3. How to use this book

Unless specified, everything in this book applies to both gas and electricity. The main legislation applies to Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) only. Northern Ireland is not covered. Where the law in Scotland differs, this is noted.

Use this book principally for help in tackling fuel poverty. That has always been this Handbook’s main purpose. It does not aim to cover policy issues or examine background information in detail, but to act as a guide to the rights of consumers and the actual problems that consumers face in practice.

This Handbook consists of two parts:

•chapters dealing with various topics. Look at the contents at the beginning of each chapter and consult the index to find the topic you are seeking. References at the end of each chapter give the sources of information so that you can use them as an authority for actions; chapters 13 and 14 also give a number of key legal sources where further information can be found;
•appendices, which contain supplementary material and information.

There are references in the text to other CPAG handbooks which provide more detail on specific topics, such as benefits and dealing with debt. Where detailed information is required, such as eligibility criteria for benefits, consult the specialist handbook.

Abbreviations are used in the text to save space. The abbreviated term is explained in full the first time it is used in a section and on here there is a list of all the abbreviations used.

The references in the text and notes to Standard Licence Conditions refer to the versions which were consolidated on 5 January 2024 (available on the Ofgem website). Generally, the numbering for gas and electricity is the same, but where it differs, both numbers are shown.