British Gas has been fined £2.5 million by Ofgem after the company was found to have not dealt with customer complaints efficiently.

Ofgem discovered that British Gas had breached regulations related to the ways that energy companies react to customer complaints, which may arise from appliances such as flue liners for gas fires.

It was found that the gas specialist failed to re-open complaints when the consumer had claimed they were not resolved. Also, the investigation saw that British Gas failed to provide customers with key details pertaining to the Energy Ombudsman's redress service.

Sarah Harrison, Ofgem's senior partner for sustainable development, said: "Today's finding highlights basic failures in British Gas' customer service, particularly in dealing with some of its small business customers."

Ms Harrison also warned that Ofgem's plans to reform the retail market with a stern approach to enforcement.