As Ofgem's consultation into Tackling Electricity Theft ends, Angela Knight, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:
"Ofgem is in danger of looking too much down the wrong end of the telescope on energy theft. Of course the energy suppliers have a part to play in reducing the theft of electricity, just as shops and supermarkets have a role in trying to stop shoplifters. But theft is theft and the main focus should be on catching those who bypass meters, particularly when they use the electricity for criminal activity like growing cannabis.
"Energy suppliers take their responsibility to detect and prevent electricity theft very seriously and already have steps in place to protect honest customers and prosecute the criminals responsible. All suppliers will continue to work closely with the necessary authorities and Ofgem to tackle theft whether its electricity or gas. If you suspect your meter has been tampered with, contact your supplier as a matter of urgency."
Responding to Ofgem's introduction of new 'Standards of Conduct', Angela Knight, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:
“Energy suppliers are ahead of the game in making tariffs simpler and have already made them easier to understand and easier to compare as part of their moves to put the customer first.
In response to the ONS figures on energy consumption, Energy UK said:
"It is good news in the current climate that customers are using less energy, and the regulator is currently consulting on the adjustment of their average consumption figures as a result of this. This fall in consumption shows how effective it is to insulate your home. Britain’s homes are notoriously leaky and energy companies have been busy improving properties to make them warmer and easier to heat.
Responding to the Labour party's energy statement, Angela Knight CBE, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:
“This is a disappointing and inaccurate bashing of an industry which brings heat and light to 27 million homes and business, pays billions each year to the Exchequer and creates employment for over 600,000 people.
As Britain enjoys its warmest summer for years, people worried about next winter’s energy bills are being urged to apply now for a £135 discount.
The Warm Home Discount rebate, which is given each winter automatically to less well-off pensioners, gives those who qualify a discount of £135 off their electricity bill in winter. Yet other customers – and not just older customers - who are struggling with their bills can apply for the discount too.
Commenting on the new terms for Contracts for Difference published by DECC, Energy UK said:
“Both the Contracts for Difference and the Capacity Market are essential to attract the investment that this country needs and to keep the lights on. The devil will be in the detail and investors will be eagerly scrutinising the terms that have been published today.
We urge policy makers to consider how to communicate this story to customers. Bill payers need to know where their money is going and for what. This country needs a balanced energy mix which provides affordable, secure and clean energy.”
Responding to the Energy & Climate Change Committee report on Prices, Profits & Poverty, Angela Knight, Chief Executive of Energy UK, said:
“We take the criticisms and recommendations in this report seriously and, as it recognises, we have gone a long way in improving the information we provide. We have seen radical change – there are fewer tariffs and the new deals are clearer so it is easier to compare, bills have been simplified so they are easier for customers to follow and it is simple to switch from one supplier to another. The industry is also committed to helping customers who are struggling to pay their bills. Many companies have their own schemes and, across the industry, Energy UK runs the Home Heat Helpline.
“Energy companies all publish annual accounts and, in addition, both the generation and supply parts of the business provide Ofgem with all the information about revenues, costs and profits for which the regulator asks. Profit is necessary for employment and investment in this country so we can build the new power stations that will provide ongoing security of supply. We recognise there needs to be open and honest dialogue between all parties and that customers understand their bills also include the cost of the distribution system as well as the environmental and social levies.
“We know there is more to do and trust takes time to rebuild. We will continue to work with customers, government and the regulator as well as consumer groups to make things better.”
In response to an announcement from DECC that a £20 million Green Deal communities scheme will be set up to help households benefit from the Green Deal on a street-by-street or area basis, Energy UK said:
Energy UK believes we need to consider a mix of all forms of energy generation to meet the UK’s needs and for energy security. Shale needs to be considered as part of the overall picture. However, any proposed schemes must take safety and environmental concerns fully into account.
in response to uSwitch research claiming people are being left confused by over-complicated household bills, including energy bills, Energy UK said:
“There is a lot of information that companies are required to include on customers' bills, but they are working hard with the government, Ofgem and consumer groups to make bills as clear as possible.
Energy UK welcomes publication of the draft Electricity Market Reform delivery plan which sets out draft strike prices for renewable technologies up to 2019 and further detail on the Capacity Mechanism which Government intends to introduce in 2014.
