Energy Security Bill is welcome, but immediate action is needed before winter draws in, says Citizens Advice

As the statutory consumer watchdog for the energy market, Citizens Advice responds to the government’s Energy Security Bill.

Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“With millions of people already struggling to make ends meet, it’s a relief to see the government extend the price cap beyond 2023.

“Yet much of what we’re paying for our energy is going straight out the window, because so many of our homes are draughty and poorly insulated. 

“We’re glad the government is taking a longer-term view on supporting people with energy bills, but it must bring in energy efficiency measures as a matter of urgency, to help families stay warm this winter.”

Commenting on the regulation of heat networks, Dame Clare Moriarty added:

“To bring bills down in the long run, we must also be less dependent on gas. It’s welcome to see the government recognise this by regulating heat networks. 

“As the statutory consumer advocate, our top priority will be to make sure the government and Ofgem give people the same protections they currently have for gas and electricity.”

Notes to editors

  1. Citizens Advice includes the national charity; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service.

  2. Citizens Advice is the statutory consumer advocate for energy and post. We provide supplier performance information to consumers and policy analysis to decision makers.

  3. The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free, independent support for prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.

  4. Citizens Advice offers Pension Wise services at 500 locations in England and Wales.

  5. Citizens Advice’s services are free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to all regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  6. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice, visit citizensadvice.org.uk

  7. For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or 0808 223 1144 to talk in Welsh.

  8. We helped 2.6 million people face to face, by phone, email and webchat in 2017-18. For service statistics see our monthly publication Advice trends.

  9. Citizens Advice staff are supported by over 23,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 locations in England and Wales.