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Energy News
Ofgem gives advice on the best energy deals
Thursday 23 October, 2008
By hazel.cottrell@consumerchoices.co.uk
Energy regulator Ofgem today launched Energy Best Deal, a campaign to give low income customers information on how to get the best deal on their energy.
Energy Best Deal, the new campaign from Ofgem (www.ofgem.gov.uk) aims to empower those who are in fuel poverty and help them make the most of the energy market. Customers who are struggling to meet the rising cost of energy will receive face-to-face advice on keeping their energy bills as low as possible.
Energy Best Deal will train local front line workers from Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk), Housing Associations, Credit Unions and other organisations so they can advise low-income customers about how to get the best deal on their energy.
The campaign has been devised by Ofgem and Citizens Advice and has been funded by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
Ofgem Managing Director for Corporate Affairs, Sarah Harrison, said: “Ofgem has developed Energy Best Deal with Citizens Advice to provide free and trusted advice to customers on steps that can be taken now to manage down household energy bills, for example by switching tariff or payment method and by taking up help available to use energy more efficiently in the home.”
Teresa Perchard, Director of Public Policy at Citizens Advice said: “Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales have seen a seven per cent rise in enquiries on fuel debt over the last 12 months. By rolling out Energy Best Deal, bureaux will be equipping consumers with the information they need to reduce their fuel bills this winter”
The campaign was devised following research by Ofgem that showed that some categories of customers, particularly pensioners, the unemployed, and those on low incomes are switching in lower numbers than average. It also showed that many people on low incomes are not aware of the help available to them from energy suppliers and the government to help them with energy efficiency and paying for their energy bills.
Chris Eagle, commercial manager at EnergyChoices.co.uk says: “This is campaign is great news for those struggling with rising energy bills. You can literally save hundreds of pounds by switching to a cheaper supplier and there are plenty of energy efficiency measures that can help you cut your bills dramatically. Having access to this information is crucial, and while we have a wealth of information on our website, the fact that customers can now get impartial advice face-to-face is a big step forward.”
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