Their latest Consumer Insight Tracker survey revealed that only 15 per cent of consumer trust the energy companies to act in their best interest, down from 27 per cent in the previous quarter, and down to the lowest level since the tracker was introduce in July 2012.
The survey also revealed that 59 per cent of consumers lack trust in the energy companies, making them the most distrusted of the consumer industry sectors, lower than banking (33 per cent), and the train companies (27 per cent).
More than half (51 per cent) of respondents said they were “very worried” about energy prices, with 84 per cent saying they were “worried” about energy prices the highest this has been since Ocotber last year.
In an additional survey Which? conducted for tonight’s Channel Four Dispatches programme, Energy Bills Exposed, 69 per cent of bill payers said they had cut back on the amount of heating they used to keep costs down.
A total of 43 per cent of respondents said they were worried about getting into debt as a result of rising energy prices, whilst 24 per cent said they had taken money out of savings to pay for a bill last year.
Richard Lloyd, executive director at Which?, again called for the Chancellor George Osborne to “cut the big six down to size” and to cut the cost of government energy policies.
He added: “What we have heard from the government so far is too little, and too late, for the millions of hard pressed consumers worrying about how they will pay for their energy bills this winter.
“Consumers need to see radical changes now”.
Energy UK responded with a statement saying the energy companies have nee “working hard” on making bills clearer, it simpler to switch and reducing the number of tariffs “so people find the best deal for them”.
It added: “Rebuilding consumer trust in the market and improving customer service is incredibly important and high on each company’s agenda.”
The trade association added: “Nobody should be afraid to put the heating on this winter as help is available” and advised concerned consumers to either call their supplier or the Home Heat Helpline.