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An independent commission set up to improve standards of support for energy customers in vulnerable circumstances has appointed five commissioners and published a call for evidence.
The five commissioners are: Joanna Elson, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust; Simon Crine, director at the Money and Mental Health Policy Unit; Caroline Wells, co-founder of disabled access review website MeIncluded; Janet Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age and Audrey Gallacher, director of retail energy supply at Energy UK.
The commission, launched by Energy UK in February, will draw on examples from charities and businesses with experience of working directly with people in vulnerable circumstances to highlight good practice.
Commissioners will consider how the actions of energy suppliers, government departments, the regulator and other stakeholders impact on the overall level of care and support for energy customers in vulnerable circumstances.
Lord Whitty, chair of the commission, said: “I’m delighted to welcome such high calibre individuals onto the commission. The range of experience and expertise they bring will make a huge contribution as we start work on this vitally important project.”
He added: “Identifying and helping those in vulnerable circumstances is a complex and challenging issue for the energy industry and for front line suppliers in other sectors. Financial difficulties, disability, physical and mental health problems and life changing events can put any of us in that situation – either temporarily or over the longer term.
“I would urge all organisations and stakeholders with views on this important and complex subject to submit their evidence and views for the panel of commissioners to consider. The energy sector has made significant progress but there is much more to do and we will be using our findings to challenge the industry on where it can go further .”
The deadline for evidence is 30 May and a final report will be published towards the end of 2018.
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