Gas & Electricity

Fool.co.uk has unearthed a crafty tactic by utility companies that traps homeowners when they move into their new homes.

Commenting on today's launch of npower ONE, Paul Schofield, head of utilities at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said: "npower ONE - with its fixed price and basic boiler cover - is £230 more than npower SOL10, which is currently the cheapest product on the market.

Commenting on the agreement between the UK's big six energy suppliers to boost collective annual spending on social assistance programmes, Paul Schofield, head of utilities price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said:

The Government has announced that energy companies have agreed to spend £225 million over 3 years to help people in fuel poverty, which could lift 100,000 households out of the fuel poverty trap.

In reaction to the announcement from Ofgem that more than five million people switched energy supplier in 2007, Siobhan Parker from Switch with Which? says: “There can be significant price differences between energy tariffs and suppliers, so we advise consumers to shop around for the best deal.

Ofgem reveals UK energy switching levels hit 5 million in 2007, but whole groups of customers are missing out.

Figures from energy regulator Ofgem show that the switching rate for gas and electricity suppliers hit more than five million in 2007, as energy customers went in search of cheaper deals. This is the highest level of switching for five years.

Commenting on Ofgem reporting the highest level of switching for five years, Paul Schofield, head of utilities at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said:

Fourteen million households that have never changed their electricity tariff now have two compelling reasons to do so – saving money and the planet.

Scottish and Southern Energy’s recent price increase is the green light to switch suppliers, says Switch with Which?, the home energy switching service from consumer watchdog Which?

Commenting on Scottish & Southern increasing the price of its main tariffs by 12 to 15 per cent, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said: "Scottish & Southern said in January it would freeze prices for existing customers for as long as possible after 30 March – so it is a little disappointing it has only managed to hang on for another 48 hours.

Consumers are being warned to expect more price rise misery, as energy companies may be forced to make a second round of price rises.

Scottish and Southern Energy will increase its prices for domestic electricity and gas customers on 1st April 2008. Prices for electricity customers will increase by 14.2% (average) and prices for gas customers will increase by 15.8%.

Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs.

Where you live can determine how much you pay for gas and electricity, warns Switch with Which?, the home energy switching service from consumer champion Which?