Energy customers “paying the price” for staying loyal to their supplier

As the BBC reports that some suppliers are not offering their customers the best deals, Citizens Advice says suppliers must do more to help customers

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Customers are paying the price for remaining loyal to their energy suppliers.

“We know that 3.7 million households haven’t switched their energy supplier for 10 years and there is a big gap between the cheapest and standard tariff, meaning many people are paying hundreds of pounds more a year to heat and light their homes.  

“The CMA’s investigation delivered some good changes for prepayment meter customers but there is still unfinished business when it comes to getting a better deal for credit meter customers.  Regulators and government must keep a careful eye on interventions to make sure they are delivering the benefits for consumers.

“If you’re struggling with your energy bills, Citizens Advice can help”

Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, 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 get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.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. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication  Advice trends .

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.