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“The calculator should be operational as of September 1. Providers offer an infinite variety of plans and are difficult for the average consumer to understand. We think a comparison tool could help you. They would provide information on rates and bills, “he told the Seimas Economic Committee session on Wednesday.
Mr. Pocius also said that during the first stage, some providers provided rates without value added tax.
“So it’s really hard for consumers to compare rates when some providers show up with and others don’t. At first glance, it seems that a better offer is being made, but when you receive the invoice, it turns out different, a more expensive rate, ”said the owner of VERT.
Deputy Energy Minister Inga Žilienė also spoke about the fact that it is really difficult for consumers to compare plans, because the prices of the providers are so different.
“The plans are different and additional things are offered like discounts for appliances.” Free services are provided for the first few months, “he said.
According to the rapporteur, comparability of prices and tariffs is one of the key elements of liberalization.
“It just came to our attention then. The independent vendor plans would be visible, comparable and of higher quality. Currently VERT is scheduled to create the price comparison spreadsheet. This is also foreseen in the European Union directive. This year may be a pilot, but it will provide clarity, “said I. Žilienė.
Delfi last compared prices from independent providers at the end of November.
Signed by phone
I. Žilienė also said that during the first stage of liberalization, two more types of complaints were received.
“On the part of the independent providers, the main problem was that the public provider (Ignitis – Delfi) has better competitive conditions. Precisely due to the availability of user data, to consumption profiles.
Consumers questioned the lack of information in the liberalization phase of the process, which was possibly too short. We also see that it will be necessary to put more emphasis on the supervision of independent providers, ”said the former president of VERT.
I. Žilienė said that there were situations where contracts were signed only after talking on the phone.
“Consumers have also complained that they have not seen the signed contracts. The consumer must be clear about the conditions, especially when the contracts are for a fixed period (1 or 2 years). Then you won’t be able to replace the independent provider without some financial penalties, “he said.
For his part, R. Pocius taught that future contracts concluded by telephone must be concluded in writing or confirmed by e-mail. firm.
“When concluding a contract by phone, not all the information necessary for the consumer to make a decision is disclosed,” he noted.
The VERT chief pointed out that the second and third stages of liberalization will be much longer than the first.
As you know, the first phase began on January 1, 2021. Public supply is denied to domestic consumers who consumed at least 5,000. kilowatt-hours per year, as well as for consumers connected to medium voltage networks (excluding socially vulnerable communities and consumers).
The second stage will take place from January 1, 2022: the public provider will refuse to consume at least 1 thousand. kWh per year.
The third phase will start in 2023 and all consumers, including socially vulnerable communities and consumers, will leave the public provider.
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