options | Restricted supplier pool |
Real talk? If your broker can’t produce documentation explaining why major suppliers were excluded from your comparison, that’s a problem. Those “best available quotes” might just be the best available commissions.
Missing Consent Documentation
Before your broker ever picks up the phone to negotiate on your behalf, they’re supposed to have one essential document locked down: a signed Letter of Authority. No LOA? No action. It’s that simple.
Here’s what incomplete authorisation looks like in practice:
- Your broker starts negotiating contracts before you’ve signed anything
- You never receive a copy of the LOA for your own records
- The document doesn’t clearly explain what actions they’re allowed to take
Missing paperwork isn’t just sloppy. It’s a genuine red flag. Without proper consent documentation, you’re looking at potential contract invalidation. Yeah, the whole thing could fall apart.
The TPI Code exists because you deserve transparency. You’re part of a community of businesses demanding better. Don’t settle for brokers who skip the basics.
What Happens When a Broker Violates the TPI Code?
Breaking the rules comes with consequences—that’s the whole point of having a code in the first place.
Rules without consequences are just suggestions—accountability is what transforms a code into actual protection.
When a broker messes up, breaches get sorted into two buckets: minor and major.
Minor stuff? Isolated slip-ups that don’t hurt anyone.
Major violations? That’s where things get ugly. We’re talking customer harm, fraud, or repeated offences.
Sanctions range from written warnings to full-on broker expulsion. Yeah, they can actually get kicked out.
And here’s the kicker—other suppliers must refuse to work with expelled brokers. Done.
Customer compensation enters the frame when complaints check out and fraud gets proven.
The amounts? Totally up to the supplier’s discretion.
Everything gets documented.
Decisions are binding. No wiggle room.
Where to Find TPI Code Signatories
So the Code has teeth. But here’s the thing—you’ve got to know where to look. The REC Portal is your go-to spot for data verification. It’s the official registry, maintained by RECCo on behalf of Ofgem.
Portal wayfinding is pretty straightforward:
- Head to the REC Portal and use the search function
- Type in the company name (try variations if nothing pops up)
- Check if they’re listed as a verified signatory
That’s it. No complicated process.
Here’s the blunt truth, though. Only about 52 companies out of 2,700+ brokers have actually signed. That’s roughly 2%.
Most big names? Nowhere to be found.
The list isn’t long, but the companies on it have committed to transparency principles in writing. That matters.
