Huhne to announce energy reforms

20/09/11

Sarah Tawton

The Government is set to unveil new measures to help customers save money on their gas and electricity bills.

Energy Secretary Chris Huhne will announce new rules making it easier for households to switch suppliers so they can lower their bills by up to £200 a year.

Mr Huhne's speech at the annual Liberal Democrat conference in Birmingham will also see him launch an attack on Britain's biggest energy companies.

He will tell activists that ministers plan to force energy suppliers to pay unlimited refunds to customers, in order to compensate for "bad behaviour".

Tough new powers for energy watchdog Ofgem will also allow it to stop companies blocking reforms, Mr Huhne will say.

The minister recently came under fire for claiming that families "do not bother" to hunt for cheap deals on their gas and electricity.

He will say: "I want to help households save money, simpler charging, clearer bills, quicker switching and more consumer-friendly firms - co-ops, partnerships, consumer charities - dedicated to doing the shopping around for consumers to make sure that you are always on the best deal, even if you do not have time to check yourself."