Over half of consumers still don’t understand their energy bills, study reveals

Close to 6 in 10 UK consumers have problems fully understanding all the data provided in their respective energy bills, a recent news report has been able to suggest.

Around 48% of those surveyed said they have seen no difference to energy bills and more than half are unable to recall information about cheaper deals. Furthermore, of those aware of the cheapest tariff is displayed on bills, 47% of them deals or suppliers.

However more than a quarter (27%) of consumers admitted they don’t bother to check any details on their energy bills beyond the amount they have to pay.

Younger consumers were found to have the lowest level of bill comprehension, with almost seven in 10 of those aged between 18-35 admitting they don’t fully understand their bills. That’s in comparison to 62% of those aged 25-54 and just 53% aged 55 and over.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com said: “The confusion around bills is a problem that must be tackled if consumers are to get in control of their energy use and spend. If they can’t make sense of their bill, customers could be missing out on better deals or risk bill shock by accumulating significant debt.

“Given that Ofgem’s reforms – which were designed to give clearer information to customers – came in two years ago, it’s worrying that so many remain baffled and bewildered by their bills. We’re urging Ofgem and suppliers to press ahead with plans to make bills easier to understand, making it simpler for consumers to use less, waste less and pay less for energy.”

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