New utility statements may not stop debt

They were meant to help consumers sidestep debt by getting the best energy deals for them, but the new annual statements sent out by suppliers are not yet up to scratch.

Indeed, Consumer Focus warns that the new statements may actually make matters more confusing for homeowners. As a result of this confusion, energy customers may end up making decisions which leave them further in debt.

Of the six big energy companies, Consumer Focus rated SSE and Npower's efforts as poor.

Regulators Ofgem added that they were "disappointed" that some of the firms had gone by the letter of the rules, rather than the spirit.

The Energy Retail Association, which represents the firms, comments that they will learn from the criticisms, but notes that the statements are "a work in progress".

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