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Government must draw up new legislation to allow energy suppliers and the department of work and pensions (DWP) to share data so that vulnerable households can be help to bear the rising cost of energy. That is the view of the consumer watchdog.
Responding to EDF’s announcement earlier today that it would use DWP data to ensure that the poorest pensioners will automatically get its cheapest deal, Consumer Focus said that move was welcome but left other vulnerable households no better off.
“We want to see the Government work with energy suppliers on extending data-matching,” said Consumer Focus head of energy retail Gillian Cooper. “This would enable the Government and suppliers to identify and target help to vulnerable families and disabled people who are also struggling to meet expensive energy bills. This is an essential move if help is to reach all those who need it.”
Such a move would require government to pass new legislation. The Coroners and Justice Bill originally contained a provision which would have allowed more data sharing on vulnerable customers. However, the provision was withdrawn after fears over data privacy were raised by campaign groups.
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