Wednesday 5 November 2014

Trust in energy suppliers rise, DECC reveals

The energy industry’s attempts to rebuild trust could be working, DECC reveals.

Its latest tracker survey of more than 2,100 adults found 67% of them trust energy suppliers to provide a breakdown of the components of their bills – up from 60% in June this year.

It also revealed more than half trust power providers to inform them of the best tariff and give them a fair deal.

The survey, carried out in late September, said trust in energy suppliers’ ability to provide consumers with bills that “accurately reflect the energy used” and providing “impartial and accurate” advice on energy efficiency measures rose to 68% and 54%.

Public concern over energy security remains at the lowest level since the survey began in March 2012, DECC said, which comes despite warnings about blackout risks.

Concerns about future energy costs however remain high, with 77% worried they could face steep rises in gas and electricity prices – but is still the lowest since the survey started, it added.

They survey also revealed more than three quarters (78%) support renewable energy while a quarter are in favour of shale gas extraction – a fall from 29% in March this year.

Consumer body Which? said that while trust has "marginally improved", energy still remains one of the least trusted industries.

Executive Director Richard Lloyd added: "With three-quarters of consumers worried about their energy bills and only a quarter trusting the industry to act in their best interest, it's clear big reforms are needed to restore confidence and guarantee fairer prices for consumers."