The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has urged the government’s energy regulator Ofgem to apply the same priority to delivering a fairer energy market for small businesses as it does households, as it announces sweeping changes to domestic energy contracts.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We applaud the commitment being shown by ministers and Ofgem to delivering a fairer more competitive energy market. We urge the Government to extend this urgency and commitment to the reform of the non-domestic market.

“Ofgem’s proposals for protecting micro-businesses must be extended to all small businesses. ACS has campaigned for, and been promised, measures including strict rules on the information suppliers must provide to business customers about contract terms and limits on companies blocking retailers switching to new providers. These are needed just as urgently as changes in the household energy market.

“We will continue to press for action until retailers see a real change in the way they are treated in the energy market.”

Ofgem’s proposals for reform of the household market were announced on Thursday February 21 and were welcomed by the government with Prime Minister David Cameron commenting: “The package announced today is a huge step towards energy bills that are more fair for everyone.”