Will new energy statements be too confusing?

Article date : 03/08/2010

The forthcoming introduction of annual energy statements is likely to leave consumers feeling confused, it has been claimed.

Utilities regulator Ofgem has informed power providers that they will need to begin sending out such a statement to their customers, which includes details of how much energy they are consuming, the BBC reports.

However, Consumer Focus has warned that the statements have the appearance of a bill and that it is disappointed with the way providers are compiling the documents.

Meanwhile, the Energy Retail Association has described the statements as a work in progress, as Consumer Focus urges power suppliers to make improvements.

According to Confused.com, the news that the statements are leading to confusion is unsurprising.

The site's energy analyst Lisa Greenfield said: "Steps that have been taken by Ofgem in an attempt to bring clarity to consumers through their introduction of a compulsory annual statement may have backfired, with providers taking a very varied approach to presenting the required information."

Britons concerned about their bills may find that there are a number of steps they can take to lower them, including updating central heating systems by having new condensing boilers installed.

Written by Jasper Cullen

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