- The government intends to regulate the heating oil sector to
introduce new consumer protections, alongside securing agreement
with industry to quickly improve customer experiences.
- The Energy Secretary has today said on the Show that the government
will introduce new reforms to ensure that families and
businesses have stronger rights and protections in the markets
for energy and fuel.
- This comes after the Prime Minister announced over £50
million support package to help low-income households that use
heating oil.
- Reforms for the heating oil sector include:
o An agreement secured with industry on a
strengthened Code of Practice to
rapidly provide enhanced protections to customers, including
improving price transparency and formalising a Priority Customers
Register – meaning all customers who are vulnerable are eligible
for prioritised support in times of disruption.
o Introducing stronger consumer
protections which could cover dispute resolution, a greater
variety of repayment options for those facing hardship, greater
price transparency and enhanced protections for vulnerable
groups such as the elderly.
o Supporting the Competition and Markets
Authority's plans to carry out a more comprehensive examination
of the UK's heating oil industry.
o Exploring the creation of a new ombudsman or
appointment of a regulator, such as Ofgem, to champion consumers,
and taking powers to do so through the Energy Independence
Bill.
o Working with the Northern Ireland Executive to
ensure that protections are fit for purpose for Northern Irish
households, who are particularly reliant on heating oil.
- The Energy Secretary is set to meet consumer groups and
charities on Wednesday 18 March to discuss the support
available and listen to concerns raised.
- For households on gas and electricity supply, energy bills
are coming down from 1 April, thanks to the government's action
at the Budget. And under a new legal instruction set to be
published tomorrow (18 March), energy suppliers will be
required to make sure all households on a domestic tariff
benefit from the savings.
