Energy suppliers ‘must pass on low wholesale energy costs’ says Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice has called on energy companies to pass on low wholesale energy costs to customers

The consumer champion makes the call as British Gas today posted its latest profit statement, showing profits in their residential business almost doubling compared to the same period last year, jumping from £265m to £528m.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently released interim findings from its investigation into the energy market, revealing the market was failing the majority of consumers.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said:

“The price of energy isn't adding up for consumers.

“British Gas' large increase in profits will raise questions for people still struggling with high bills. All of the major energy firms are benefiting from falling wholesale costs, but customers are barely feeling the benefit.

“British Gas' recent price cut was welcome, but there is still a lot of work to do to make the market fair. The CMA must provide a framework that gives energy consumers confidence that they are getting a good deal.”

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 bureau 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 .