ACM wants stricter rules to help people switch energy supplier

Energy companies should do more to help customers find the best option when switching contracts, consumer markets regulator ACM has said.

The ACM wants to make it obligatory for suppliers to offer support to customers and make sure they get the best deal, even though it currently has no powers to do so.

“Choosing a new energy contract has become too complicated for most people,” chairman Martin Snoep told NOS.

Energie Nederland, which represents providers, said it was up to customers to choose the product that best suited their circumstances. “That doesn’t always have to be the cheapest product,” a spokesman said.

The ACM agreed, but said suppliers should use their knowledge of the market to guide customers who were unable to make an informed choice on their own. “They know which contract is the best fit for the customer’s situation,” Snoep said.

The regulator advised people to use comparison websites when shopping for a new contract and take their time to analyse the different options.

It also said people should be wary of unsolicited phone calls from providers that try to persuade them to switch contracts immediately. “Don’t fall for it,” said Snoep. “It’s a complicated issue and you need to compare a number of things.”