New market leading energy tariff from British Gas

Lisa Greenfield, energy analyst at Confused.com, said: "British Gas have announced the launch of a new best buy energy tariff which undercuts tariffs from its competitors by £11 a year, making it the current market leader.

"Consumers will be relieved that the latest offering from the energy giant is at a lower rate, breaking the trend of recent months for withdrawing the lowest rate deals and increasing prices from all of the Big 6.  However, given that British Gas announced profits of £724m for 2010 many consumers may be left feeling disappointed that the newest deal doesn't offer greater savings.

"The new tariff, Websaver 11, is only available to customers opting to pay by direct debit and who are happy to manage their account online.  Rates are 6% lower than those on a standard British Gas tariff until 31 May 2012.

"The latest best buy deal continues a trend for providers to offer their best deals to those operating their accounts online.  Customers who haven't switched their energy provider recently may find that they can make substantial savings by shopping around - just swapping to an online tariff with their current provider is likely to result in cost savings."