WIREDGOV

Citizens Advice has responded to EDF Energy announcing that it will raise the price of its standard variable dual fuel tariff by 7.2% (£78) in June.

In December 2016, the firm announced that dual fuel customers would pay 1.2% more a year on their energy bills - due to an 8.4% rise in electricity prices from March 2017.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy, said:

“This is the second price rise EDF has announced in less than 6 months and will come as another blow to its loyal customers.

“People on EDF’s standard variable tariffs are already feeling the effects of an electricity price rise that came into force last month, a fresh price hike of £78 a year will hit those already struggling.

“It’s positive that EDF will offer some of its most vulnerable customers a £100 rebate on their energy bills. But action is urgently needed across the industry to protect the poorest households from repeated price hikes.

“Extending the prepayment meter cap to credit meter customers eligible for the Warm Homes Discount would guarantee protection for millions of the poorest families and pensioners.”

Notes to editors

1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, 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.
2. 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.
3. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
4. 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.
5. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication Advice trends.
6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.