QDSS

What it is

A qualifying dispute settlement scheme (QDSS) is an independent route for resolving complaints about energy brokers (also called third-party intermediaries). Ofgem's rules say suppliers may only deal with brokers that belong to one. This applied to microbusiness contracts from 1 December 2022 and to small business contracts from 19 December 2024.

Where you will see it

Your broker should be able to tell you which scheme they belong to. When the small business rules took effect in December 2024, Ofgem named the Energy Ombudsman and the Utilities Intermediaries Association (UIA) as recognised schemes. The list can change, so ask your broker which scheme it uses. You may also see membership mentioned in the broker's terms or contract paperwork. Ofgem itself says it does not licence brokers or approve schemes, so membership is a supplier-contract requirement rather than a licence.

Why it matters

If you think a broker mis-sold you a contract, or hid commission, you can complain to the broker first. If it is not sorted, the QDSS gives you somewhere to take it, and for the Energy Ombudsman that normally means waiting up to eight weeks or getting a deadlock letter. See can I complain about a broker to the Ombudsman.

Example

A pub signs a three-year deal through a broker who did not show the commission in the Principal Terms. The owner complains, hears nothing for eight weeks, and escalates to the broker's scheme, giving the contract, emails and bill.

Brokers are not yet directly regulated by Ofgem. The government has said it intends to give Ofgem that role, but no start date is confirmed.

Related terms

See what is a QDSS, are energy brokers regulated and checking a broker.