Scottish and Southern Energy Go Direct 5

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE who trade as SWALEC in South Wales, Scottish Hydro-Electric in Northern Scotland, and Southern Electric in all other parts of the UK) has launched Go Direct 5 to replace Go Direct 4.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Utilities at Confused.com, comments: "Go Direct 5 has an average bill of £984, which is £86 more expensive than its previous version.  It's also £108 more expensive than the current national ‘best buy' from nPower.

"Interestingly the change comes when most other suppliers have recently lowered their prices, so this increase from SSE puts them in an uncompetitive position.

"While this tariff may bring savings to those who have never switched before, there are better deals to be had. Shopping around using an accredited comparison site, opting for an online tariff and paying by direct debit are the best steps consumers can take to ensure they're getting the best deal.

"And customers need to be wary - energy companies are making a lot of noise about ‘standard tariffs' at the moment, as they make more money from them. Proclamations around being ‘the cheapest standard tariff' are promoted heavily. But these tariffs are often the least competitive so customers need to avoid being drawn in and should shop online for the best deals."