Ofgem has announced that it is to implement new complaint handling rules for all energy suppliers in the UK.
The energy regulator's new regulations mean that companies will need to regularly publish information about the number of consumer complaints they receive.
Energy companies will also face the prospect of fines if they fail to meet the standards, which are expected to be introduced on July 1st.
"We expect the new standards to add to customer confidence by underpinning the pressure that competition places on suppliers to treat customers well," explained Alistair Buchanan, the chief executive of Ofgem.
He added that he was confident the companies would "rise to the challenge", but added that the regulator would take action otherwise.
Recent research by Ofgem found that the number of people switching energy deals is at its highest level in the UK for five years.
According to the organisation's figures, around 5.1 million customers changed their energy supplier of tariff across 2007.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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