Final decisionReview requestDecision stage

Is the Energy Ombudsman Decision Final?

“Final” can mean different things depending on the stage of the case. Before responding, check whether you are looking at a proposed decision, an accepted resolution, a final decision or a remedy implementation issue.

Reviewed: 2026-06-05Focus: UK household energy billsType: Information, not legal advice

The short answer

If a decision is described as final, you should not assume you can simply re-run the case. Your strongest route is usually to identify a material factual error, important missed evidence or a remedy implementation failure. If you simply dislike the outcome, the next route may be different.

Decision stage check

StageWhat to checkNext page
Proposed view or early outcomeHas the Ombudsman invited comments or extra information?/what-if-i-disagree-with-energy-ombudsman-decision/
Final decisionDoes it contain a clear factual error or missed evidence?/can-you-appeal-energy-ombudsman-decision/
Accepted resolutionHas the supplier completed every required action?/what-if-the-supplier-does-not-implement-the-ombudsman-remedy/
Outside scopeIs the issue one the Energy Ombudsman can handle?/what-complaints-does-energy-ombudsman-deal-with/

What not to do

Do not resend a rant

Long emotional responses make the factual issue harder to see.

Do not add a new complaint

New issues may need a new supplier complaint route first.

Do not miss deadlines

Save the decision date and response deadline immediately.

Do not ignore remedy terms

If you accepted a remedy, track each action separately.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ask for a decision to be checked?

You may be able to ask for a review or correction if there is a material factual error or important missed evidence. Keep the request narrow.

Does final mean the supplier can ignore it?

No. If you accepted a resolution, the supplier should implement the required remedy. Track each action and follow up quickly if it does not happen.

Can I go to court instead?

Court routes are outside BillDecoded’s guidance. This page is informational only and not legal advice.

Official sources used for this page

BillDecoded translates official process and billing information into practical checks. It is not affiliated with the Ombudsman, Ofgem, Citizens Advice, Which? or any supplier.

How 'final' the decision really is

People ask whether the gas, electricity or energy ombudsman decision is final. The honest answer: it is final for the supplier, but not for you.

1

Binding on the supplier

If you accept, the supplier must carry out the remedy — it cannot simply ignore it.

2

Not binding on you

You can reject the decision. Nothing is forced on you and you keep your other options.

3

No formal appeal — but

There is no court-style appeal, yet you can raise factual errors, and rejecting it preserves your right to go to court.

Binding on supplier
Yes, if accepted
Binding on you
No
Formal appeal
None
Court rights
Retained if you reject
Max award
Up to £10,000
Cost
Free

Final decision: quick answers

Is the energy ombudsman decision final?

It is final and binding on the supplier once you accept it, but it is never binding on you. If you reject it, you keep your legal rights.

Can I appeal an energy ombudsman decision?

There is no formal appeal process. You can point out factual errors before accepting, and rejecting the decision keeps the option of court open.

Does rejecting the decision cost me anything?

No. Using the Energy Ombudsman is free, and rejecting a decision simply means nothing is imposed and your other rights remain.