How many energy brokers have signed the TPI Code?

As of January 2026, only 52 companies have signed the TPI Code of Practice out of an estimated 2,700+ energy brokers operating in the UK. That's less than 2% of the industry. The Code is voluntary - most brokers choose not to sign.

Is the TPI Code of Practice legally binding?

No, the TPI Code is currently voluntary. However, the Government has tasked Ofgem with regulating TPIs, with mandatory registration expected from 2027. The Code represents the direction of travel - brokers who sign now are demonstrating they can meet likely future requirements.

What happens if a TPI Code signatory breaks the rules?

RECCo can remove a signatory from the register if they breach the Code. All brokers (not just signatories) must be registered with an ADR scheme like the Energy Ombudsman, so customers can escalate complaints for independent resolution regardless of TPI Code status.

How do I check if my energy broker has signed the TPI Code?

Visit the REC Portal at recportal.co.uk/tpis to see the full list of verified signatories. You can search by company name to verify whether your broker has signed. If they're not on the list, they haven't publicly committed to the Code's transparency standards.

Only 52 of 2,700+ Brokers Signed the TPI Code (That's 2%)

The energy broker industry has a transparency problem. Out of an estimated 2,700+ brokers operating in the UK, only 52 have signed the TPI Code of Practice (opens in new tab) - a voluntary code designed to protect businesses from misleading practices.

That’s less than 2% of the industry.

Last verified: January 2026 from REC Portal TPI Register (opens in new tab)

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

The Code: The TPI Code of Practice is administered by RECCo (the body running the Ofgem (opens in new tab)-regulated Retail Energy Code). It sets standards for transparency, fair treatment, and dispute resolution.

The Numbers: Only 52 companies have signed out of 2,700+ brokers. Most of the biggest names in business energy broking are absent from the signatory list.

What Signatories Commit To: Disclosing how they’re paid, showing all quotes received, having a complaints procedure, and registering with an ADR scheme like the Energy Ombudsman.

Why It Matters: If your broker hasn’t signed the Code, they haven’t publicly committed to transparency standards. You still have ADR access (all brokers must be registered to work with suppliers), but the Code signals a proactive commitment to fair dealing.

What is the TPI Code of Practice?

TPI stands for Third Party Intermediary - the official Ofgem term for energy brokers, comparison sites, and switching services. The TPI Code of Practice is a voluntary set of standards that these intermediaries can choose to sign.

The Code is administered by RECCo (opens in new tab) (Retail Energy Code Company), the independent company that manages the Retail Energy Code on behalf of Ofgem. This gives it more credibility than an industry self-regulation scheme, though it’s still voluntary.

The 7 Principles

Signatories commit to seven principles:

Principle	What It Means
1. Transparency & Accuracy	Tell customers upfront that you’re an intermediary and how you’re paid
2. Clear Pricing	Show commission calculation before contract signing
3. Fair Treatment	Only recommend suitable contracts, no pressure tactics
4. Dispute Resolution	Have a complaints procedure and ADR registration
5. Data Protection	Handle data in accordance with GDPR
6. Staff Training	Train staff on Code requirements
7. Compliance	Maintain evidence of ongoing compliance

Infographic showing the 7 principles of the TPI Code of Practice: Transparency, Pricing, Fair Treatment, Dispute Resolution, Data Protection, Staff Training, and Compliance

These sound like basic business practices. The fact that only 2% of the industry has signed suggests many brokers don’t want to commit to them publicly.

Why Haven’t More Brokers Signed?

The Code is free to join. There’s no annual fee, no complex application process, and no external auditing. You simply submit a self-certification form declaring that you comply with the principles.

So why haven’t the other 98% signed?

1. Transparency Conflicts With Their Business Model

The traditional broker model relies on hidden commissions embedded in your energy rate. When you don’t know what you’re paying in broker fees, you can’t compare brokers on value.

The Code requires signatories to disclose their commission calculation before you sign a contract. For brokers charging 3-5p/kWh in uplift while not proactively telling customers what they’re paying - or letting them assume the service is free - this transparency requirement is a problem.

2. It’s About Public Commitment, Not Just ADR

Here’s an important clarification: while TPIs themselves aren’t directly mandated to register with an ADR scheme, energy suppliers are. Since December 2022, Ofgem licence conditions (opens in new tab) require suppliers to only work with TPIs registered with a qualifying ADR scheme. In practice, this means any broker that wants to place contracts with suppliers must have ADR registration - it’s effectively mandatory, just enforced through suppliers rather than directly on brokers. The main options are:

Energy Ombudsman (opens in new tab) - handles disputes for small and micro businesses
Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO) (opens in new tab) - alternative ADR provider
Utilities Intermediaries Association (UIA) (opens in new tab) - industry body with its own scheme

So why does signing the TPI Code matter if ADR is already required? Because the Code goes further. It’s a public, visible commitment to transparency principles that customers can verify. Signing the Code says: “We don’t just meet the minimum legal requirement - we actively embrace transparency.”

3. No Legal Requirement (Yet)

Ofgem doesn’t regulate energy brokers directly (opens in new tab) - yet. Unlike energy suppliers, who must be licensed, brokers have operated in a largely unregulated space. The TPI Code exists to fill this gap voluntarily.

However, this is changing. The Government has confirmed plans to regulate TPIs (opens in new tab) and has tasked Ofgem with designing the regulatory framework. See our section on upcoming regulation below.

4. Most Businesses Don’t Know to Check

If customers don’t know the TPI Code exists, they can’t use signatory status as a selection criterion. Brokers have little commercial incentive to sign when the sales process doesn’t require it.

This is changing. As awareness grows and more businesses ask “Are you a TPI Code signatory?”, the pressure to sign increases. But we’re not there yet.

Who Has Signed? (And Who Hasn’t)

The REC Portal (opens in new tab) lists all 52 signatories. Notable patterns:

Signatories include:

Newer digital-first platforms prioritising transparency
Some regional brokers serving local business communities
Specialist consultancies focused on larger corporate clients
Meet George (that’s us - see our TPI Code page)

Absent from the list:

Most of the largest national brokers by customer volume
The brokers powering major comparison site business energy sections - the ones routing to Bionic
Many of the brokers with aggressive cold-calling operations

We won’t name specific non-signatories (you can check the register yourself), but the pattern is clear: the brokers least interested in transparency are least likely to sign a transparency code.

What Does Signing Actually Require?

Let’s be specific about what TPI Code signatories commit to:

Before You Sign a Contract

Tell you they’re acting as an intermediary (not the supplier)
Explain how their commission is calculated
Show you all supplier quotes they received, not just the recommended one (some brokers only recommend suppliers who pay them 80% of commission upfront, creating a conflict of interest)
Provide clear information about contract terms

During the Process

No pressure to sign immediately
No misleading claims about prices, savings, or service
Written confirmation of what’s been agreed
Clear explanation of what happens next

If Something Goes Wrong

A documented complaints procedure
Response within reasonable timeframes
Registration with an ADR scheme for escalation
Signposting to the Ombudsman if complaints aren’t resolved

For businesses that have been burned by brokers in the past - auto-renewals without consent (often enabled by Level 2 LOAs), hidden fees, pressure sales tactics - these commitments matter. The Energy Ombudsman data shows complaints about these practices rose 112% in 2024.

The ADR Safety Net (For All Brokers)

Good news: ADR access isn’t limited to TPI Code signatories. Since December 2022, Ofgem licence conditions require suppliers to only work with TPIs registered with a qualifying ADR scheme. This means any legitimate broker should have ADR registration - whether they’ve signed the TPI Code or not.

The Energy Ombudsman

The Energy Ombudsman (opens in new tab) is the main ADR provider for energy-related disputes. Key facts:

Free to use for consumers and eligible businesses
Covers micro businesses (fewer than 10 employees, turnover under €2m)
Can award financial remedies and require brokers to take action
Decisions are binding on the broker if you accept them

Other ADR schemes include the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO) (opens in new tab) and the Utilities Intermediaries Association (UIA) (opens in new tab).

How to Escalate a Complaint

Complain to the broker first - give them a chance to resolve it
Wait for a final response - or 8 weeks if they don’t resolve it
Contact their ADR scheme - they’ll assess eligibility and investigate
Receive a decision - accept it (binding) or reject it (pursue other options)

For eligible businesses, this is free and independent. If a broker claims they’re not registered with any ADR scheme, that’s a major red flag - it likely means suppliers shouldn’t be working with them at all.

See our complaints procedure for how this works with Meet George.

Why We Signed (And What It Means For You)

Meet George signed the TPI Code because it describes how we already operate. Transparent pricing. A flat 1p/kWh fee shown separately. All quotes visible. A proper complaints procedure with Energy Ombudsman registration.

We didn’t sign because we had to. We signed because the Code represents the minimum standard every broker should meet.

What This Means If You Use Meet George

Before you switch:

You’ll see our 1p/kWh fee itemised separately
You’ll know exactly how our commission is calculated
You’ll see all supplier quotes we receive, not just our recommendation

During the process:

No pressure to sign immediately
Clear explanation of contract terms
Written confirmation of everything agreed

If something goes wrong:

Formal complaints procedure at complaints@meetgeorge.co.uk
Escalation to the Energy Ombudsman for unresolved disputes
Response within documented timeframes

The Code doesn’t make us special. It should be the industry standard. The problem is that 98% of brokers haven’t committed to it.

How to Check Your Broker

Before working with any energy broker, check whether they’ve signed the TPI Code:

Step-by-step infographic showing 4 steps to verify your energy broker: Check the register, ask for commission disclosure, verify ADR registration, and request all quotes

Step 1: Check if Your Broker Signed the TPI Code

Visit the REC Portal TPI register (opens in new tab) and search for your broker’s company name. The list shows all verified signatories. If they’re not on the list, they haven’t committed to the Code’s transparency principles.

Step 2: Ask for Commission Disclosure

TPI Code signatories must disclose how they’re paid before you sign. Ask your broker directly:

“What is your commission rate in pence per kWh?”
“How is this commission calculated?”
“Will this be shown separately on my contract?”

If they’re evasive or tell you their service is “free,” that’s a red flag. Brokers are never free - you just might not see the cost. Our commission calculator shows exactly what different rates mean in pounds and pence for your business.

Step 3: Check Their ADR Registration

Ask which ADR scheme they’re registered with. Legitimate options include:

Since December 2022, suppliers can only work with ADR-registered TPIs. If a broker claims they’re not registered with any ADR scheme, that’s a major red flag - legitimate brokers must have ADR registration to operate.

Step 4: Request All Quotes Received

The Code requires brokers to show all quotes they receive, not just their recommendation. Ask: “Can you show me every supplier quote you received for my switch?”

A broker following the Code will provide this transparency. One that refuses is either not a signatory or not complying with their commitments.

The Future: Mandatory TPI Regulation

The TPI Code was introduced in October 2023 as a voluntary framework - building on a draft Code originally developed by Ofgem in 2013 (opens in new tab) but never formally implemented.

That’s about to change.

Government Has Appointed Ofgem as TPI Regulator

In October 2025, the Government published its consultation response on TPI regulation (opens in new tab), confirming that Ofgem will become the regulator for business energy brokers. The expected timeline:

2026: Ofgem surveys TPIs and designs the regulatory framework
2027: Broker registration opens (subject to parliamentary timing)
2028+: Full enforcement - only registered, compliant brokers can operate

For a full breakdown of what’s coming, see our Regulation page and our article on Ofgem’s energy broker regulation plans.

What This Means for the TPI Code

The voluntary TPI Code represents the direction of travel. Brokers who’ve already signed are demonstrating they can meet the standards that will likely become mandatory. Those who haven’t signed may face a steeper compliance curve when regulation arrives.

RECCo has also proposed making the TPI Code mandatory (opens in new tab) for all TPIs working with non-domestic suppliers - which would complement Ofgem’s broader regulatory framework.

The Bigger Picture

The 98% of brokers who haven’t signed the TPI Code are betting you won’t check. They’re also betting regulation won’t arrive soon enough to matter.

Both bets are getting riskier.

Now you know to check - and you know what’s coming.

Verify Meet George’s TPI Code Status

We’re on the REC Portal signatory list (opens in new tab). You can verify our status independently - we encourage you to check.

You can also read our full TPI Code of Practice page to see exactly how we implement each of the 7 principles, or review our complaints procedure if you ever need it.

Transparency isn’t a marketing message. It’s a commitment - and now you know how to verify which brokers have actually made it.

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