Menu
06/04/2005
Watchdog lodges energy bill super complaint
Gas and electricity consumer watchdog Energywatch has announced that it is to lodge a 'super complaint' with regulator Ofcom over fuel bills, which, it says, is causing a "myriad of problems" for consumers.
Energywatch said that 40,000 people had contacted their helpline, complaining about problems arising from their fuel bills. The watchdog said that the complaints included: failure to deliver bills for months or even years; wrongly calculated bills; and complex billing formats which prevented customers from understanding their bills and making decisions about the cheapest suppliers to use.
Energywatch said that the calls complaining about energy bills totalled 61.5% of calls received to the helpline, making it the single greatest reason for consumer complaints. The watchdog said that combined consumer complaints and enquiries regarding billing was also increasing and, in 2004, was up 26% on 2002 figures.
Allan Asher, chief executive of Energywatch, said: “Billing is the single biggest problem consumers have with energy suppliers. Industry has consistently resisted any reform which is why we hope Ofgem will force through a radical overhaul of the billing process.”
Energywatch's decision has also been backed by former Labour Environment Minister Michael Meacher. He said: “Without accurate energy bills consumers have no idea if they are being energy efficient. For this and many other reasons I welcome the super complaint by energywatch and trust Ofgem will take their obligation to protect consumer interests seriously.”
However, the Energy Retail Association (ERA) claimed that complaints to Energywatch about billing had actually fallen by 17% over the last year and said that suppliers "make every effort" to provide accurate bills for consumers.
Duncan Sedgwick, ERA Chief Executive, said: "It is baffling that Energywatch has chosen to lodge a super complaint against a background of falling billing complaints according to its own figures. Especially since last month we announced a programme of industry-wide work to tackle billing issues. We recognise that there are occasions when customers experience difficulties and we are committed to improving this situation."
The ERA and its members have said that it will "co-operate fully" with Ofgem's inquiry into the super complaint and "will act on any recommendations accordingly".
(KMcA/SP)
Energywatch said that 40,000 people had contacted their helpline, complaining about problems arising from their fuel bills. The watchdog said that the complaints included: failure to deliver bills for months or even years; wrongly calculated bills; and complex billing formats which prevented customers from understanding their bills and making decisions about the cheapest suppliers to use.
Energywatch said that the calls complaining about energy bills totalled 61.5% of calls received to the helpline, making it the single greatest reason for consumer complaints. The watchdog said that combined consumer complaints and enquiries regarding billing was also increasing and, in 2004, was up 26% on 2002 figures.
Allan Asher, chief executive of Energywatch, said: “Billing is the single biggest problem consumers have with energy suppliers. Industry has consistently resisted any reform which is why we hope Ofgem will force through a radical overhaul of the billing process.”
Energywatch's decision has also been backed by former Labour Environment Minister Michael Meacher. He said: “Without accurate energy bills consumers have no idea if they are being energy efficient. For this and many other reasons I welcome the super complaint by energywatch and trust Ofgem will take their obligation to protect consumer interests seriously.”
However, the Energy Retail Association (ERA) claimed that complaints to Energywatch about billing had actually fallen by 17% over the last year and said that suppliers "make every effort" to provide accurate bills for consumers.
Duncan Sedgwick, ERA Chief Executive, said: "It is baffling that Energywatch has chosen to lodge a super complaint against a background of falling billing complaints according to its own figures. Especially since last month we announced a programme of industry-wide work to tackle billing issues. We recognise that there are occasions when customers experience difficulties and we are committed to improving this situation."
The ERA and its members have said that it will "co-operate fully" with Ofgem's inquiry into the super complaint and "will act on any recommendations accordingly".
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 January 2014
Amendment Banning Smoking In Cars With Children Before Lords
The House of Lords is to vote later today on an amendment to the Children and Families Bill, seeking a ban on smoking in cars carrying children. The amendment has been put forward by Labour, who have said that if it is not passed by the Lords today, they will include it in its next election manifesto.
Amendment Banning Smoking In Cars With Children Before Lords
The House of Lords is to vote later today on an amendment to the Children and Families Bill, seeking a ban on smoking in cars carrying children. The amendment has been put forward by Labour, who have said that if it is not passed by the Lords today, they will include it in its next election manifesto.
10 June 2013
January Trial Date For Actor Bill Roache
January 13 has been set as the trial date for Coronation Street actor Bill Roache. 81-year-old Roache faces 7 charges of historical sexual abuse, including two counts of rape against a 15-year-old and five counts of indecent assault against four girls aged between 11 and 16.
January Trial Date For Actor Bill Roache
January 13 has been set as the trial date for Coronation Street actor Bill Roache. 81-year-old Roache faces 7 charges of historical sexual abuse, including two counts of rape against a 15-year-old and five counts of indecent assault against four girls aged between 11 and 16.
19 March 2013
CPI Rises To 2.8%
In February the UK’s consumer price inflation (CPI) rose to 2.8%, thought to be the result of rising energy prices, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. The Bank of England's inflation target for the CPI is 2%. Before February, CPI inflation had been 2.7% for four months in a row.
CPI Rises To 2.8%
In February the UK’s consumer price inflation (CPI) rose to 2.8%, thought to be the result of rising energy prices, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. The Bank of England's inflation target for the CPI is 2%. Before February, CPI inflation had been 2.7% for four months in a row.
02 February 2012
Gov Has 'Listened To Peers' On Health Bill
The Government has said it has listened to peers over it's highly controversial Health bill, as it prepares to enter the House of Lords for a second time next week. The bill has attracted wide criticism over its proposed reforms to the NHS that would see increased competition and major adjustments to the management structures.
Gov Has 'Listened To Peers' On Health Bill
The Government has said it has listened to peers over it's highly controversial Health bill, as it prepares to enter the House of Lords for a second time next week. The bill has attracted wide criticism over its proposed reforms to the NHS that would see increased competition and major adjustments to the management structures.
05 March 2010
Parliamentary Pay Rises
MPs' annual salaries are to increase by around £1000 in April, it was confirmed today. The average salary for a Commons Parliamentarian will rise to £65,737 a year. A decision to increase pay by 1.5% was taken following months of furore over MPs' expenses.
Parliamentary Pay Rises
MPs' annual salaries are to increase by around £1000 in April, it was confirmed today. The average salary for a Commons Parliamentarian will rise to £65,737 a year. A decision to increase pay by 1.5% was taken following months of furore over MPs' expenses.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
