Which? comments on Ofgem's tougher tests for new suppliers coming in on Friday

Natalie Hitchins, Which? Head of Home Products and Services, said:

“Energy customers have too often faced a lottery when their supplier goes bust - not knowing if they will face an overnight price increase of hundreds of pounds or potentially have to wait months for credit refunds. 

“Energy is an essential service and all consumers bear the costs when firms collapse - so it is vital Ofgem does its job and ensures the market functions properly by fully implementing these stringent tests to root out unfit new suppliers before they take on customers. 

“In the meantime, people should still shop around for the best energy deal for them. Those unhappy with the service they are receiving should check the results of our energy customer satisfaction survey to find a better-rated supplier. Switchers could also save themselves around £300 a year."

Notes to editor

• New Which? research revealed more than a quarter of a million energy customers of failed suppliers have moved onto rip-off standard variable tariffs. https://press.which.co.uk/whichpressreleases/more-than-a-quarter-of-a-million-energy-customers-of-failed-suppliers-moved-onto-rip-off-standard-variable-tariffs/
• The results of Which?’s latest energy satisfaction survey can be found here: www.which.co.uk/energy-table
• Customers looking for cheaper energy deals can compare deals with Which? Switch, a transparent and impartial way to compare energy tariffs and find the best gas and electricity supplier.