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< Supply chain companies and engineers urged to join push for nuclear new-build | Water companies warned over funding challenge >

MPs demand simpler bills and fewer domestic energy tariffs

Written by: Roger Milne | 11 June 2009

MPs have demanded simpler and fewer domestic energy tariffs and clearer information on bills.
Those calls came during a parliamentary debate about consumers and energy regulation prompted by Conservative backbencher John Baron who represents Billericay and District in Essex.
He told the Commons that energy companies should be required to include on statements "what the cheapest tariff would be taking into account certain basic assumptions".
He added: "The information could take into account the pattern of a customer's energy use, but it could also reveal how much would be saved if they were to switch and how to go about that."
Baron also suggested it would be a good idea if "the same criteria could apply to those on social tariffs. The energy company could be obliged to state whether a customer is on the cheapest available tariff".
During the short debate in Westminster Hall other MPs lined up to complain about the number of different tariffs available and voice concern that when customers switched they often ended up paying more rather than less.
For the Liberal Democrats, Simon Hughes argued the case for a simple system, one for pensioners, those in receipt of income support, child benefit or a disability allowance and another, unsubsidised, for the rest.
Conservative shadow energy spokesman Charles Hendry said: "There needs to be much greater simplicity in the tariffs that are offered. The range of tariffs must be reduced and we must also ensure that consumers are in a position actively to compare what they are using".
Winding up the debate, energy and climate change minister Joan Ruddock commented: "Everyone made a plea for a simpler system; I agree, and we must try to achieve it".

Tags: billing, energy retail

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