Citizens Advice welcomes permanent protections for those struggling with energy bills
Citizens Advice, the official consumer watchdog for energy, has welcomed industry regulator Ofgem’s new and permanent protections for customers using prepayment meters and those struggling to pay their bills.
Dame Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:
“The problems faced by customers using prepayment meters, and others struggling to keep up with their payments, have been a big concern for Citizens Advice for many years.
“It was heartening to see the industry rally round when the coronavirus pandemic struck. A series of measures was put in place to help people struggling with their energy bills - whether that was because they were shielding and finding it difficult to top up; or they’d seen a sudden and dramatic cut in their income.
“It’s even more welcome to see the protections we’ve been arguing for made permanent. It’s a recognition that as we move out of this first phase of the pandemic, many people will still need a more flexible approach to keeping up with their payments.
“Energy is an essential service - we all need it for basics such as home heating, and cooking and washing. At a time when more people are building up debts, everyone should be confident they’ll be given time and support to get their finances in order without the risk of disconnection.”
Citizens Advice’s report on the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the domestic energy sector The End of the Beginning can be found on our website.
Notes to editors
Citizens Advice includes the national charity; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service.
Citizens Advice is the statutory consumer advocate for energy and post. We provide supplier performance information to consumers and policy analysis to decision makers.
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