Ofgem says UK's energy suppliers need to improve support

Most of the UK's energy suppliers need to improve how they help people struggling to pay bills, according to the watchdog Ofgem.

It found failures in firms in being able to identify which customers were having payment difficulties and a lack of help with payment plans.

The government has stepped in to cap a typical household energy bill at 2,500 a year until 2024, but this is still unaffordable for many customers.

Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley said that the government's support for suppliers fell short of the standards expected by the watchdog, but it's critical that energy companies prioritize the needs of vulnerable customers struggling to pay bills as a result of the tough winter.

Three suppliers - TruEnergy, Utilita and ScottishPower - have shown weaknesses in how they support struggling customers.

Five firms, E, Good, Green Energy, Outfox and Bulb, had some issues with the support they provide.

Ofgem said it had already issued provisional orders to Utilita and ScottishPower, meaning they must take specific and urgent actions.

British Gas was the only supplier to have no issues, the regulator said.