ScottishPower cuts energy prices

ScottishPower has announced that it is cutting prices. The reductions - 7.5% or £68 for gas and 3% or £14 for electricity - come into effect on 31st March. It means that the average ScottishPower dual fuel bill will drop from £1,369 to £1,286.

Although the supplier is the fifth to announce a price cut, only British Gas customers have actually seen these cuts appear on their bills. Its reductions came into effect on the 19th February.

Will Marples, energy expert at uSwitch.com, says: "British Gas laid down the gauntlet yesterday when it pointed out that it was still the only supplier to have actually cut prices for customers whereas other suppliers' reductions are yet to come into effect. It's still the case today with ScottishPower, but it does mean that its customers are one step closer to lower prices.

"Consumers are getting nearer to the point when they will benefit from lower wholesale energy prices, but it is taking time and price cuts so far are averaging out at 4.6% or £60 - realistically these will only make a small dent in household energy bills.

"Consumers should be thinking of giving themselves a price cut today - move to dual fuel, pay by direct debit and sign up to an online plan so that you can enjoy lower prices straight away. Switching to a competitive plan could cut your energy bill by up to £350."