Uswitch responds to Ofgem proposals to help vulnerable households
**Ofgem proposes extending the pre-payment safeguard tariff to 1 million recipients of the Warm Home Discount on standard meters**
Uswitch welcomes moves to target help for those who need most support, but reiterates concerns about a general price cap
Uswitch calls for more action to help customers make an active choice about their energy deal
Commenting on Ofgem’s proposals to protect 1 million vulnerable customers, Richard Neudegg, Head of Regulation at Uswitch.com, says:
“It’s absolutely right that Ofgem considers specific measures to help the most vulnerable households who need additional support. By focusing on the particular needs of a group of customers, rather than taking a one size fits all approach, we can identify those who need additional protection while helping others make active choices about their energy deal.
“However, there is more that can be done, and we urge the Government to consider broadening access to the Warm Home Discount for those currently eligible, and ensuring all energy suppliers are required to offer it. The Government and Ofgem should focus deeper support to those who need it most, rather than a broad and damaging general price cap.
“It’s competition which ultimately drives prices down, not price caps. So while it’s encouraging that suppliers will now be able to move customers onto another fixed deal when their current tariff expires, consumers must not be lulled into a false sense of security. Ofgem should compel suppliers to do more to put the power in consumers’ hands, by prompting customers to shop around for a better deal for themselves.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tim Dunford
Phone: 020 3872 5612
Mobile: 07785 552666
Email: tim.dunford@uswitch.com
Twitter: @uswitchPR
Notes to editors
The full details of Ofgem's proposals can be seen here.
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