18 January 2007
Energy regulator Ofgem has announced that it is to launch an initiative that will look at how to get consumers more involved in the decision making processes involved in its policy making.
Entitled the Consumer First project, it is hoped that the scheme will determine how Ofgem understands the issues that are important to the wider public and will explore possibilities for obtaining consumer feedback on its decisions.
Consumers have clearly displayed their interest in energy, shown best by the fact that over four million of them have abandoned expensive suppliers in favour of electricity and gas companies which provide a good overall service for a reasonable price.
Alistair Buchanan, chief executive of the organisation, said that the project had been inspired by the substantial rise in the public's interest in the energy sector, particularly with regard to saving energy for financial and ethical reasons.
"With climate change rising up the agenda, the question of where the consumer interest lies may not be so straightforward," he said.
"We need to make sure we are using the best available tools and techniques to help us understand and respond to consumers' priorities."
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