§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to penalise gas and electricity companies that take over control of peoples' energy supplies without their consent. [121445]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe Government take seriously the distress and inconvenience caused by involuntary transfers and has encouraged Ofgem to take firm action with the companies concerned.
It is for the Director General of Gas and Electricity Supply to determine what action should be taken to combat involuntary transfers of energy supply. The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets [Ofgem] is taking steps that will significantly reduce these transfers. Among other things, Ofgem recently renewed the licence condition for gas and electricity suppliers governing sales and marketing practices, and is presently consulting on further enhancements. Ofgem also works closely with individual suppliers to resolve problems that lead to customer complaints.