Gas & Electricity

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?

Commenting on today’s Budget proposals to increase spending on social tariffs and treat prepayment customers fairly, Paul Schofield, head of utilities price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said:

Britain’s 4.5 million fuel poor are paying the price for the Government, energy industry and regulator’s lack of ‘joined up thinking’ on fuel poverty, according to uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service.

The gas and electricity price rises of the past two months from five of the big six energy providers have left Brits fuming. Ninety-five per cent say they are being ripped off by energy companies.

Consumers are being asked to switch off unused gadgets and stop wasting electricity on the 27th February – the UK’s first national ‘E-Day’.