WIREDGOV

As the National Audit Office publishes its report on the impact of infrastructure investment on consumers' bills Citizens Advice highlights the difficulties rising bills create for consumers.

Citisens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“Consumers needs answers, not more bad news.  There is a desperate need for wholesale reform of the energy market and a sustainable plan for how Britain’s energy needs will be met in the future. An affordable energy market requires investment and today’s report shows just how important it is to plan now so that consumers aren’t facing unplanned costs that they simply can’t afford.

“Calls to the Citizens Advice consumer service have doubled since energy companies started putting up prices this winter and over 80,000 people have sought energy help online.  An extra £200 on top of current prices would break many households which are already forced to make the impossible choice between heating and eating.”

Since the first energy price rise was announced on 10th October, 83,799 people have sought online energy advice from Citizens Advice.

Citizens Advice

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 www.citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at www.adviceguide.org.uk 
4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.6 million problems from April 2012 to March 2013. For full 2012/2013 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends 
6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 22,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.