Ofgem Introduces Itself to Customers
As part of their commitment to engage with customers under the Retail Market Review, Ofgem, the energy regulator has launched a “Be an energy shopper” campaign.
Ofgem have been vociferous proponents for many years that the energy market, and competition specifically, is working. However the results of the retail market review have prompted a rethink that has led to a campaign with the aim of encouraging UK energy customers to search out the best deal for themselves rather than ‘leave it to the market’.
In an Ofgem survey it was revealed that:
- 53 per cent were confused about energy tariffs
- 33 per cent are worried about energy bills
- 43 per cent of customers do not shop around to compare energy tariffs.
- 45 per cent of customers did not think they would save much money by comparing tariffs,
- 24 per cent said the process was “too much hassle”
New Ofgem Chief Executive, Dermot Nolan, said:
“We shop and compare prices for many things in life, yet we often don’t think to do the same when it comes to our energy bills, even when [a domestic customer] could be saving around £200.
“Previously, people found it difficult to compare tariffs and the process too time consuming but the recent reforms have changed things for the better.
“With the introduction of ‘Be an energy shopper’ it has never been easier to go energy shopping and get a better deal on your gas and electricity.”
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey hoped the campaign would help customers:
“get the benefits of more competition, making the switch is easier than ever before, and the ‘Be an energy shopper’ campaign gives consumers practical advice on how to shop around and get the best deal for their energy use.”
To support the initiative Ofgem has launched the dedicated website www.goenergyshopping.co.uk providing comparison tools, a glossary of terms used on energy bills, links to useful sites, and a downloadable guide.