New Ofgem rules on energy supplier licenses “good news for consumers”, says Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice, in its role as the official consumer champion for energy, has responded to Ofgem’s announcement of new licensing rules for firms applying to enter the energy supply market.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“Ofgem’s new rules are good news for consumers. From June, firms entering the market will need to be set up to deliver good customer service and be financially sound.

“The regulator is right to now turn its attention to the issue of poorly performing suppliers already in the market. Ofgem needs to take steps to identify those companies not delivering for their customers or that may be in financial difficulty and examine if its current approach to resolving problems it identifies is the right one.”  

“More firms going out of business remains a possibility. It is essential the regulator acts quickly to better manage future supplier failures.

“We all end up paying through higher bills when energy companies go bust. Without better ongoing monitoring and new rules to manage future supplier failures, consumers will continue to suffer.”

Background

Citizens Advice first called for a review of supplier licensing in 2013.

Notes to editors

  1. Citizens Advice includes the national charity; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service.

  2. Citizens Advice is the statutory consumer advocate for energy and post. We provide supplier performance information to consumers and policy analysis to decision makers.

  3. The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free, independent support for prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.

  4. Citizens Advice offers Pension Wise services at 500 locations in England and Wales.

  5. Citizens Advice’s services are free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to all regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  6. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice, visit citizensadvice.org.uk

  7. For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 to talk in Welsh.

  8. We helped 2.6 million people face to face, by phone, email and webchat in 2017-18. For service statistics see our monthly publication Advice trends.

  9. Citizens Advice staff are supported by over 23,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 locations in England and Wales.