WIREDGOV

Ofgem’s Consumer Partner Philip Cullum said: “Which?’s research looks at individual elements of Ofgem’s package of reforms and does not consider how all of these will work together in practice. In developing our reforms we conducted many detailed research projects with consumers to understand their views of the market. We are confident that our reform package will make the market simpler, clearer, and fairer for consumers; and make it much easier for them to choose the right deal, while still allowing suppliers to innovate in their offerings to consumers.
 
“The end of 2013 saw the highest switching rates ever, showing that customers are already engaging more in the market. Our new reforms are making it easier to engage by simplifying tariff choices and we have brought in new rules to ensure consumers are treated fairly by suppliers. Further reforms to make the market clearer, giving consumers the information they need to make easy comparisons, for example personal projections of their energy use, will come into force in April this year.”

Ofgem’s reforms:
Ofgem has introduced radical changes to the energy market to make it simpler, clearer and fairer for consumers. Here is a summary of what these include:

Helping consumers to get a better deal

Fairer treatment - To help rebuild consumer confidence, since 26 August 2013 suppliers have had to meet our tough Standards of Conduct so that domestic consumers receive fairer treatment.

Simpler choices – from Jan 2014 suppliers have had to offer fewer and less complex tariffs, making comparing tariffs easier and less time consuming.

Clearer information – from April 2014 changes to make bills, Annual Statements and other communications clearer and more informative will be in place. These changes will ensure consumers have helpful information to use when comparing tariffs.

Ofgem is also introducing reforms to make it easier for independent suppliers to compete in the electricity market.

For further press information contact:

Dafydd Wyn: 020 3263 9943
Rory Edwards: 020 7901 7246
Out of hours media contact number: 07766 511470