Big energy profits will spark fury among consumers

Citizens Advice says consumers will find it difficult to accept price rises are necessary as new figures show energy firms enjoy £3.3 billion profit since 2010.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“A £3.3 billion profit for energy firms since 2010 will spark fury among consumers and makes transparency about pricing ever more necessary.  It's very difficult for people to come to terms with the need for price rises, that stretch their ability to have a warm home and put food on the table, when suppliers’ profits have soared. Energy firms need to stem price hikes and make sure any drops in wholesale costs quickly turn into price cuts for consumers.”

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website .

  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk . You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk

  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers

  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.