WIREDGOV

With energy prices up by a third since 2010, it's more important than ever that consumers can find the best deal.

While comparison websites can help people shop around to reduce their bills, new research published today has found that all sites do not always show the best available deals. Citizens Advice has previously raised this issue with Ofgem and wants comparison websites to provide all of the information necessary to help people identify the cheapest deal.

This week is Anyone who wants information on cutting their fuel bills can get help from their local Citizens Advice Bureau, or drop in to one of the events that Bureaux are holding this week (20-26 October) for Big Energy Saving Week.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“Comparison sites shouldn't be pulling the wool over peoples eyes about what is the cheapest deal. With energy prices up a third since 2010 shopping around throught switching sites can help households get a better price. But people need all of the information at their fingertips in order to find the best offer for them.

“Anyone struggling to pay their energy bills can get help from their local Citizens Advice Bureau or online at www.adviceguide.org.uk“

Citizens Advice

Notes to editors:

1. This year the Citizens Advice service celebrates its 75th anniversary. We’ve planned a year of activity running from January to December 2014. Contact the press office on 03000 231 080, or via email at press.office@citizensadvice.org.uk, to find out more.
2. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
3. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
4. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk
5. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
6. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.6 million problems from April 2012 to March 2013. For full 2012/2013 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
7. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 22,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.