OFGEM Press Release re Price Increases

OFGEM MAKES ENERGY SUPPLIERS GIVE 30 DAYS ADVANCE NOTICE OF PRICE RISES

• Ofgem confirms household energy suppliers must give customers at least 30 days notification of price increases

• New rule also means that consumers must have 30 days advance notice of any change in their contract which leaves them significantly worse off

• Advance notification of price increases builds on Ofgem’s proposed reforms which aim to sweep away complexity in energy pricing Ofgem has today confirmed new rules that mean energy suppliers must give consumers at least 30 days advance notice before putting up their prices. The changes come into effect on 28 April 2011. This means that suppliers have 30 days in which to put these changes into practice.

Rest of press release. http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Media/PressRel/Documents1/30%20day%20rule%20280311.pdf

This is not before time - I cannot think of any other area of life where a supplier can increase prices and not tell a customer till afterwards (up to 90days previously) If your supplier informs you of a price increase check out the other prices available from ALL Suppliers at http://www.getmecheapbills.com/ and make a fair comparison.

Do not stand for bad treatment and high prices from your supplier.

As an aside, Utility Warehouse announced a price increase in certain areas of the country last week, to take place at 7 days notice! In the spirit of the new OFGEM ruling will they be postponing this increase for 30 days?