It's an energy Christmas cracker

Gareth Kloet, head of energy at Confused.com, comments on the new Online Version 6 tariff from EDF Energy: "In recent months we have seen mounting criticism, in the market, over energy companies failing to pass on reductions in wholesales gas and electricity prices. EDF's new tariff heralds a welcome change in the industry and today's move can be seen as the start of something more positive for householders. Hopefully, it will signal the beginning of a price war in the energy market, which is something that customers are desperate for. This new tariff is clearly aimed at the mass market.

"The new tariff does well to challenge British Gas's domination of the best-buy tables in four of the UK's 14 separate regions and is clearly great news for customers. However, while we welcome the change, Confused.com urges customers to look beyond these widely publicised best-buy tables; they are useful indicators for typical energy customers, but there are millions of households that do not fall into the industry-defined ‘average' consumption category.

"EDF's new tariff is a welcome move and is likely to benefit those who are prepared to switch to an online tariff and pay via direct debit. However, it is important to point out that this is not a change to all of EDF's tariffs, or all regions of the UK. It is, therefore, vital that all consumers shop around for the most suitable tariff for them.

"There is a perception that switching energy providers and/or tariffs is difficult and time consuming, but as long as customers know either how much they currently pay or know their energy consumption - both of which will be on customers' bills - they could make considerable savings on their energy costs, in just a few clicks."