Business secretary
Hutton makes the point that energy markets have changed dramatically in the years since the guidelines were issued. He is expected to ask Ofgem to take the lead in ensuring that customers have the information necessary to save on their energy bills by switching suppliers.
In addition the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, is expected to announce cuts in the tariff charged to users of prepayment (pay-as-you-go) meters. Energy watchdog energywatch recently issued a statement saying that users of prepayment meters are paying some £255 ($515) more a year than those paying by online direct debit.
These moves have not been welcomed by energy suppliers, who hold that government should not be intervening in a competitive market.
See also "Watchdog demands action to end punitive prepayment penalties"