The government is to make it compulsory for all energy bills to have QR codes also known as quick response codes in a bid to make it easier for consumers to find the best deal to save them money. These QR codes can be scanned into smartphones and tablets so that customers can upload tariffs directly from their bills.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey has announced that all energy firms should add QR Codes to their bills so that consumers can obtain instant cross-market comparisons, which will simplify changing suppliers. Consumers will be given personal projection on their bills that can provide an estimate of future charges. In addition, there will be tariff information labels, so they can compare key tariff facts.

QR codes are somewhat similar to barcodes but in a slightly different square format rather than a rectangular shape. The main advantage is so that the data can be uploaded to price comparison sites so that the customer can pick out the best supplier.

Energy firms, says the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), have not voluntarily included QR Codes on bills despite the clear benefits to their customers, so aims to modify energy licences so that firms are compelled to use the codes.

Said Davey: "We're determined to make energy markets work better for consumers - and despite all the evidence showing that QR codes on bills would make a real difference to people, energy companies still haven't done anything about it. 

The energy industry body, Energy UK (www.energy-uk.org.uk) claims that its latest figures show that around 250,000 customers switched energy supplier in February – about 1% of all customers.

The organisation said: “Power suppliers are working hard to streamline tariffs, improve customer information and encourage choice, so that people have all they need to compare and switch.”