30-day notice for energy price rises introduced

Thursday 28th April 2011
Under new regulations, consumers must be told about energy price rises 30 days before they are introduced - rather than up to two months after the event.

The changes have been introduced by regulator Ofgem.

Hannah Mummery, energy expert for Consumer Focus, said: "People clearly need to be given fair warning if prices are going to go up, not told months after the event.

"This welcome move will help give people the opportunity to budget for higher bills in advance, weigh up their options about whether to switch supplier and shop around.

"Ofgem has also made some strong recommendations from its energy market review which should also make it easier for customers to compare energy tariffs and switch to a better deal.

"The challenge now is for energy firms to deliver the changes needed to make switching work for consumers and give them confidence that they're being asked to pay a fair price. The regulator must keep the pressure on until they do."

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Mike Jones