Citizens Advice, in its role as the official consumer watchdog for energy consumers, has responded to Ofgem’s announcement of a £1.73 million fine for British Gas for failing to notify around 270,000 prepayment customers about a change of top-up provider.
Dame Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:
“It is unacceptable that poor communications put people at risk of being cut off from their energy supply in the middle of winter.
“Households with pre-payment meters are disproportionately likely to be on lower incomes, have children or include people with health conditions. So it’s critical that suppliers take extra care and make sure changes like this don’t put people at risk.
“At a time of significant change in the energy market as suppliers merge and takeovers are completed, this case shows the importance of clear communications and good customer service. All suppliers should learn lessons from this case.”