Energy News

Calls for end to ‘horror’ energy bills

Wednesday 1 July, 2009

By becca.talbot@consumerchoices.co.uk

British households are most confused when it comes to paying for their gas and electricity, a new survey has found.

Consumers are being left confused and could be potentially vulnerable to debt because of hard-to-understand household bills, according to the results of a new study.

The survey, carried out by uSwitch.com across 3,015 respondents, found that Brits thought their energy bills were the most confusing, followed by bills for broadband, digital TV and their home phone service, and then water bills.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: “A well-written, clear and concise bill should leave consumers feeling empowered and in control, not bemused.”

The new research highlighted differences in the standard of bills from different companies and sectors. Banks and building societies came top of the poll, with 72% of customers saying they found their bills and statements easy to understand.

Robinson added that energy regulator Ofgem has signalled its intention to work with suppliers on improving bills, but suggested it needed to look outside of the energy sector for inspiration.

She continued: “It could do far worse than look at banks and building societies, which seem to be leading the way in providing consumers with bills and information they can easily understand.”

The average household in Britain is spending £1,243 a year on energy bills, however experts have predicted that energy bills could hit as much as £5,000 a year by 2020.