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11/01/2012
Other News In Brief
Which? Reveals Four Million Household Energy Complaints
The six major energy suppliers received over four million customer complaints in 2011, according to new research from Which?. The most common problems people reported were billing and meter problems, including mistakes on bills, inaccurate meter readings and missing bills. The consumer champion's annual energy company satisfaction survey also paints a bleak picture. Good Energy tops the table with the highest customer score (84%), followed by Utility Warehouse (78%) and Ecotricity (77%). Of the larger companies, SSE comes first with a customer score of 51%, and Npower comes last with only 41%.Despite the low levels of satisfaction and high level of complaints, in an industry where very little should go wrong with the product itself, 90% of unresolved complaints do not go to the energy ombudsman for resolution. Which? has calculated that this means consumers could be missing out on £4 million a year in unclaimed compensation.
Funeral Held For Welsh Soldier
The funeral of a soldier who was found hanged in a Pembrokeshire quarry on New Year's Day has taken place. Welsh Guardsman L/Sgt Dan Collins, 29, was given full military honours for the service at St Mary's Church in Cardigan. His family said he faced a battle with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving in Afghanistan. A Bridgend-based PTSD charity has received dozens of calls for help since L/Sgt Collins' story was told.
Police Consider Satanic Ritual In Horse Murder
Police have said that they cannot rule out satanic ritual while investigating the mutilation of a horse in Cornwall. The stallion was found dead in a field in Stithians on Monday with knife injuries to its head and body. The attack, which happened shortly after St Winebald Day - a date on the Satanic calendar - has prompted speculation of a ritualistic killing. Police have said that this however is not the only line of investigation they are following.
(LB)
The six major energy suppliers received over four million customer complaints in 2011, according to new research from Which?. The most common problems people reported were billing and meter problems, including mistakes on bills, inaccurate meter readings and missing bills. The consumer champion's annual energy company satisfaction survey also paints a bleak picture. Good Energy tops the table with the highest customer score (84%), followed by Utility Warehouse (78%) and Ecotricity (77%). Of the larger companies, SSE comes first with a customer score of 51%, and Npower comes last with only 41%.Despite the low levels of satisfaction and high level of complaints, in an industry where very little should go wrong with the product itself, 90% of unresolved complaints do not go to the energy ombudsman for resolution. Which? has calculated that this means consumers could be missing out on £4 million a year in unclaimed compensation.
Funeral Held For Welsh Soldier
The funeral of a soldier who was found hanged in a Pembrokeshire quarry on New Year's Day has taken place. Welsh Guardsman L/Sgt Dan Collins, 29, was given full military honours for the service at St Mary's Church in Cardigan. His family said he faced a battle with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving in Afghanistan. A Bridgend-based PTSD charity has received dozens of calls for help since L/Sgt Collins' story was told.
Police Consider Satanic Ritual In Horse Murder
Police have said that they cannot rule out satanic ritual while investigating the mutilation of a horse in Cornwall. The stallion was found dead in a field in Stithians on Monday with knife injuries to its head and body. The attack, which happened shortly after St Winebald Day - a date on the Satanic calendar - has prompted speculation of a ritualistic killing. Police have said that this however is not the only line of investigation they are following.
(LB)
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24 September 2008
EDF To Takeover British Energy
The Government welcomed EDF's proposed £12.5 billion takeover offer for British Energy Group and the British Energy Board's recommendation of the offer to its shareholders. The Government has committed to accept the cash offer of 774p per share for its 36% stake held by the Nuclear Liabilities Fund (NLF), subject to certain conditions.
EDF To Takeover British Energy
The Government welcomed EDF's proposed £12.5 billion takeover offer for British Energy Group and the British Energy Board's recommendation of the offer to its shareholders. The Government has committed to accept the cash offer of 774p per share for its 36% stake held by the Nuclear Liabilities Fund (NLF), subject to certain conditions.
13 May 2003
Incorrect energy bills cause 'widespread distress'
A leading energy watchdog has claimed that inaccurate billing is "causing widespread consumer frustration and distress" and warned the industry to clean up its act.
Incorrect energy bills cause 'widespread distress'
A leading energy watchdog has claimed that inaccurate billing is "causing widespread consumer frustration and distress" and warned the industry to clean up its act.
06 April 2005
Watchdog lodges energy bill super complaint
Gas and electricity consumer watchdog Energywatch has announced that it is to lodge a 'super complaint' with regulator Ofcom over fuel bills, which, it says, is causing a "myriad of problems" for consumers. Energywatch said that 40,000 people had contacted their helpline, complaining about problems arising from their fuel bills.
Watchdog lodges energy bill super complaint
Gas and electricity consumer watchdog Energywatch has announced that it is to lodge a 'super complaint' with regulator Ofcom over fuel bills, which, it says, is causing a "myriad of problems" for consumers. Energywatch said that 40,000 people had contacted their helpline, complaining about problems arising from their fuel bills.
22 February 2011
Energy Forum Marks Milestone In Efforts
Speaking at the International Energy Forum (IEF) ministerial meeting in Saudi Arabia today, UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry highlighted the importance of international efforts to stabilise the cost of energy sources.
Energy Forum Marks Milestone In Efforts
Speaking at the International Energy Forum (IEF) ministerial meeting in Saudi Arabia today, UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry highlighted the importance of international efforts to stabilise the cost of energy sources.
05 July 2005
Energy firms ordered to improve their billing
Energy suppliers must improve the way they bill their customers within a year or face regulatory action, industry regulator Ofgem has warned. Ofgem has ordered suppliers to stop ‘back-billing’ – failing to supply a bill and then charging customers the full amount at a later date - beyond two years. This would be reduced again to one year in 2007.
Energy firms ordered to improve their billing
Energy suppliers must improve the way they bill their customers within a year or face regulatory action, industry regulator Ofgem has warned. Ofgem has ordered suppliers to stop ‘back-billing’ – failing to supply a bill and then charging customers the full amount at a later date - beyond two years. This would be reduced again to one year in 2007.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
