Bill would require power and gas firms to disclose dispute channels

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would require electricity suppliers to include on their websites, contracts and bills the name and contact details of at least one alternative dispute resolution entity, and to make its decision binding on both the company and the consumer.
2. The bill would require natural gas suppliers to do the same: offer an alternative dispute resolution entity and publish its details on websites, contracts and bills, with a binding decision.
3. If passed, the law would take effect three months after publication in the Official State Gazette (Boletín Oficial del Estado).
4. The sponsors argue that most people do not know these complaint channels exist, and that oversight reports by the National Markets and Competition Commission call for aligning this information with Law 7/2017.

Who it affects

• Electricity consumers: Would see on supplier websites, contracts and bills how to use an alternative dispute resolution entity, with a binding decision.
• Natural gas consumers: Would have the same right to information and access to an alternative dispute resolution entity.
• Electricity and gas suppliers: Would have to include these details on websites, contracts and bills and accept binding decisions.

Words worth knowing

Resolución alternativa de litigios (ADR)

Alternative dispute resolution: settling conflicts without going to court, through an entity that mediates or decides between the company and the consumer.

Vinculante

Binding: the decision must be followed by both parties.

Comercializadora

Supplier: a company that sells electricity or natural gas to consumers.

It summarizes the text as it was introduced. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries