Tariff reforms should not be an opportunity to get rid of cheaper deals

Consumers should find it easier to get the best deal on their energy bills as new reforms to simplify tariffs kick in today. But Citizens Advice warns that energy companies should not use this is an opportunity to get rid of cheaper deals.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“A bamboozling array of tariffs has stood in the way of people getting the best deal on their energy bills so today’s reforms should make it easier to shop around for the cheapest deal.  It is important energy firms use this as an opportunity to regain customers’ trust by laying out a fair set of tariffs. It should not be used as a chance to get rid of cheaper deals.

“The rising cost of energy is putting an enormous strain on already stretched budgets but all too often people could be paying over the odds for their fuel.  The Citizens Advice Energy Best Deal project highlights how 45 per cent of people on low incomes, who got help through the scheme, had never switched energy suppliers and 59 per cent had never switched to a different tariff with the same supplier.

“Citizens Advice will be helping people to cut down on their energy bills through Big Energy Saving Week which runs 27-31 January 2014.  The campaign will help consumers to find out about any extra help available from their energy firm.”

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.