Network companies must put forward plans to make sure energy system is ready for the future, says Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice, in its role as the official watchdog for energy consumers, has responded to Ofgem's latest announcement on the RIIO-ED2 electricity distribution network price control.

Alistair Cromwell, Acting Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“Under the previous price control energy networks were able to make billions of pounds in excess profits. Today’s announcement marks further progress by Ofgem in fixing the mistakes of the past.

“New technologies like electric vehicles, heat pumps and smart appliances in our homes are going to become increasingly commonplace in the years ahead. 

“The onus is now on network companies to put forward plans, based on high quality consumer and stakeholder engagement, to make sure the system will be ready for the increasingly complex way we’ll use electricity in the future. Networks must deliver good value, as well as provide additional support for people who particularly need it.”

Background

  • Citizens Advice previously established five principles which it believes need to be met if the RIIO-2 price controls are to deliver for consumers.

  • Citizens Advice research ( Missing Billions - July 2017) showed that energy network companies were able to overcharge energy customers by £7.5bn during the current RIIO-1 price controls.

Notes to editors

  1. 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.

  2. Citizens Advice is the statutory consumer advocate for energy and post. We provide supplier performance information to consumers and policy analysis to decision makers.

  3. The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free, independent support for prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.

  4. Citizens Advice offers Pension Wise services at 500 locations in England and Wales.

  5. Citizens Advice’s services are free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to all regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  6. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice, visit citizensadvice.org.uk

  7. For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or 0808 223 1144 to talk in Welsh.

  8. We helped 2.6 million people face to face, by phone, email and webchat in 2017-18. For service statistics see our monthly publication Advice trends.

  9. Citizens Advice staff are supported by over 23,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 locations in England and Wales.