Energy regulator Ofgem has launched Energy Best Deal, a campaign to empower low income customers with the information to help them make the most of the energy market.

The campaign has been devised by Ofgem and Citizens Advice and has been funded by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

The campaign roll-out for this winter follows Ofgem's probe into the energy markets which found that some customers needed more information to help them participate in the market effectively.

Energy Best Deal will train local front line workers from Citizens Advice, Housing Associations, Credit Unions and other organisations so they can advise low-income customers about how to get the best deal for their energy.

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The campaign also builds on the research under Ofgem's Consumer First programme which showed that many vulnerable customers needed more information and guidance about tariff and payments options, access to grants to install insulation and central heating and ways to manage bills through energy efficiency.

Ofgem Managing Director for Corporate Affairs, Sarah Harrison, said: "Ofgem has developed Energy Best Deal with Citizens Advice to provide free and trusted advice to customers on steps that can be taken now to manage down household energy bills, for example by switching tariff or payment method and by taking up help available to use energy more efficiently in the home.

"Making sure customers get the best deal from the energy market is one of the main aims of Ofgem's proposals following our energy supply market probe. We are determined that energy companies should end unfair pricing practices and provide better information to customers to help keep energy costs down."

(CD/JM)