Index
Appendix Name of Appendix Page Number
1 Consultation response and questions 65
2 Consumer research summary 68
3 Option 3 „Additional information plus prescribed format‟: Proposed standardised template
74
4 Draft Licence Conditions for our RMR proposals 77
5 Glossary 123
6 Feedback questionnaire 130
Supplementary Appendix (published separately)
Appendix Name of Appendix Page Number
7 Tariff Comparability: Draft Impact Assessment 1 8 Strengthen Probe Remedies – Domestic: Draft Impact Assessment 16
9 Proposals on Switching Sites: Draft Impact Assessment 94
Appendix 1 - Consultation response and
questions
1.1 Ofgem would like to hear the views of interested parties in relation to any of the issues set out in this document.
1.2 We would especially welcome responses to the specific questions which we have set out at the beginning of each chapter heading and which are replicated below. 1.3 Responses should be received by 23 February 2012 and should be sent to:
[email protected] Retail Markets Ofgem 9 Millbank London SW1P 3GE
1.4 Unless marked confidential, all responses will be published by placing them in Ofgem‟s library and on its website www.ofgem.gov.uk. Respondents may request that their response is kept confidential. Ofgem shall respect this request, subject to any obligations to disclose information, for example, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
1.5 Respondents who wish to have their responses remain confidential should clearly mark the document/s to that effect and include the reasons for confidentiality. It would be helpful if responses could be submitted both electronically and in writing. Respondents are asked to put any confidential material in the appendices to their responses.
1.6 Next steps: Having considered the responses to this consultation, Ofgem intends to publish a decision document and final impact assessments. Any questions on this document should, in the first instance, be directed to:
David Hunt Retail Markets Ofgem 9 Millbank London SW1P 3GE [email protected]
CHAPTER: Two
Question 1: Do stakeholders agree that we should introduce the RMR core proposal?
Question 2: Which cost elements should be included in the standardised element of standard tariffs?
Question 3: Do stakeholders agree that our information remedies would help consumers engage effectively? If not, what would be more appropriate remedies?
Question 4: Do stakeholders consider that the price comparison guide should be presented in a p/kWh figure, a £ per month figure or both?
Question 5: Do stakeholders agree that the proposed exceptions for legacy social tariffs and extremely high consumption domestic consumers are appropriate?
Question 6: Do stakeholders agree that we should not allow an exception for suppliers to offer a green standard tariff in addition to an „ordinary‟ standard tariff?
Question 7: Do stakeholders believe it would be appropriate to introduce a six-month price guarantee for standard tariffs, or do you consider that this would undermine the simplicity of the RMR core proposal?
CHAPTER: Three
Question 8: Do stakeholders agree with our recommended proposal of Option 3 („Introduce more prescriptive rules‟) for bills and annual statements?
Question 9: Do stakeholders agree with our recommended proposal for SLC 23
notifications including price increase notifications of option 3 („Additional information plus prescribed format‟) and option 4 („Tighten and clarify policy intent‟)?
Question 10: We seek views from stakeholders on the additional requirements outlined in option 3 („Additional information plus prescribed format‟) for SLC 23 notices including price increase notifications.
Question 11: We seek views on any proposals to restrict the inclusion of additional materials (e.g. marketing material) along with SLC 23 notifications.
Question 12: We seek views along with any supporting data or evidence for our
proposals for information signposted to consumers in option 4 („Tighten and clarify policy intent‟) for SLC 23 notifications including price increase notifications.
Question 13: We seek views on any additional recommendations which stakeholders consider relevant for bills, annual statements and SLC 23 notifications.
Question 14: We intend to consult on the content of the Confidence Code separately if and when we take over the governance responsibility for it. However at this stage we welcome any early views on developing the Confidence Code.
Question 15: We welcome views from stakeholders on our proposals for enhanced monitoring.
Question 16: We invite specific views on costs and other implications if we were to introduce our proposals. Please provide details and cost estimates where appropriate broken down by each proposal.
CHAPTER: Four
Question 17: Do you consider the revised SOCs will help achieve our objectives?
Question 18: Do you agree the revised SOCs should apply to all interactions between suppliers and consumers?
Question 19: Do you agree that the SOCs should be introduced as an overarching, enforceable licence condition?
Question 20: Do you have information regarding potential costs this may impose on suppliers?
CHAPTER: Five
Question 21: Do you agree with our analysis of the impact on vulnerable consumers?
Question 22: What are your views on the need for further intervention?
Appendix 2 - Consumer research summary
2.1 We have commissioned qualitative and quantitative research to exploreconsumer views on options for simplifying and comparing tariffs. An expert review of the language and format of bills, annual statements and price rise notifications was
conducted. A summary of the research is provided below and the reports are available on our website. Ofgem‟s Consumer First Panel was run in early November, focusing on the information consumers receive from suppliers. This report is due out at the end of the year.