Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, responded to today’s (13 February) Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Select Committee Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Domestic Gas and Electricity (Tariff Cap) Bill
“As this report makes clear, both loyal and vulnerable energy customers have been the victims of a dysfunctional market and have been ripped off by energy companies for too long.
"An absolute cap, as recommended by the committee, is crucial to securing protection for the largest number of customers while continuing to provide competition in the market. This should apply to all default tariffs.
“However, we continue to hold reservations over the inclusion of a sunset clause tied to an arbitrary date. The decision to remove consumer protections should be dependent on whether the need for such protections still exists, not a fixed calendar date.
“The committee is right to point out that, even after any government price cap is lifted, people in vulnerable circumstances will need protection from overcharging.
“We look forward to working with the Government to ensure that these protections are put in place as soon as possible”.