New systems are being developed to make it easier and quicker to switch energy providers

New systems are being developed by the Government to make it easier and quicker to switch energy providers.

The systems will allow energy consumption data and costs to be automatically transferred between suppliers and switching companies (with the consent of customers), making it much easier for people to get and compare quotes from energy suppliers and get the best deal possible.

This will make it faster for people to switch energy suppliers. It will also give people information about how and when they use energy, and help them to identify ways to reduce consumption and the cost of bills.

The energy sector has led the way on data sharing and significant voluntary progress has been made – customers of the largest suppliers can already download their data electronically.

Automated access to these data files by customers or third parties with consumers’ permission, is the next logical step. It will be an important stepping stone to more engagement for consumers through smart meters, which will give them direct access to their consumption data which they can then share directly with trusted third parties.

The development of these new systems was discussed at the Midata meeting last week, where the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, and BIS Minister, Jenny Willott, met with energy suppliers and switching companies, as well as Ofgem, consumer groups and app developers.

An implementation group has been set-up to move forward the development of these systems as quickly as possible. The group will report back to ministers on its progress by September.

Pictured is Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.