The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has criticised the government’s Energy Bill, announced in the Queen’s Speech yesterday (19 November 2009) , for not protecting local shop owners against the “bullying tactics” employed by energy companies.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The Energy Bill is an important first step in creating an energy ombudsman with genuine influence. It is vital for the fairness of the market that Ofgem are given sufficient powers to tackle energy companies when required. However, there is still a long way to go.
“Research that we carried out over this summer has shown that 1 in 4 retailers have been given an unfair energy contract proposal. Ofgem may be receiving more powers to protect consumers but for small businesses this is not cause for celebration.
“Vulnerable retailers will still be defenceless in the face of the bullying tactics employed by energy companies and the roll over contracts which lead to grossly unfair tariffs. This needs to stop.”
