Given the stated aim to target low income, fuel poor and vulnerable households; NEA believes it is paramount that beneficiaries of the scheme receive adequate consumer protections.

NEA welcomes Ofwat’s recognition of affordability issues with water bills, highlighted by the 3 million customers in England and Wales saying they struggle to pay their water bills. Ofwat’s interventions to ensure bills are reduced by over 12% before inflation will make a significant difference to customers who are struggling to, or at risk of struggling to, pay their bills.

NEA has supported the Regulator’s work to protect more low income and vulnerable customers from unexpected price rises. The efficiency and cost effectiveness of gas distribution networks play a key role in tackling fuel poverty levels and we need to redouble our efforts to move as many households as possible who are reliant on home heating oil to cleaner, greener natural gas. This also provides low income households with a more flexible and affordable monthly or pay as you go option.