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Ofgem will strengthen its consumer protection rules for comparison websites after research showed the proportion of people using the sites to switch energy providers has risen to 31 per cent from 26 per cent in 2013.
The watchdog is proposing changes to its Confidence Code to protect the interests of consumers and to include more comparison sites under the code of conduct, it said.
The first proposal is that all accredited price comparison sites must make all tariffs across the market available to consumers regardless of whether a commission is earned.
Secondly, Ofgem proposes to remove an existing restriction on accreditation so that more sites can be accredited. Currently, only sites that maintain their own tariff database and price calculator are able to gain accreditation but Ofgem have noted that this can be expensive and exclude certain sites.
Rachel Fletcher, Ofgem senior partner and Be An Energy Shopper spokesperson, said: “Price comparison sites are a great tool to use when energy shopping and it’s good to see more consumers using them. However, consumers quite rightly want to know that recommendations are trustworthy and the Confidence Code badge is a quick and easy way to check that the information is independent, accurate and reliable.”
All Ofgem accredited price comparison sites are currently listed on the Be An Energy Shopper website. The sites who “make the grade” are allowed to display the Confidence Code logo, which will tell consumers they can trust the site’s advice.
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