Options presented in this Toolkit have been tried in other countries and each has advantages and disadvantages.
In most countries some or all of the measures have been combined as part of a package of support for vulnerable consumers.
There is no single solution but a menu of options for policy makers to consider.
The best approach is one that is guided by the specific situation of an energy market undertaking reform.
What is important is that measures distinguish between temporary and long-term vulnerability and eligibility is clearly defined.
A vulnerable consumer strategy must recognize that energy measures alone cannot deal with poverty.
Broader social policy support for the vulnerable is needed across a range of policy areas.
Energy subsidies have an “opportunity” cost in that they prevent expenditure on other social policies.
Energy reform that removes subsidies can therefore free up budgets for other non-energy support for vulnerable consumers.
