UK MPs lose level of trust in energy industry

The level of trust UK MPs have in the energy industry to protect the vulnerable, offer clear choices and promote environmental improvements has fallen in the last three years. A […]

The level of trust UK MPs have in the energy industry to protect the vulnerable, offer clear choices and promote environmental improvements has fallen in the last three years.

A new poll by research firm Ipsos MORI found although MPs trust the industry to keep the lights on, 79% don’t trust they will protect the poor and vulnerable households from high energy prices and 86% don’t believe they will provide clear information for customers to choose between suppliers.

It also claims 73% don’t trust the energy industry will offer “genuine competition” in electricity supply compared to 54% in 2009 and 36% of MPs don’t believe the sector will quickly act towards moving to lower carbon generation methods.

Robert Knight, Director at Ipsos MORI Reputation Centre said: “This study underlines the critical importance of trust to the energy industry and the way it impacts on the industry’s ‘licence to operate’ in Britain. The energy companies need to keep MPs updated on the various industry initiatives that are designed to address these issues.”

The report also found MPs do trust the industry to promote energy efficiency and insulation and be innovative. Another research by Ipsos MORI showed 34% of energy consumers trust their suppliers to be open and transparent in their dealings with them, while 39% distrust it. More than a quarter (28%), however, were unable to decide either way.

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