§ Jon TrickettTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many consumers she estimates have not received an energy bill from their current(a) electricity and (b) gas supplier over the last four years; [171485]
(2) what regulations are in force to ensure that consumers receive energy bills that are (a) on time, (b) in an understandable format and (c) accurate; and if she will make a statement. [171486]
§ Mr. TimmsThere is no licence condition to require suppliers to bill customers at a particular time, although suppliers are required to inform customers of energy used, on the basis of a meter reading or an estimate.250W However, certain standard licence conditions are relevant. Condition 17 requires that meters be read at least once every two years; condition 21 requires that customers be advised of their meter reference number at least annually, if not through a bill; condition 27 requires that they be told, at least annually, if not through a bill, about customer service codes; and condition 40 requires that they be told about Energywatch at least annually, if not through a bill. The regulation of gas and electricity supply, including the performance of suppliers against licence conditions, is the responsibility of the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM). I understand that the Chairman of OFGEM will write to the hon. Member about the matters he has raised.