Responding to Government proposals to give Ofgem powers to require companies to compensate consumers, Audrey Gallacher, Director of Energy at Consumer Focus, said:
‘This is a really welcome move from the Government. Customers who have felt the detriment caused by energy firms’ mistakes, should also feel the benefit of any fine the firm faces. Money should be going back into consumers’ pockets when they have lost out – not into the Treasury’s coffers as is the case with fines now.
‘Consumer Focus has worked with suppliers to get customers compensation on several big issues – most notably £70million of repayments from npower in 2010/11. But we are keen to see this as a tool in the regulator’s artillery – not a voluntary option for suppliers to do the right thing.’
ENDS
