Written question asked by Norman Lamb (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 31 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 February 2005. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Friday, 4 February 2005 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment she has made of the impact of inaccurate energy bills on consumer debt; if she will require energy suppliers to provide consumers with a bill based on an actual meter reading at least twice in each calendar year; and if she will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment she has made of the impact of inaccurate energy bills on consumer debt; [213725] (2) if she will require energy suppliers to provide consumers with a bill based on an actual meter reading at least twice in each calendar year; and if she will make a statement. [213726] Mr. Mike O'Brien: Under legislation the rules governing meter-readings are the responsibility of the independent regulator, Ofgem. Under their supply licences, gas and electricity suppliers are obliged to ensure that customers' meters are physically read and inspected once every two years, although suppliers will seek to read meters more frequently. Where meter- readers are unable to read the meter, the supplier will estimate usage, and this will be reflected in the bill. Customers may provide their own meter readings instead of accepting an estimated bill. The supplier must accept that reading. Ofgem figures show that, in September 2004, 1,526,349 electricity and 1,289,419 gas customers were repaying debt to their suppliers. Ofgem does not collect data on how many customers are in debt due to inaccurate billing.

Secondary information