The National Consumer Council undertook a study published in 2008 which found issues with the way 17 major IT businesses had been using End-user licence agreements (EULAs) for computer software, and asked the Office of Fair Trading to undertake an investigation.
[6][7] Energywatch was charged with protecting and promoting the interests of all gas and electricity consumers in England, Scotland and Wales.
The organisation offered consumer information and advice, and pursued certain complaints which the energy suppliers have failed to resolve.
Whilst Consumer Direct retained the primary function of Energywatch, to give advice over the telephone on energy related issues, it ceased to take on individual cases to resolve them.
As well as dealing with consumer queries and complaints, Postwatch investigated matters that were relevant to users of UK postal services or relating to the number and location of post offices.