Ofgem announces fuel poverty action plan
Energy regulator Ofgem will devise a fuel poverty action plan that will be introduced in May this year. The regulator held a fuel poverty summit to discuss measures to combat the rise in vulnerable customers today (April 23).
The action programme will include a region-by-region campaign to advise consumer how to switch suppliers. It is also looking at whether further action is necessary to address energy suppliers’ most expensive tariffs.
The summit was attended by Government ministers, the “big six” energy suppliers, charities and a “senior representative” from the European Commission. Ofgem chairman Sir John Mogg led the meeting.
Mogg says: “The pace of energy price increases this year has ended years of falling fuel poverty, despite the rein put on it by competition. By calling this summit Ofgem has put its duty to help the vulnerable into top gear.”
The regulator plans to make provision for pre-payment meter customers on switching sites, such as uSwith, to allow them to seek advice on the best method of paying.
It is now calling on suppliers to provide clear information for advice agencies, such as charities, to help them guide the vulnerable to the best offers. The regulator also says it will implement “a raft of measures to make sure help is pinpointed on those who genuinely need it”.
Mogg says the action programme reflects the “fundamental” agreements made at the summit and will be followed by a detailed programme “once specific elements have been finalised”.
