Policy

The ERA plays a leading role in developing schemes that benefit and give extra protection to customers. This is achieved through suppliers’ voluntary initiatives and by advising on effective regulation. Social responsibility is a key part of our work at the ERA. For example:

• Improving people’s homes through installing energy efficiency measures is the best way of addressing fuel poverty. Suppliers are expected to spend around £5.5 billion on the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) by 2012. Find out more about CERT and our work on fuel poverty.
• The ERA is working with Government to make sure that the new Energy Company Obligation (ECO) complements the Green Deal, which is the Government’s flagship energy efficiency policy. Find out more about the Green Deal and ECO.
• The ERA has worked to make sure that the new Warm Home Discount can help those most at risk of fuel poverty. Between 2011 and 2015, suppliers will be spending £1.1 billion on rebates, social tariffs and other forms of support.
• The ERA is working on how energy suppliers can work best with micro business customers. We are currently working with other organisations to protect micro businesses from billing errors. Find out more about our micro business work.
• The ERA Safety Net commits suppliers to never knowingly disconnect a vulnerable customer. Extra protections were added in 2011 to take account of smart technology. The ERA constantly keeps the Safety Net under review to make sure that it works for customers. Find out more about our policy work on disconnection.

The ERA works closely with consumer groups, Ofgem, charities and other stakeholders to see how industry practices might be improved. You can find out more about our policy work using the links on the left.