How can I find out what my broker is paid?
Look in your contract's Principal Terms, where broker costs must be shown as a total in pounds and pence for the whole term. If you can't find it, ask the supplier and the broker in writing; suppliers must provide the third-party cost information on request.
The answer depends on when you signed and how the broker is paid.
Step 1: check the Principal Terms
The Principal Terms are the short summary of key contract terms. Under Ofgem's rules, third-party (broker) costs must be shown there as a total in pounds and pence for the full contract duration; an estimate is allowed. The rule applies to microbusiness contracts from 1 October 2022 and to all non-domestic contracts signed from 1 October 2024.
| When you signed | Likely position |
|---|---|
| Microbusiness, on or after 1 Oct 2022 | Cost should be in Principal Terms |
| Small or larger business, on or after 1 Oct 2024 | Cost should be in Principal Terms |
| Earlier contracts | May not show it; ask |
Step 2: ask the supplier
Suppliers must give you third-party cost information for the full contract term on request, using actual or estimated amounts. Write to them quoting your account number and ask for the figure and how it is built into your rates.
Step 3: ask the broker
Put these questions in writing:
- Am I paying you directly, indirectly through the supplier, or both?
- What is the total in pounds for the whole term?
- How is it calculated (per kWh, per day, upfront)?
- Will it change if my usage differs from the estimate?
What you may not see
If you pay the broker directly, that fee does not have to appear in the supplier's terms, so it must come from your own agreement with the broker. And commission paid to a supplier's own sales staff need not be disclosed. Read our guide to brokers and commission.
Example
Your Principal Terms say the broker cost is £1,260 over 36 months. Divide it: £1,260 ÷ 36 = £35 a month, or £420 a year. Compare that with the savings the broker claimed against your previous rates to judge value.
Keep emailed quotes. They show what you were told before agreeing, which matters if you later dispute the contract.
If the answer is missing or wrong
Complain to the broker first, then to the dispute scheme they belong to; for micro and small business contracts, suppliers can only work with brokers in a qualifying scheme, such as the Energy Ombudsman or the Utilities Intermediaries Association. See what a QDSS is. For the full complaints route see what to do if a broker mis-sold my contract.
Template wording
You can adapt this to an email: "Please confirm in writing the total third-party cost, in pounds, included in my contract with account number [number], how it is calculated, and whether any further payment is due to you from me or the supplier." Send it to both the supplier and the broker, keep a copy, and set a reply deadline of 14 days.
If answers differ between the two, ask each to explain, and use the figure in your signed Principal Terms as your starting point.
Next steps
Compare how much brokers charge with our commission explainer.
Sources
General information only. Energy prices, rules and supplier terms change; check the latest position with your supplier, Ofgem or the Energy Ombudsman before you act.