New Watchdog Lacks Bite

Hard hit Winchester residents are set to lose out further Mark Oaten has warned following the merger of Energywatch into the new Consumer Focus watchdog. It will leave thousands without an effective means to challenge the energy companies over fuel prices.

Energywatch, the consumer champion for all energy issues, is being merged with two other bodies. This will then only deal with the most severe of cases – when individuals face being cut off from energy supplies.

Others will have to contact their energy companies directly and only if they exhaust all possibilities will they then be able to contact the Energy Ombudsman – and then after a waiting period of eight weeks.

As a member of the Business & Enterprise Committee Mark has met with Energywatch representatives and made his concerns known commenting that he is worried the new organisation will lose focus.

Mark Oaten commented:

“I couldn’t think of a worse time for this to be happening. Energy prices are skyrocketing and everyday constituents are getting in touch to tell me their fuel bills are being doubled or that they are now being charged for services they didn’t even know they were using.

“I was always able to point them in the direction of Energywatch which helped go through all the options available to them in getting their bills reduced. Now all this restructuring is going to mean those same advisors at Energywatch will be changing desks, reorganising their offices and there is bound to be a loss of focus.

“That’s going to have a huge knock on affect for my constituents who need their help now – not in a year’s time when things finally bed down. I am all for streamlining government departments but not at the expense of the service they provide.