Which – Consumer Bills and Energy Policy

Dr Louise Strong, Senior Policy Advisor

Energy is currently a key policy issue for Which? and recent survey data has indicated that energy costs are a high concern for consumers. The impacts of climate policies on consumer energy prices are reviewed. DECC data suggests that a relatively small amount of price rises are due to energy efficiency and low carbon measures, with recent price rises mainly due to increases in the wholesale price of gas. Uncertainties around energy costs and bill impacts, both now and in the future, are discussed together with the role of consumers. The presentation of consumer information on the impacts of policies on bills is examined. It is suggested that additional analysis and data on impacts is needed, in particularly across tenure, property-type and method of heating.