Tributes paid to Audrey Gallacher OBE

It is with great sadness that Energy UK confirms the passing of Audrey Gallacher OBE, who died on Saturday 22 January after a long battle with cancer.

Audrey served as Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Policy of Energy UK, having joined the Association in 2016. In 2021, she received an OBE for her outstanding contribution to the industry and leaves a legacy that has directly benefited consumers, from designing standards for the treatment of pre-payment meter customers, to her role as a commissioner on the independent Commission for Customers in Vulnerable Circumstances.

Audrey worked tirelessly to champion consumer issues across the energy system, and was fearless about challenging industry and policymakers alike to do better for ordinary people. She was also respected for her deep knowledge of the energy sector on issues ranging as widely as energy economics, market design, and public policy. Prior to joining Energy UK, she was Director of Energy at the statutory consumer watchdog Citizen’s Advice and began her career with the energy regulator, Ofgem.

Audrey gave a lot of time to supporting her colleagues in the energy industry with their own career development, particularly young people from diverse or underprivileged backgrounds. This is as much the legacy of her leadership as the changes she made in industry. She was also a trustee for the Fuel Bank Foundation, a charity that helps people in fuel crisis, and volunteered as a befriender for Age Concern Epsom & Ewell.

Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:

“From the beginning of her career, Audrey championed consumers and worked tirelessly to improve the energy sector. She continued to work throughout her illness, maintaining her trademark good humour and get-stuff-done attitude. We are incredibly moved by the response from all those who knew and loved Audrey. Her passing will be a shock to many, especially all of us who have benefited from her knowledge and her kindness. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this awful time. Energy UK will remember Audrey as an inspiring role model, a dear friend – and the life and soul of any party.”

Lord John Hutton, Chairman of the Board of Energy UK, said:

“Throughout her career Audrey was a great champion for energy consumers. She brought integrity and passion to her work for Energy UK and I will miss her good humour and wise counsel. It was an honour to have worked with her”

Matthew Cole, Director of the Fuel Bank Foundation, said:

“Audrey was a tireless campaigner, championing the voices of those who were not heard, striving to make the world a fairer place.  Under her stewardship Fuel Bank grew from a small idea into a national charity that had helped over half a million people. We will miss you Audrey.”

Gillian Cooper, Head of Energy Policy at Citizens Advice, said:

“Audrey was a passionate advocate for energy consumers and an inspiration to me and many others for her relentless focus on making things better for people. She ensured the sector delivered better value for money, improved customer service and support for households in vulnerable circumstances. But most of all Audrey was a wonderful human being and friend – warm, funny and caring – and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her”

Lawrence Slade, former Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:

“Audrey was simply a wonderful person.  Both in the office and outside of it, she always had time for people, was always willing to help or volunteer, to be a friendly ear and a candid advisor.  But most of all it was her shining personality, commitment to doing the right thing and ability to inject a sense of fun into life.  She will be greatly missed.”