Ofgem facing complaints over new schemes

05/10/2009

The energy regulator is facing criticism for not doing enough to crack down on energy firms, it has been claimed.

Consumer Focus and Which? both believe that Ofgem could do more to protect customers, the Times reported.

The watchdog has introduced a raft of schemes over recent months and has put in place a licencing programme to cut the difference between online and mainstream tariffs.

Next year will also see the introduction of a new scheme to improve the clarity of customer billing and measures to increase the rules governing energy firms' doorstep selling techniques.

Referring to the licensing scheme, Zoe McLeod at Consumer Focus told the newspaper: "These new rules are a step in the right direction, but if Ofgem is not going to enforce them, then the rules aren't worth the paper they are written on."

Meanwhile, Fiona Cochrane at Which? said that the regulator "has not done enough to tackle" the confusing nature of many energy bills.

Figures from uSwitch.com suggest that the annual cost of gas and electricity rose by over 40 per cent in 2008.

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills, Young Family Finances, Retirement Money Problems,

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