Clegg to unveil energy bill scheme

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is to unveil Government plans to help people save money on their energy bills.

Ministers say customers could be £100 a year better off amid plans to inform them about which deal best suits them.

Gas and electricity bills could be lowered as the Government teams up with the UK's six biggest energy firms to inform customers about the most efficient deals available.

Mr Clegg is expected to say that ministers 'cannot control volatile world energy prices', but he will reveal that the Government can help people reduce the cost of heating their homes.

He is expected to say: 'There are currently over 120 different tariffs, making it very difficult to know where to start. That is going to change.

'As of this autumn, your supplier will have to contact you with the best tariff for your needs - and if you call them, they'll have to offer you the best deal too.'

Another money-saving initiative expected to be unveiled will see companies printing barcodes on bills, which can be scanned by the customer using their mobile phone to display information about the best energy deals available.

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director of Age UK said: 'We welcome steps that make it easier for consumers to compare energy costs and switch tariffs. There are  five  million households in the UK living in fuel poverty - a quarter of which include an older person.

'But allowing people to compare tariffs within their own supplier is only part of the solution. The Government must also urgently improve energy efficiency through investment to improve housing stock if it is to really tackle one of the most serious issues facing the UK and prevent a repeat of  last winter's 200 excess deaths a day.'

Copyright Press Association 2012