Wednesday 27 February 2013

Stephen Metcalfe MP: Getting households a fair deal on their energy bills


Stephen Metcalfe has today welcomed the news that the residents of South Basildon and East Thurrock are one step closer to cheaper energy bills thanks to Ofgem’s reforms to the energy market.

The changes follow the plans set out by the Prime Minister last year to ensure consumers get the cheapest deal and will be in place by summer.

Ofgem’s reforms endorse the proposals in the Government’s Energy Bill currently in parliament. They include:

  • Making the market simpler by restricting suppliers to offering four simple core tariffs per fuel type.
  • Requiring suppliers to give all their customers personalised information on the cheapest tariff they offer for them.
  • New rules which require suppliers to send clear bills which are easier for customers to understand. 

The Government’ Energy Bill will underpin these changes to ensure that all customers are getting the best deal on their energy bills by 2014.

Commenting, local MP Stephen Metcalfe said: “I welcome Ofgem’s reforms. I know that people across South Basildon and East Thurrock are concerned about their energy bills and it is right that action is being taken to bring them down. It is a big step in the right direction, and follows the Prime Minister’s promise last year to get the lowest tariffs for consumers.”

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: “I made a personal commitment to help get energy bills down - and I'm delighted that Ofgem are taking that forward. The package announced today is fairer for everyone and is about putting people before profits. It's about pensioners being better able to heat their homes in winter, and families better able to cope when the bills arrive.”