The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee has today published
the Government
response to its report from the autumn which called for urgent action
from Ministers, Ofgem and the energy industry to help households
facing an apparently inevitable new winter crisis.
In response to a Committee recommendation that the Government
should engage with Ofgem to revise the standing charge model, the
energy regulator has launched a call for input from bill-payers,
businesses and charities on what could replace it.
Among other wins for the Committee, the Government response also
highlights the new rules implemented by Ofgem aimed at improving
customer support from energy suppliers.
The response however makes no mention of any intention by
Ministers to consult on the introduction of a social tariff or
updating rules around eligibility for the Cold Weather Payment.
, Chair of the ESNZ
Committee, said: “We welcome the fact that the
Government and Ofgem have listened to the Committee and have
opened the door to the process of replacing the standing charge
with a much fairer system. The introduction of new rules designed
to boost the accessibility of support for customers is also a
good first step. But rules are one thing and action is another.
With no commitment to establishing a dedicated telephone line for
trusted intermediaries, the Committee will be expecting energy
companies to tell us exactly how they are prioritising access to
consumer support for those acting on behalf of vulnerable
customers.”
The Committee is currently seeking views on the standing charge
and social tariff as part of itsinquiry examining the
process of billing customers for their gas and electricity,
looking at whether the rules on charging for energy are fair for
all.
