Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Energy Suppliers and Consumer Rights

25 April 2023 · 4 other contributors · 3,592 words

Opened by Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife

Responding minister: Amanda Solloway

Energy

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Wendy Chamberlain raised concerns about energy suppliers and consumer rights in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about energy consumers facing overcharging and billing confusion, with 25% of correspondence involving overcharging cases.
  • Citizens Advice reported a 230% increase in energy complaints during winter, highlighting widespread issues.
  • The hon. Member urged the Government to consult on a new consumer rights charter for energy bills and to ensure good companies can be accredited under this system.

Key requests to Government

The hon. Member asks the Government to consult on a new consumer rights charter for energy bills and ensure good companies can be accredited under this system. She urges the Minister to take proactive steps to prevent overcharging and poor service from happening to other families and individuals.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife

The hon. Member is concerned about energy consumers facing overcharging, billing confusion, poor customer service, and issues with smart meters. She mentioned that 25% of her correspondence involves overcharging cases, indicating widespread problems across the UK. Citizens Advice reported a 230% increase in energy complaints during winter. The hon. Member highlighted specific examples of constituents receiving incorrect bills, being charged for unused energy, and facing difficulties due to smart meter malfunctions. She pointed out that vulnerable customers are disproportionately affected by these issues.

Other contributors (4)
  • Daniel Poulter

    He raised concerns about the energy rebate given to park home residents during winter, suggesting that they receive direct rebates from energy companies and are held accountable by those companies and park home owners.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    He commended the hon. Lady for bringing forward this debate and suggested that more gas suppliers in Northern Ireland could increase competition, leading to lower prices.

  • John Howell Con Henley

    The hon. Gentleman intervened on issues related to direct debits and the need for redress when energy companies overcharge without notice, agreeing that contacting an MP has sometimes become the only route for constituents seeking resolution.

  • Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

    She congratulated the hon. Friend on securing the debate and highlighted a constituent's experience with OVO Energy, where a pensioner fell into £140 debt after being threatened by bailiffs and is now £2,500 in debt, calling for action against such callous behaviour.

Government Response

Amanda Solloway

It is a pleasure to be here under the chairmanship of Mr Hollobone. The Minister for energy consumers and affordability, Amanda Solloway, congratulated Wendy Chamberlain on securing this debate about consumer rights in the energy market. She highlighted her commitment to bringing down energy bills and protecting consumers, especially the vulnerable. Ofgem enforces rules ensuring suppliers treat customers fairly and automatically compensate them when their switches are delayed or if they miss appointments. The Minister mentioned that suppliers must offer £30 compensation for each breach of guaranteed standards and an additional £30 if payment is not made within 10 days. Complaints data from suppliers is submitted monthly and quarterly to Ofgem, and consumers can approach the energy ombudsman if dissatisfied with outcomes. The Minister addressed the issue of prepayment meters by stating that fitting them forcibly must be a last resort after exhausting all other options. She also mentioned that resources such as Citizens Advice's big energy saving network help people understand their energy use and entitlements. Solloway concluded by saying she looks forward to meeting Chamberlain to discuss these matters further.

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