ENERGY companies will write “urgently” to more than 200,000 customers in the north and north-east to tell them how to save money on their utility bills before winter arrives.
The move was part of a package of measures agreed yesterday after Prime Minister David Cameron and Energy Secretary Chris Huhne held talks with suppliers and consumer groups.
Mr Cameron told the chief executives of the six largest energy companies it was “absolutely vital” that consumers were not hit by higher fuel bills when they were struggling with rising food and petrol prices.
The talks were held just days after regulator Ofgem claimed the firms were now making an average £125 profit from each customer every year following a spate of recent price rises.
It was agreed that suppliers would write to 8million UK customers, including 225,000 in the north and north-east and a further 498,000 in the central belt, to tell them how they could save money by changing their payment method.
The “big six” also said they would put a message on bills this winter encouraging customers to check whether rivals offered a better deal.
People will be encouraged to take advantage of free or subsidised home insulation as well.
A “big energy week” campaign will be run next year, and suppliers have agreed to investigate the creation of an internet tool to enable customers to compare their gas and electricity consumption to that of similar households in their area.
Aberdeen North Labour MP Frank Doran described the meeting as a “damp squib”.
“It seems to be fairly empty – people should look around, people should change suppliers – but not very much substance,” he said.
“I don’t know how much it would cost to write to 8million people but I would rather see that money spent on something more useful.”
SNP energy spokesman Mike Weir, MP for Angus, said: “I don’t think it has achieved anything.
“A fundamental look is needed at the price of energy and the profits of the companies.”
Citizens Advice was represented at yesterday’s talks.
Susan McPhee, the charity’s head of policy in Scotland, said: “The fact that this meeting even took place is a sign that ministers have listened to the campaign that we and others have been fighting on this issue.
“But we remain concerned about the sheer scale of this problem. One in three Scottish households is in fuel poverty, and many more are heading that way.
“The measures announced today need to be implemented quickly, and they must only be the start. Much more needs to be done to ensure a fair deal for consumers.”
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Cameron said: “We are making energy companies be competitive.
“They’re permanently being watched by Ofgem to make sure it is a competitive market, and we are making them make their energy available so that others can come in and provide customers with a good service.
“We’re also writing to millions of customers today to encourage them to shop around to get the cheapest possible deal they can.”
