Our members share a set of common features, missions and principles:
We are Publicly-Mandated
By handling consumer disputes as an external appeals body mandated by public authorities, our members strike a balance between customers and energy service providers and ensure the general interest in energy markets is respected.
We are not-for-profit
Our members are autonomous authorities that have received a mandate from federal, national, regional or local authorities and report to them; their aim is to protect consumers and not to make a profit. This is also why they are free of charge for the consumer.
We are Independent
Our members are independent both from consumers and from companies over which they have jurisdiction.
We are Transparent
Our members publish at least one annual report per year and communicate transparently on their funding and their governance structure.
We Help all Consumers
Our members deal with complaints from household customers and also help small businesses make their rights respected in energy markets. Their pay special attention to the needs of vulnerable customers.
We Help Markets Improve
By collecting data at a national / regional level, our members can highlight market failures and work with national authorities, regulators and companies to improve the consumer experience of energy users.
We Respect and Enforce Human Rights
Our members respect principles of fairness and no discrimination with a special mention to the right of good administration, and pay special attention to vulnerable customers and to the right to access energy services.