Confused.com: Ed Miliband’s call to energy suppliers

Gareth Kloet, head of energy at Confused.com, comments on Ed Miliband’s call to energy suppliers: "Energy secretary, Ed Miliband's, decision to urge energy companies to pass on savings to consumers - which have come about as a result of a reduction in wholesale energy costs - is welcome, if not predictable. Energy suppliers have, in recent weeks, claimed that they are "optimistic" about potentially cutting energy bills in the new year; however, making vague predictions about when this will happen does not help the millions of customers across the UK who are already struggling to pay their inflated energy bills following double-digit price rises throughout the year.

"The energy price debate has been frequently aired by the government, most notably since the Ofgem report dismissed suggestions of a cartel; however, not enough action has been taken to-date. Constant debate is not helping consumers save money on their bills, and the truth remains that millions of people are still overpaying for their home energy bills.

"Confused.com encourages consumers to shop around for the cheapest energy deal which they can find; in fact, consumers could save £284 if they use Confused.com to switch energy supplier. With approximately 14,000 tariffs on the market, it is important for consumers to regularly check that they have chosen the appropriate tariff for their levels of energy consumption. Like everyone, we hope that the energy companies' "optimism" does translate into price cuts in the New Year, in the light of reduced wholesale energy costs. In the meantime, frustrated customers should vote with their feet"