Consumer Focus welcomes Ofgem’s capping of the revenue for distribution network operators at £22 billion for 2010 – 2015. The resulting increases in prices are being used to fund necessary improvements to the supply network and should lead to reasonably small bill increases for electricity customers, of around £4.30 per year on average.
Consumer Focus thinks that the regulator has taken a firm but fair approach on price control in this review.
A number of further initiatives have also been announced which will benefit electricity consumers. For the first time network operators’ performance will be measured against specific targets. A total of £42 million has also been set aside to improve services for those consumers who are worst affected by interruptions to their electricity supply, which Consumer Focus strongly supports.
Robert Hammond, energy expert for Consumer Focus, said:
‘We are pleased that Ofgem has taken a firm but fair approach on keeping network operators spending under control, while ensuring the funds are in place to pay for improvements to the electricity distribution network. Measurable targets for the operators, and improvements for customers with the most supply interruptions, are also key to consumers getting good value for money.’
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