Energy UK has paid tribute to its deputy chief executive, Audrey Gallacher, who died on Saturday (22 January) aged 51 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Gallacher joined the trade body in 2016 and in addition to being its deputy chief executive, she also served as Energy UK’s director of policy.
Her legacy includes designing standards for the treatment of pre-payment meter customers, as well as her role as a commissioner on the independent Commission for Customers in Vulnerable Circumstances.
Elsewhere she served as a trustee for the Fuel Bank Foundation, a charity that helps people in fuel crisis, and volunteered as a befriender for Age Concern Epsom and Ewell.
Prior to joining Energy UK, she was director of energy at Citizen’s Advice and began her career with the energy regulator, Ofgem.
Described as a tireless consumer champion, Gallacher was awarded an OBE last year for her outstanding contribution to the industry.
Paying tribute to her colleague Energy UK’s chief executive Emma Pinchbeck 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.”
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.”
If you would like to leave a tribute to Audrey, please email adamjohn@fav-house.com