Policy & Research
Energy
Consumer Focus is the statutory voice of the domestic energy consumer. We provide representation, research and information for and on behalf of domestic energy consumers.
Consumer Focus represents the interests of domestic energy consumers at the highest level. We make the case for a fair deal for customers with the energy supply companies, the regulator and the governments of the UK and Wales.
We undertake research on the experience of domestic energy customers across Wales and Great Britain. We seek to uncover examples where consumers are being treated unfairly as the result of the policies or actions of energy supply companies, the regulator or government.
Consumer Focus informs domestic energy consumers of their rights in the market and where they can go to for help when things go wrong.
Latest News
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Energy market is major switch off for Welsh Consumers
18 January 2012
“More than two in every five Welsh consumers have never switched their energy supplier. Many of those who have switched have done so just once, switching from separate gas and electricity suppliers to a dual fuel deal. That means as many as eight out of ten households in Wales could be paying more than they need to heat their homes." - Lindsey Kearton, Consumer Focus Wales.
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Schools poster will help young people stay warm this winter
3 November 2011
A bilingual poster highlighting ways children and young people can keep warm this winter is being distributed to schools across Wales. The posters, produced by Consumer Focus Wales and Children in Wales, feature ten tips drawn up by young people for young people.
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Huge energy price hike puts more pressure on cash-strapped consumers
21 July 2011
‘Knowing another price rise was round the corner will not soften its impact for customers. This increase – by the largest electricity supplier in South Wales – heaps more pressure onto already cash-strapped consumers and will tip many thousands more people into fuel poverty.'
more news: energy, vulnerable, switching
Latest Publications
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A response to the Ofgem consultation on the Retail Market Review: Domestic Proposals – February 2012
1 March 2012
Our research shows that currently consumer engagement with the energy market remains low in Wales. Compared to the situation across Great Britain far more consumers in Wales who have never switched show no inclination to do so in the future, indicating the challenge of encouraging more consumers to engage in the energy market could be even greater in Wales.
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A response to the DECC consultation on the Green Deal and ECO
15 February 2012
The ability to maintain a warm home is a fundamental issue for consumers. The rising cost of energy is making this a greater challenge for an increasing number of consumers in Wales, particularly the most vulnerable.
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Switched off: consumer views on energy switching in Wales
18 January 2012
This report examines the extent to which consumers in Wales are engaging with the energy market. It is based on research commissioned by Consumer Focus Wales in November 2011.
more publications: energy, vulnerable, switching
