Citizens Advice has responded to npower’s announcement that it is raising prices for approximately 1 million standard variable dual fuel customers. Npower is the fourth of the ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers to raise the price of its standard variable tariff (SVT) in recent weeks, following similar moves from British Gas, EDF and Scottish Power.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice, said:

“At a time when many energy customers are struggling with their bills, this price rise will be hard to stomach for the approximately 1 million customers affected.

“The price rise won’t affect customers who have switched to a fixed rate deal. But our research shows that vulnerable customers, including the elderly and people with mental health problems, are among those least likely to switch. This means that many vulnerable customers could be disproportionately affected by this hike.

“Anyone who is not happy with their energy supplier should think about switching to a new supplier or a better deal.”

Citizens Advice energy price comparison tool

Citizens Advice provides an independent comparison of energy tariffs, alongside a customer service star rating, at energycompare.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Notes to editors

1. Citizens Advice has a statutory role as the consumer advocate for energy consumers across the UK.
2. 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.
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 get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.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. 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.
7. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.