MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) founder Martin Lewis wrote to Ofgem chief, Jonathan Brearly urging him to ensure that energy suppliers make the “fixing market more transparent.”
Ofgem has told energy suppliers to make clear the details of their tariffs to ensure it is easier for households to understand whether or not to switch to a fixed deal.
Currently there are no incentives for companies to publish their deals on comparison websites, unlike open market tariffs.
This means it is difficult for consumers to compare deals for sites such as Lewis’ site MSE in providing the relevant advice.
An Ofgem spokeswoman said, “As switching slowly returns to the energy market, we have existing rules in place to protect customers, but we are always interested in stakeholders’ views on how these can be improved so that customers have access to the full data they need to draw meaningful comparisons.”
Mr Lewis said: “I am grateful to Ofgem for listening to our call to try to make the energy fixing market more transparent.
“As I said in my letter, I understand the difficulties in bringing in new regulation. But at least this request means it is on the radar and firms know it will be frowned upon if they don’t publish the tariff info.
“We have already started to receive some commitments from the big firms they will do this.
“We will, of course, continue to monitor if this ask from Ofgem is working. If not, we will push for this to be moved from guidance into regulation to ensure all firms fulfil their obligation.”
