Brussels, 28/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - The Citizens' Energy Forum, a place for dialogue to the service of consumers' rights on the internal energy market, was inaugurated on 28 October in London by Meglena Kuneva, European Commissioner for Consumer Protection, and Andris Piebalgs, Energy Commissioner. The aim of the forum, which brings together consumer associations, representatives of the energy sector, national regulatory authorities and governments, is to tackle consumer problems on the energy market by providing clear and simple information on solutions and choices available so that consumers may buy their gas or electricity by making truly well-informed choices for better quality-price.
“We need to watch the energy market carefully to take action against possible abuses. And we need to put protection for vulnerable consumers at the top of the political agenda in what will be a tough winter ahead”, Meglena Kuneva stressed. Mr Piebalgs went on to add: “The protection of consumer interests is particularly timely given the rise in energy costs and the recent upheavals on the world finance markets”.
The forum will develop recommendations to ensure consumer rights are respected and to optimise the retail electricity and gas markets. Improvements are to be made concerning: billing: which must be simple, accurate and allow comparisons between providers; energy efficiency: labels on the efficiency of energy-using appliances must be simple and clear; switching suppliers: this must be easy, swift and free of charge, information on how to switch must be clear and accessible; smart metering: new technologies can help improve accuracy of bills, easier understanding of how much you pay, and enable companies to better advise consumers according to their consumption profile; protecting vulnerable consumers: ways must be found to prevent any interruption of energy supply for persons using cardiovascular and respiratory devices, or those under dialysis, and persons experiencing financial difficulties who are not able to settle their energy bills. The national authorities, consumer associations and the energy sector should find a solution to this problem, the Commission underlines. (A.N./transl.jl)