Citizens Advice response to Ofgem’s radical reform for a simpler, more competitive energy market

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

"With more than 400 different energy tariffs on offer, it's no wonder people are confused.  That's why double the number of people are coming to us for online advice about fuel costs at the moment.

"Ofgem need to make it easier to get the right tariff as soon as possible. But the biggest issue for consumers is the size of the bills landing on the doormat: the average dual fuel bill is now £1345 and people have real concerns about whether they're being taken for a ride."    

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.