Energy News

Ofgem to recruit advisors from British homes

Friday 15 May, 2008

By garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

Energy regulator Ofgem is set to recruit a panel of consumers to help sharpen its focus of consumer concerns as gas and electricity bills look set to rise again.

The new consumer panel will be refreshed regularly to ensure that members “remain in tune with everyday consumer issues” and will be consulted on bills and environmental issues.

Alistair Buchanan, Ofgem chief executive, said: “Tapping into developing consumer attitudes to energy is a key concern for Ofgem, especially as we move into an era of rising energy costs and climate change priorities.

“Our new consumer panel will be a ready sounding board for the regular consumer’s take on issues that matter most and on the key challenges such as willingness to pay for security of supply and curbs on environmental damage caused by energy supply.”

Earlier this week, Centica - owner of British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk) - warned that gas prices were likely to rise again in 2008 due to escalating wholesale costs.

Since February, Ofgem has been investigating the gas and electricity markets for households and small businesses - a move prompted by rising energy bills.

The first group of panellists is set to be in place by 1 October, the same month that the new Nationa Consumer Council will replace EnergyWatch as the energy industry’s consumer watchdog.

Chris Eagle, EnergyChoices.co.uk commercial manager, said: “A consumer panel to advise Ofgem on the issues that really matter to the everyday user is a great idea, and as long as Ofgem takes the feedback on board and helps those who need it - such as the elderly and the ‘fuel poor’ - then this could be a real success.”

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