Many Scots 'miss energy savings'

Researchers found many people use pre-paid meters for fear of high bills

People in Scotland who struggle to understand their energy bills are missing out on potential savings, a watchdog has said.

"Disadvantaged" householders face too many barriers when they try to switch suppliers and cut costs, according to Consumer Focus Scotland.

A study found a number of people had trouble contacting energy firms or simply found it "too much hassle".

The report accused suppliers of failing to provide transparent information.

The research was commissioned after a survey by the Scottish Consumer Council found that people in Scotland are less likely to switch suppliers than those in other parts of Britain.

'Vulnerable consumers'

Consumer Focus Scotland director Trisha McAuley said: "We believe that effective switching can deliver real benefits to individual consumers and the energy market as a whole by increasing competition.

"But this research highlights that those who might most benefit from switching energy supplier are currently least likely to do so.

"The significant barriers that exist to switching mean that many decide to stick with their current supplier, rather than seek a better deal elsewhere."

Scots were found to be less likely to switch energy supplier

The report, Switching Off: Attitudes to switching energy suppliers among disadvantaged consumers, found people had difficulty comparing suppliers and tariffs and said automated telephone lines were a particular problem for them.

Many used pre-payment meters, incurring a higher cost per unit of energy used, rather than risk unexpectedly high bills.

The report stated: "Our research shows clearly that a lack of transparency of information is a significant barrier to consumers' understanding their existing bills.

"Further, in order for consumers to switch effectively, it is necessary for them to know accurately how much energy they use in a year and how much in total they pay for energy.

"Vulnerable consumers, especially those who are older, blind or partially sighted, people for whom English is not their first language and people with learning difficulties, would all benefit from access to a non automated telephone line.

"Their experiences suggest that not all suppliers make such a number available, or publicise it sufficiently."

Ms McAuley said: "In this time of recession, more needs to be done now to enable and empower those who are most disadvantaged to access cheaper energy bills and to encourage energy suppliers to be more responsive to consumers' needs."