Energy UK has warmly welcomed the news that its Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Policy, Audrey Gallacher has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Audrey’s award for services to the energy industry recognises her distinguished career in the sector and, in particular, her work representing consumers with many notable achievements in driving up standards of service and obtaining redress.
Prior to joining Energy UK in 2016, Audrey was Director of Energy at Citizens Advice. Her first role in the sector was with regulator Ofgem, working on consumer issues, including the opening up of the electricity supply market to competition. She moved into energy consumer advocacy in 2000, setting up the Scotland office of the statutory consumer watchdog, Energywatch, as its National Director.
Audrey is also a trustee for the Fuel Bank Foundation, a charity that helps people in fuel crisis, and volunteers as a befriender for Age Concern Epsom & Ewell.
Responding to the news, Audrey Gallacher said:
“I’m really pleased and very flattered. I’ve had the privilege of working with a lot of great and dedicated people during my career so much of the credit goes to them. Working on something as important as energy and helping our customers is a reward in itself, but it’s nice if this award means I’ve made a positive difference, however small.”
Energy UK’s chief executive Emma Pinchbeck, said:
“This is richly deserved and we’re all absolutely delighted for Audrey. The respect and affection with which she’s held at Energy UK, and across the energy industry and beyond, has been widely evident since I started my role and I personally owe her a huge debt for all the help and support she’s provided during that time.
“By bringing her track record and commitment to protecting consumers to the industry itself, she’s helped drive an increased focus on those we serve, especially those most in need of support. Those qualities will be even more important over the coming years as our industry helps guide and support customers through the changes needed to reach Net Zero.”
Matthew Cole, Chair of Trustees at Fuel Bank Foundation, added:
“All the way through her career, Audrey has been an advocate for consumer rights and a champion for driving up standards that customers should rightfully expect from the energy sector.
“As a trustee of Fuel Bank Foundation, I have had the pleasure of working with Audrey for a number of years. She has always been thoroughly supportive, providing encouragement and a strategic insight that is hard to beat. She was the obvious choice to become a trustee when we moved to become a charity, very passionate, always on target to achieve our vision, whilst really caring about the people behind the scenes, including the people we helped, our network partners, and people who work at the Foundation.
“On behalf of Fuel Bank Foundation, I would like to congratulate Audrey on this fantastic achievement.”