Ofgem is right to challenge networks to operate as efficiently as possible, says Citizens Advice

As the statutory consumer watchdog for the energy market, Citizens Advice responds to Ofgem’s draft plans for the next electricity distribution price control (known as RIIO-ED2).

Gillian Cooper, Head of Energy Policy for Citizens Advice, said:

“Today’s announcement is a good move towards making sure consumers get better value for money. The proposals mean networks can deliver the infrastructure needed for the net-zero transition, while limiting increases to our bills. 

“Ofgem is right to challenge the networks to operate as efficiently as possible - particularly when many families are being squeezed from all sides amid rising bills.

“Networks have been allowed to make excessive profits for too long and they’re still able to make too much. Ofgem must continue to tackle this by limiting their returns even further.”

Notes to editors

  1. Citizens Advice includes the national charity; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service.

  2. Citizens Advice is the statutory consumer advocate for energy and post. We provide supplier performance information to consumers and policy analysis to decision makers.

  3. The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free, independent support for prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.

  4. Citizens Advice offers Pension Wise services at 500 locations in England and Wales.

  5. Citizens Advice’s services are free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to all regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  6. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice, visit citizensadvice.org.uk

  7. For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or 0808 223 1144 to talk in Welsh.

  8. We helped 2.6 million people face to face, by phone, email and webchat in 2017-18. For service statistics see our monthly publication Advice trends.

  9. Citizens Advice staff are supported by over 23,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 locations in England and Wales.