Letter of Authority (LoA)

What it is

A Letter of Authority (LoA) is a document in which you permit a named person or company, usually an energy broker or consultant, to contact your supplier for information about your account. It commonly covers requests such as your contract end date, pricing and usage history, so they can prepare quotes.

Where you will see it

• When a broker or comparison service asks to "get your details".
• As a form or e-signature during an enquiry.

Why it matters

An LoA is not a contract to buy energy. It is permission to ask for information. But the wording matters: some versions also let the third party act for you, and some can last longer than you expect. Before you sign:

• Check exactly what it allows: information only, or also agreeing contracts.
• Check how long it lasts and how to cancel it.
• Check which sites and which suppliers it covers.
• Check who the company is, and how it is paid. Brokers' costs should appear in the contract's Principal Terms, as explained in energy brokers and commission.

Our guide on whether it is safe to sign a Letter of Authority goes deeper, and this overview covers the practical steps.

Example

A pub landlord signs an LoA for three suppliers. A week later, quotes arrive. Because the form was limited to information requests, no contract can be agreed without a separate signature. If the form had given authority to act, the broker could have gone further.

Before you sign, check how the letter can be withdrawn, and keep a copy of what you signed.

Related terms

TPI, the MPAN and MPRN.