Customer service among energy suppliers has shown modest improvement, according to the latest Citizens Advice star rating.
The average rating rose to 3.07 between April and June, returning to pre-energy crisis levels.
However, three in five households are still with suppliers that score below average.
The Citizens Advice star ratings for energy suppliers from April to June 2024 are as follows: Ecotricity scored 3.77, Utility Warehouse and E (Gas and Electricity) both scored 3.42, Outfox The Market received 3.29, ScottishPower scored 3.27 and OVO Energy also scored 3.27.
Good Energy had a rating of 3.22, followed by Co-Operative Energy and E.ON Next, both scoring 3.07, while So Energy scored 3.05. British Gas received a score of 2.94, Octopus Energy had 2.85, Rebel Energy scored 2.68, EDF Energy received a rating of 2.41 and Utilita scored the lowest at 1.86.
Citizens Advice has highlighted the need for further improvements as complaints about billing issues persist.
The charity is calling for a Consumer Duty to give Ofgem more authority to enforce better customer service in the energy sector.
Recent findings reveal that five million people are living in households with energy debt, and many are worried about the rising costs.
One in four individuals has indicated they may turn off their heating and hot water this winter due to financial concerns.
Citizens Advice urges those in need to contact their energy suppliers for support and assistance.
Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “We’re bracing ourselves for another challenging winter.
“Whilst suppliers’ customer service improved in the spring, firms need to continue upping their game to ensure people can access support in the colder months.
“With energy debt at a record high, and the removal of previous support packages, the government must also urgently introduce targeted bill support that reflects the realities of people’s energy needs.”
An Ofgem spokesperson said: “Energy consumers deserve an easy and reliable service from their supplier.
“We’ve been working hard with the sector to drive up standards and create a more customer-centric energy future.
“This includes strengthening our procedures to take firmer action against suppliers when things go wrong and toughening up the rules around customer bills for greater accuracy.
“It’s clear the work of government, regulator, consumer groups and suppliers is starting to make a difference and customer satisfaction is slowly rising.
“But there is lots more work to be done to ensure exceptional customer service is the norm across the board and the energy sector is among the best sectors for how customers are treated. We will use all the powers at our disposal to get there.”
