Networks must make sure consumers get promised savings

Citizens Advice has said it is down to electricity networks under Ofgem’s oversight to make sure consumers get the promised savings as the regulator announces the latest price controls.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“Only time will tell if this is as good a deal as presented. The £10 reduction on consumers’ bills announced today is a small help and the networks need to make sure customers do get this benefit.

“In the past distribution networks have made significantly higher returns than expected meaning consumers could have paid less for this service.  It is too early to tell whether this will be repeated.

“Networks have made a range of new and welcome commitments, from reducing the number and length of power cuts to improving the way they deal with complaints and supporting vulnerable consumers.

“Ofgem must now ensure the networks keep their promises in a transparent way, and consumers get value for the more than £24 billion pounds of their money that will be spent on networks in the next eight years.”

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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.