The UK is currently facing a cost-of-living crisis, with inflation hitting historic levels. The rising prices of energy bills – prompted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine – could leave as many as 40 per cent of British families facing fuel poverty in the winter.
In its Market Compliance Review, Ofgem found that all bar one of the gas and electricity suppliers assessed had issues in the support they provide.
The regulator has asked those identified to submit information setting out how they will improve.
Key findings include companies being unable to identify customers in payment difficulty and a lack of help given to those requiring crucial payment plans.
The deep dive found that, although good practice exists across the industry, with one supplier, British Gas, having no issues, most need to make improvements in processes and governance to meet their obligations.
The majority of suppliers were found to have minor or moderate issues and three were found to have ‘severe’ weaknesses...