Huhne calls on utilities to volunteer tariff changes

Energy secretary Chris Huhne has called upon the UK's utility companies to volunteer information to consumers to help them find the lowest tariff.

In an open letter to energy firms, he states that it would be "vastly preferable, less burdensome and speedier" if the government and energy retailers reach agreement on a voluntary approach to get customers the cheapest deals, while the measures will be mandatorily introduced in the Energy Bill.

"As a retail company, you know your customers well and I would be interested in your ideas on how you could provide information on your bills to consumers on how to switch to your cheapest tariff and on how their consumption compares to similar households," he states.

A review is currently underway to reduce the stronghold on the Big Six energy firms and open the market to smaller companies. The government is working to give consumers greater control over their energy use by introducing the requirement for energy bills to provide information on how to move tariffs and how they compare to other household's energy use.

Posted by Emily Thomas

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For more information please see: Open letter