WIREDGOV

Our own research shows that many consumers were not satisfied with the energy market and that they were confused by the sheer number and complexity of tariffs on offer. This is why Ofgem started to implement reforms for a simpler, clearer, fairer energy market last summer. They will be fully in place this summer. 

These are the biggest changes to the energy retail market since competition began. They will increase competitive pressure on suppliers, and make sure that consumers find it easier to pick out the best deal for them. The enforceable standards of conduct we have put in place as part of these reforms also mean that suppliers must treat consumers fairly. 

It is up to suppliers to build on our reforms to restore consumer confidence in the energy market. Together with the OFT and the Competition and Markets Authority we are also carrying out an assessment of competition in the market which will be complete by the end of March. The review will consider evidence on the level of profits in different parts of the supply chain.

More information about the assessment can be found on our website. 

     
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Notes to editors

1. Ofgem is the Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets, which supports the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority, the regulator of the gas and electricity industries in Great Britain. The Authority’s functions are set out mainly in the Gas Act 1986, the Electricity Act 1989, the Competition Act 1998 and the Utilities Act 2000. In this note, the functions of the Authority under all the relevant Acts are, for simplicity, described as the functions of Ofgem.

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