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Ofgem unveils plans to protect vulnerable consumers

Ofgem, the regulator of the energy market, has unveiled a series of new rules for providers that are aimed at protecting vulnerable households.

The body has revealed that it will work to tackle "unjustified" price discrepancies in the market that can see some customers facing unfair charges.

Greater transparency and fair dealing are among the issues that the regulator plans to discuss with energy firms, while it hopes to stamp out the poor deals that are offered to some consumers by the industry.

Energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband welcomed the move, stating that "tough" action is needed to combat unfair pricing policies.

"It is right that Ofgem is acting to ensure that wherever you live and whatever payment method you use, you will not be unfairly discriminated against," he commented.

Mr Miliband described some instances of excessive charges imposed on vulnerable customers by energy companies as "inexcusable".

By Jamie Price