Ofgem must “hold its nerve” and deliver tougher price control, says Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice, in its role as the official consumer champion for energy, has responded to Ofgem’s announcement confirming its methodology for the next energy network price control.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“Energy networks have been able to overcharge customers by £7.5 billion under the current price control. This announcement takes us another step towards a settlement that prevents this from happening again.

“Ofgem has made significant progress so far, but the acid test will be the final outcome. The regulator will face intense industry pressure to water down these measures in the coming months. It must hold its nerve and deliver a price control which is good value for consumers.”

Background

  • Citizens Advice research (Missing Billions - July 2017) showed that energy network companies are overcharging consumers by £7.5bn during the current RIIO 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 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 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.