Guardian: “Energy complaints in the first quarter of 2014 more than tripled compared to the same period last year to their highest level ever recorded, the energy sector’s ombudsman said on Monday.”
“The figures are likely to put further pressure on energy companies, already under fire from consumer groups and politicians about rising bills and soaring fuel poverty, which now afflicts 4.5 million Britons. Energy regulator Ofgem said last month that it was referring the sector to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), a review which could see the big six electricity suppliers forced to separate their power stations and supply businesses.
Between January and March of this year there were 10,638 complaints, compared to 3,277 in the first quarter of 2013 and 17,690 in the whole of last year.
….A spokeswoman for the ombudsman said the figures were the highest ever recorded. She attributed the “unbelievable” increase to greater financial pressures on families and individuals, which meant they were less willing to put up with poor service. Announcing the referral to the CMA, Ofgem said it found that 43% of customers did not trust energy companies to be clear and honest about prices.”
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