22 March 2005
Industry regulator Energywatch has called for a major reshuffle in the manner in which residential energy bills are calculated and issued by gas and electricity providers.
The consumer group insisted that basic billing errors are still being made and more ominously are actually increasing in frequency.
More than group has recently voiced concern over the serious consequences of incorrect billing, which involve consumers failing into debt and having their electricity and gas supplies unjustifiably disconnected.
"Companies are beginning to focus on vulnerable consumers but there is a need for a radical shake-up of the billing process," stated Energywatch's chief executive Allan Asher.
"Companies use billing as the principal means of communication with consumers but consumers tell us that inaccurate and confusing bills are often the reason for their debt."
Recent research by Ofgem has suggested that some improvements are being made however more energy suppliers are now being urged to reconsider their policies.
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