Citizens Advice response to Ofgem’s proposals for simpler tariffs

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

"Customers are confused by a huge number of tariffs and jargon in bills, so it's good that Ofgem is going to make it easier for people to find the best deal. Energy companies must act quickly to get this in place for their customers.

"But the crux of the problem still remains; it is the size the fuel bill which is causing the biggest worry. It's hard for consumers to get their head around why there are such huge price hikes - energy companies, and Ofgem, must guarantee to customers that prices are not being raised without good reason."

Advice

  • If you are in fuel debt or worried about how to pay you energy bill you can get advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. We can help you make sure you're on the cheapest deal that your supplier provides, look at whether you would be better off switching suppliers, and advise on the help available for making your home more energy efficient.

  • You should make sure you're getting all the benefits and tax credits you're entitled to. Visit your local Citizens Advice Bureaux or go to · www.adviceguide.org.uk

  • The Energy Best Deal scheme, run by Citizens Advice and Ofgem, has produced six videos to help people cut with their fuel bills including shopping around and what to do if you’re struggling to pay. · www.citizensadvice.org.uk/fsfl_projects_energybestdeal

  • Online advice about saving money on your fuels bills and benefits is available at · www.adviceguide.org.uk

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service 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 see the Citizens Advice website .

  2. 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.

  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk . You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk

  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers

  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.