Adam John

BEIS support for energy suppliers ‘could be open to abuse’

Impact of coronavirus sees challenger lower tariff

Igloo Energy has announced a 30 per cent cut to its gas prices as coronavirus continues to impact global wholesale prices. However, industry observers do not expect other suppliers to follow suit.

British Gas furloughs 3,800 staff

Ovo unveils £50m hardship scheme

Ovo Energy has unveiled a series of measures to extend credit and temporary payment reductions to its most vulnerable customers. The supplier added it was working with other retailers and Ofgem to find a solution to longer-term financial hardship. Meanwhile Thames Water has revealed it is working with more than 170 care homes and hospitals across its region to bolster resilience plans during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ombudsman gives suppliers more complaint handling time

Utility Week has seen a letter from Energy Ombudsman chief executive Matthew Vickers advising energy suppliers on new complaints handling measures, which will allow them an additional month to submit evidence. Going forward the service will also prioritise the most urgent cases.

Eon furloughs 4,000 staff

Vickers: ‘Challenging’ for government to offer support direct to suppliers

Matthew Vickers, chief executive of the Energy Ombudsman, has said any government intervention in the energy supply market would be better directed at consumers rather than the retailers themselves. However, another industry expert took a differing view while stressing that suppliers would simply have to accept a dip in revenue from business customers.

Utility apprentices moved to frontline roles

Citizens Advice sees huge spike in searches for PPM help

Ovo Energy furloughs 3,400 staff