moneysupermarket.com: Centrica trading statement

Commenting on today’s trading statement from Centrica, Paul Schofield, head of utilities at moneysupermarket.com, said: “Today's statement may well mark the start of the battle for the best fixed-price tariff on the market.

"British Gas has acknowledged wholesale gas prices will continue to rise, which has put Scottish & Southern's Price Fix 2008 tariff in pole position to pick up a lot of business.

"British Gas Click Energy 4 has helped it win back many customers, but now it will need to create a compelling fixed-price proposition to maintain its market dominance.

"Price hikes from all providers look inevitable, so Scottish & Southern Price Fix 2008, which guarantees its prices until November, is looking more compelling. It is already the cheapest tariff for low energy users in most of Britain and may well inherit that mantle for other users too if British Gas increases prices."