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Uswitch comment on automatic switching plans for energy customers

Uswitch have issued the below comment following the government’s plan to trial automatic switching for energy customers

Justina Miltienyte, policy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “The Government is right to recognise that switching energy suppliers has allowed households to flee the most expensive tariffs and save money. 

“Its ambition to get even more households accessing better deals and boost competition in the market is clearly a good one. But the BEIS proposal to target such a large and varied group of customers with a single solution is unlikely to cater for everyone's needs. 

“No two customers are the same in how they use energy - whether they have different working patterns, home routines or a specific interest in new technologies.

"And, with the energy market evolving at such a rapid pace alongside a wave of net zero targets, it’s difficult to see how an old-fashioned ‘one size fits all’ approach to energy will be of much value to consumers in years to come.

“Further down the line, households will need help to become more engaged with their energy usage as they start to get familiar with new concepts such as time of use tariffs, electric vehicles and eco-friendly boilers. Consumers must be supported and encouraged in this transition.

“For those who are highly vulnerable or for households struggling the most to pay their bills, today’s announcements are another missed opportunity to provide more targeted support. Instead of broad-brush models, vulnerable customers would benefit from BEIS considering reforms that look beyond the current price cap and Warm Home Discount scheme. 

“To get the best value from their energy tariff today, switching remains the best option for customers - but it’s important to give people the freedom to make their own decisions about their energy usage.” 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ross Stebbing
Phone: 07827 836 709
Email: ross.stebbing@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR

About Uswitch 

Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including broadband, mobiles, SIM Only and insurance. We’ve saved consumers over £2.5 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.

In 2022, Uswitch launched its free mobile app, Utrack, to help consumers manage their home energy costs. By connecting to their smart meter, users can track their energy usage hourly, get dynamic insights and calculate potential savings with handy tips. 

Uswitch is part of RVU, a global group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.