Neidio i’r llywio Neidio i’r cynnwys Neidio i’r troedyn

Rydym yn defnyddio cwcis i wella eich profiad o'n gwefan.
Gallwch ddarganfod mwy neu ddileu allan o rai cwcis - mae'r polisïau hyn ar gael yn Saesneg.

Menu

Energy market referred for competition investigation

27 Mawrth 2014

Citizens Advice and Consumer Futures responds to the Ofgem announcement on competition referral.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“Households have been bearing the brunt of a failing energy market for too long.  We’ve been calling for a competition inquiry since 2007. It’s important this long awaited investigation gets to the root cause of rising prices and results in a competitive and transparent market that works for all consumers.

“Prices are up 33% since 2010, seven times the increase in annual earnings.  Bad service, mis-selling scandals and rising prices have all meant that trust in the industry is almost non-existent.  

“The needs of all households, including those who are on pre-payment meters, should be at the core of an investigation.  A market that means energy is unaffordable for some, doesn’t cater for everyone and underpinned by a lack of trust is clearly not working.  

“As it stands, the structure of the market does not encourage new entrants or support them to thrive, leaving consumers with less choice.  Firms need to be able to compete with each other to drive down prices and increase the quality of service.  The  inquiry should look at how splitting the retail and wholesale business can be driven through.

“A far reaching, in depth investigation into the market is required to ensure that people are getting value for money and to rebuild trust in this essential service. Nothing should be off limits.”

Citizens Advice and Consumer Futures wants a competition investigation to look at:

  • If the market is delivering for all consumers including those on prepayment meters
  • Whether the structure and regulatory environment provides the optimum conditions for a well-functioning, competitive and customer focussed market.
  • The causes and consequences of the lack of transparency in the market and the impact it is having on competition in the market.
  • Whether households are paying a fair price.
  • The impact of the complexity of the markets, from generation to tariff structure, both on competition and the customer.
  • Barriers to new firms entering and thriving in the market.

Consumer Futures joins Citizens Advice on 1 April 2014.

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.