The report says energy suppliers had until December 2010 to provide customers with their first annual statement, detailing their current energy plan, yearly consumption and how much they can expect to pay for their energy over the next year.

However, a report by Uswitch.com released yesterday (February 16), claims only 37% of households say they have received one.

Even more worryingly 56% of households, potentially 15 million across the country, have either not received an annual statement from their energy supplier or have failed to recognise that they have had one.

uSwitch.com director of consumer policy, Ann Robinson, said: “Consumers clearly don’t think energy statements are coming up to scratch.

“The vast majority of households will have received an annual statement by now, but only 37% recognise that they have done so.

“The statements appear to be poorly labelled, difficult to understand and do not stand out from ordinary energy bills.

“As far as consumers are concerned, annual statements as they currently stand are not fit for purpose.

Plain English Campaign press officer, Marie Clair, added: “Annual energy statements are confusing and inconsistent.

“Suppliers have fallen into the trap of using language that is familiar to them, but unclear and often meaningless to the consumer.”

Luke Walsh

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