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16th May 2022

Martin Lewis forced to apologise for calling Ofgem ‘f***ing disgrace’ in explosive rant about energy prices

Danny Jones

Martin Lewis apologises to Ofgem

The MoneySavingExpert explained his more emotional than usual response in a lengthy Twitter thread

Martin Lewis has apologised after admitting to “losing [his] rag” in a call with Ofgem surrounding the ongoing energy price hike and cost of living crisis.

Speaking in a lengthy Twitter thread, the MoneySavingExpert confessed that the energy regulator’s new changes were a “f*****g disgrace that sells consumers down the river”, adding that while his reaction is not an individual one, it was “inappropriate”.

As you can see, Lewis went on to explain that his reaction was in response to a briefing regarding today’s (May 16) proposals – essentially, that the energy price cap could be adjusted every three months – which he felt ignored the general public’s needs and concerns while the cost of living is already proving a struggle for so many.

He argued that instead, the government body was prioritising business and their main priority was to “stop the harmful effects of competition” – ie making it more difficult for providers to undercut their peers and offer cheaper, more affordable plans.

He also went on to criticise the plans to revisit the cap every quarter, adding once again that the suggestion is energy firms are being protected before consumers, as the companies are already paying wholesale prices for six-month terms ahead of actually supplying energy to their customers.

Lewis also suggested he has pushed for better restrictions on who can set up energy firms, with sizeable suppliers such as Bulb going bust in 2021, leaving millions now in limbo as Ofgem decides which competitors can take them on.

He concluded his social media statement by advising that the regulator cut the standard charges, which are only due to keep rising, and insisting that he has maintained a good relationship with Ofgem for many years.

Finally, he added that this was “an emotional rant, not a considered piece” and expects to have more to apologise for when doing further research.

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