Energy bill 'will boost support for customers'

Friday, November 20th 2009

Plans to make legislation clearer for energy customers and companies when it comes to paying for gas and electricity will be beneficial to consumers, according to the Department of Energy & Climate Change.

Announced in the Queen's Speech earlier this week, the new energy bill is a way for the government to take "direct action to ensure the markets work fairly and to help more of the most vulnerable with their fuel bills", said energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband.

The bill includes provisions for mandatory social tariff support and extra powers for Ofgem to protect consumers and promote competition within the energy sector.

It also sets out plans to help Britain move to a low-carbon economy.

Last month, Ofgem announced new rules to give consumers more power when it comes to the energy market.

These included tougher regulations concerning doorstep selling and other such practices, as well as obligations on suppliers to offer clearer information on customers' energy bills.