Last energy price hike ‘green light to switch’

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?

The last of the big six energy suppliers to announce an increase, Scottish and Southern Energy prices for electricity customers will rise by 14.2 per cent on average. Prices for gas customers will increase by 15.8 per cent. Home energy bills have now smashed the £1,000 per year mark for many households.

People readily make sure they are on the best mobile phone tariffs or car insurance deals, and Switch with Which? says that energy bills should be no different. It recommends that customers use their buying power to show they mean business, and switch to a cheaper supplier.

Siobhan Parker, Switch with Which? says: “This latest price increase is the green light to switch - everyone’s feeling the post-budget pinch and making sure you’re getting the best deal for your home energy is a smart and easy way to take some of the pressure off.

“If you haven’t compared your rate with the competition lately, now is the time. We can help you compare prices, switch for free and save money.”

Three simple tips from switchwithwhich.co.uk are to switch to:

A dual fuel tariff – these deals often offer bigger discounts as gas and electricity are coming from one supplier.

Monthly Direct Debit payments - the energy companies pass on the savings from reduced paperwork.

Paperless billing – online accounts often offer big discounts and can save time, as well as money.