Demanding attention: Managing risks with demand-side response, to improve consumer experience tomorrow
The evolution of the energy retail market continues to be a core element of the UK’s transition to net zero. As we decarbonise how we travel, how we heat our homes and our energy generation, it’s likely we’ll see increasing adoption of electric vehicles, heat pumps, solar and storage and smart domestic appliances. These products might mean we need to increase how much electricity we produce but they also offer new potential to be ‘flexible’ with how and when we use it - for example, using more electricity when renewable generation is high. Doing so will help us maintain energy system resilience in a cost effective way, reducing costs for energy bill payers.
We’re seeing companies offer services to help consumers use electricity flexibly, using smart controls to cater to the needs of their customers and balance the grid. Many companies, including members of the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) and Energy UK, are already offering such services, whilst innovation in the market continues to broaden what those services could look like.
Citizens Advice's vision of the future energy market is one that is inclusive by design and recognises the essential nature of energy supply. It should facilitate and encourage innovation, be accessible by all and treat everybody fairly, regardless of their circumstances.
To achieve this, it is vital that the sector is proactive in identifying any gaps in consumer protections as these propositions develop. Given the critical importance of this developing market and the high potential for innovation, we need to ensure that it is delivering positive consumer outcomes that enable and encourage others to make the transition.
This report therefore seeks to provide insight into areas of consumer protection most relevant to evolving propositions, with a broad analysis of how far existing policy and legislation addresses these areas.
Some of the risks highlighted in the report are expected to fall away as rewards for participation are established, whilst new risks may emerge over time as the market changes or more evidence becomes available of potential harm. Many providers are conscious of ensuring positive outcomes for consumers and recognise the importance of building consumer confidence.
In this report, Citizens Advice, ADE and Energy UK have assessed a series of different risks in this market to identify any gaps in protections. This is the first step in delivering benefits to consumers as we continue towards net zero.