Citizens Advice Response to Ofgem's Call for Input on the future of the BAT post-March 2024

Citizens Advice Response to Ofgem's Call for Input on the future of the BAT post-March 2024 [ 71 kb]

The ban on acquisition tariffs (BAT) is important in improving fairness for energy consumers by ensuring that all customers are able to access the most competitively priced energy tariffs, ensuring that a supplier’s best rates are available to both new and existing customers. 

While switching rates have been depressed in the current market with the majority of product offers priced at, or marginally below, the price cap, the broader principle that consumers should not suffer a Loyalty Penalty for staying with their current provider is a crucial one not only for the fair functioning of the market but also for consumer trust. If consumers wish to stay with their current supplier they should always be able to access the best deals their supplier offers.