A trailblazing energy supplier, that will soon have a high street presence on the Isle of Wight, has been praised by the industry regulator for its innovative use of technology to help vulnerable customers.
The efforts of Hampshire-based Utilita Energy – which installed Britain’s first smart meter in 2008 – were acknowledged by Ofgem’s Vulnerable consumers in the energy market: 2019 report.
In particular, Ofgem recognised the help given to financially vulnerable customers by the leading challenger brand’s Flexi-pay and POWER UP services.
This comes after the Island Echo revealed Utilita’s plans to open an energy hub in Newport High Street early next year.
The report stated:
“Suppliers should proactively prevent debt build up. Good practice examples include Utilita’s ‘Flexi-Pay’, which allows eligible customers to switch the method they use to pay for their energy such as prepayment and direct debit.
“We are pleased to see some suppliers develop innovative ways to offer support to customers. Utilita has developed its ‘POWER UP’ function within the My Utilita app and on their website to help smart prepay meter customers access discretionary credit.”
Bill Bullen, CEO and co-founder of Utilita, said:
“It’s great that the hard work of our staff has been recognised by Ofgem. I’m really proud that through innovation we are delivering an even better service to our most vulnerable customers.”
