Energywatch, the gas and electricity consumer watchdog, has launched a campaign aimed at tackling the problems caused to consumers by inaccurate, unclear and late bills from energy companies.

Energy minister Brian Wilson said: "Competition in domestic energy supply can deliver significant benefits to consumers. However, these can be undermined when companies fail to meet high standards.

"Accurate billing is vital and I welcome this campaign.''

Forum Response: Consumers' Association

Delroy Corinaldi, a spokesman for the Consumers' Association, told ePolitix.com: "The success of our 'Tell Sid to switch' campaign last year showed that when consumers are made aware of money to be saved and have access to easy-to-understand and impartial price information, they are prepared to switch. After the launch of our campaign online switching using price comparison websites doubled.

"The huge majority of consumers are still switching suppliers on the doorstep, and using information provided by competing suppliers.

"The problems of misleading information and aggressive selling practices are well documented, so access to up-to-date, impartial information is key to consumers making informed switches. When consumers make informed choices, markets work."

Forum Response: Ofgem

A spokesman for Ofgem told ePolitix.com: "We recognise that it is important that customers are accurately billed. This allows them to stop getting into debt and provides them with the information which allows them to switch supplier.

"We would emphasise that this is a competitive market with companies offering different products and services and if customers are unhappy they should switch supplier.

"If Energywatch passes on details of wrongdoing by energy companies we will investigate and take the appropriate action."