New Ofgem rules on energy supplier licenses “good news for consumers”, says Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice, in its role as the official consumer champion for energy, has responded to Ofgem’s announcement of new licensing rules for firms applying to enter the energy supply market.
Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:
“Ofgem’s new rules are good news for consumers. From June, firms entering the market will need to be set up to deliver good customer service and be financially sound.
“The regulator is right to now turn its attention to the issue of poorly performing suppliers already in the market. Ofgem needs to take steps to identify those companies not delivering for their customers or that may be in financial difficulty and examine if its current approach to resolving problems it identifies is the right one.”
“More firms going out of business remains a possibility. It is essential the regulator acts quickly to better manage future supplier failures.
“We all end up paying through higher bills when energy companies go bust. Without better ongoing monitoring and new rules to manage future supplier failures, consumers will continue to suffer.”
Background
Citizens Advice first called for a review of supplier licensing in 2013.
Notes to editors
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