Thursday 21 September 2017

Jargon ‘causing energy bill confusion across UK’

Complicated jargon and confusing energy bills are preventing UK households from switching to cheaper energy deals.

That's according to a new report from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) and comparethemarket.com, which suggests simpler bill breakdowns and text alerts are needed to help drive consumer engagement.

The report surveyed a number of consumer focus groups, who said they felt energy companies "did not speak the same language".

Other barriers to switching include a lack of trust, a lack of internet access and a lack of awareness of the ability to easily and quickly switch.

It also claims the national roll out of smart meters will improve and streamline the billing process.

Hywel Lloyd, Associate Director at the Institute of Public Policy Research, said: "There is a real urgency to making energy bills easier to understand so that consumers can make the most of opportunities to get a better deal.

"With so many people on standard tariffs or yet to switch, simpler bills are a part of making consumers more engaged with the amount they are paying for energy."