Citizens Advice responds to EDF Energy’s £4.5 million package to  help vulnerable consumers following Ofgem investigation

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive at national charity Citizens Advice said:

"We're pleased that, following Ofgem's investigation, EDF Energy has remedied the flaws in its sales processes and has committed to a £4.5 million package to help vulnerable consumers .

"In the future, we want Ofgem to get tougher powers which allows them to order compensation for energy customers - so that consumers who lose out because of bad practice get money back in their pocket."

Notes to editors

  1. £1 million of the EDF Energy package will go towards the Energy Best Deal project which, by this Spring, would have helped over 94,000 people save money and become more savvy energy customers.

  2. Energy Best Deal helps people shop around for the best deal, reduce their bills and get help if they are falling behind with payments. Find out more about Energy Best Deal and view our information videos: citizensadvice.org.uk/fsfl_projects_energybestdeal

  3. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales see citizensadvice.org.uk

  4. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality. For online advice and information see adviceguide.org.uk

  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 7.1 million problems from April 2010 to March 2011. For full 2010/2011 service statistics see: citizensadvice.org.uk/press_statistics

  6. Out of 22 national charities, the Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being the most helpful, approachable, professional, informative, effective / cost effective, reputable and accountable. (nfpSynergy’s Brand Attributes survey, May 2010).

  7. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at around 3,300 service outlets across England and Wales.