Ofgem’s commitment to tougher network price controls “should curb excess profits”, says Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice, in its role as the official consumer champion for energy, has welcomed Ofgem's sector specific proposals for the next set of energy network price controls (RIIO-2), and new proposals for changes to the way people are charged for electricity.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice, said:

"Energy network companies have had it too good for too long. Ofgem's commitment to a tougher price control should curb the excess profits networks have been allowed to make. This is good news for people as this should result in lower bills. It is vital now that Ofgem continues to hold its nerve in the face of the inevitable push back from industry.

"The widespread adoption of electric vehicles and smart appliances in our homes will bring benefits for many people, but will also put different demands on the network. It's crucial that everyone benefits from these innovations and that no-one is left behind. We want to make sure everyone, especially vulnerable people, can make the most of these products and services and are protected from undue costs."

Background

  • Citizens Advice has established 5 principles which it believes need to be met if the RIIO2 price controls are to deliver for consumers.

  • Citizens Advice research ( Missing Billions - July 2017) showed that energy network companies were making £7.5bn in excess profits during the current RIIO price controls.

  • Citizens Advice research ( Things can only get beta - June 2018) showed that the current methodology for calculating the risk to investors - the equity beta - may be flawed and that a new approach could save consumers an additional £4.1bn.

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 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 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.