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Switching household energy tariffs

Switching household energy tariffs. Research study by (In partnership) A Movable Feast, Age UK, KC social council, Nucleus and London South Bank University . Objectives . Provide independent advice to 150 vulnerable households (older, BME , Single parents)

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Switching household energy tariffs

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  1. Switching household energy tariffs Research study by (In partnership)A Movable Feast, Age UK, KC social council, Nucleus and London South Bank University

  2. Objectives • Provide independent advice to 150 vulnerable households (older, BME , Single parents) • To assess whether independent advice tariff has a better outcome • To explore residents ambivalence to changing tariffs ( inc barriers) • To identify any particular relevant themes ( >75 years, BME , single parent

  3. The study • 151 households – 50 in each group across 3 boroughs • Groups represented people spending large % of their income in heating • Av household income £230 • Virtually nil savings • 62% had debts

  4. The benefits • Saving ( £20 – £150 pa) • green tariffs, better customer care • Taking control – esp iterative budgeting

  5. Research methodology

  6. Findings Better results with advice – esp young parents. BMEs after consultation with friends / community. Older people needed a lot more time to consider the prospect of cahnging provider. Main • barriers - ambivalence /time/ other priorities • past experience or scepticism of benefits • too complex

  7. Implications/findings • Better information / easier process; Market too complex • Savings need to be correctly assessed and individualised • Groups who are most likely to suffer fuel poverty ( complex lives) are most likely to benefit from F2F advice + follow up • comparisons sites are too complex for key user groups • Needs to be a process ( time – esp older people) • Price is important to some users , customer care to others, trust in not being the most expensive etc • Loyalty plays a big part for older users • Intervention need to be tailored for different sections ( vulnerable groups: disabled, time poor, older etc )

  8. Recommendations • Commission independent services to support energy tariff switching ( reduce fuel poverty) • Prioritise funding for provision of independent advice for vulnerable consumers to make choices • Work closely with community groups – build on relationships and reach: added value link • consider awareness raising campaign • Consider Action research as a useful tool in working with communities to affect change

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