Energy bill changes come into force
05/07/2010
New measures imposed by energy regulator Ofgem will see householders receive clearer energy bills from now on.
And in a bid to help consumers in the competitive utilities market, the measures will see homeowners get more information on which deal is best for them.
Between now and December 1 households across the country will receive an annual statement from their energy supplier.
It will contain information such as yearly consumption, a predicted bill, and any discounts available to the homeowner.
Advice will also be provided on how to change energy supplier.
Ofgem spokeswoman Sarah Harrison said: "We want customers to have a much better picture of their energy consumption and how much they are spending.
Clearer bills and annual statements will put all this information at their fingertips so they can compare energy deals more easily when they are thinking of switching."
Ofgem said premiums for prepayment meters compared with direct debit had dropped by 38% following its overhaul of industry regulations.
The reforms had also reduced the "unjustified" premium charged to an estimated 4.3 million electricity customers usually living in rural areas who could not get cheaper dual fuel deals because they were not connected to gas networks.
For interesting tips on how to reduce your premiums, see our Energy Saving Guide.
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