Energy suppliers want to stop ‘debt-hopping’ by customers

GAS and electricity companies want new measures to stop customers switching energy suppliers to avoid paying outstanding bills.

Several of the country’s biggest energy suppliers have complained about the growing problem of “debt-hopping” by customers who change providers before they have settled their arrears.

They have expressed concern to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) that the problem is resulting in higher amounts of customer debt because of the economic climate.