VIDEO: Which? calls for simplified energy tariffs

The consumer watchdog title Which? is calling on Ofgem to simplify energy tariffs after its investigation found they are so complicated even accountants struggle to make sense of them.


The recent Which? test saw 36 people, including a solicitor, an engineer and an accountant, attempt to work out their own energy bill just using the information from their supplier’s website. Of the 36 people who took part, only one, a company director, managed to do it.

Which? has now started a lobbying campaign to convince Ofgem to introduce a single, simplified format for all energy tariffs. It is encouraging consumers to contact Ofgem chief executive Alistair Buchanan, via a link on its website, expressing their support for the scheme.

The proposed tariff is based on just two charges: a daily standing charge to cover the cost of delivering the energy and a cost per unit for the energy used. This would allow a direct and easy comparison between providers. The move is the first objective in the Which? ‘Affordable Energy Campaign’

The campaign has already garnered support from MP and chair of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee Tim Yeo, who said: “I welcome Which?’s investigation into the complexity of energy tariffs. The Energy and Climate Change Select Committee will return to this issue if no action is taken.”

Use Which?’s email link to contact Alistair Buchanan here

Will Parsons

 

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