Gas & Electricity
Ofgem turns heat up on energy suppliers
Ofgem has warned that it will refer to the Competition Commission if it is unhappy with how suppliers take forward its proposals to improve the deal consumers get from the energy market.
Energy bills will still cost £250 a year more than in January 2008
Consumers are being warned not to become complacent about energy bills following speculation about price cuts next year.
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.
Threat of legal action against energy companies
Commenting on reports that Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, has said that the Government would be prepared to legislate if energy companies do not come up with a fairer pricing structure, Tim Wolfenden, energy expert at uSwitch.com, says: "Today's warning serves two purposes.
Get energy efficient, says Confused.com
With the credit crunch in full throttle, people are searching for ways to cut household costs. Gareth Kloet, head of energy for Confused.com, offers tips on how to save money on domestic energy bills.
British Gas emergency direct debit helpline
Commenting on the launch of British Gas' emergency direct debit helpline, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com said: "Following a spate of complaints from direct debit paying customers shocked by an increase to their monthly bill, it is encouraging to see British Gas making an attempt to help its customers.
Elderly worried about staying warm this winter
As a result of recent energy price hikes almost two-thirds of older people are more worried about their ability to stay warm and well this winter than last year, according to research from New Age Concern.
In-credit energy customers warned not to be too hasty to cash in
The furore surrounding in-credit energy customers whose direct debit payments have been increased by suppliers has been blown out of proportion, says Confused.com.
uSwitch.com launches prepayment meter switching service
uSwitch.com has launched a new service to help Britain's 5.9 million prepayment meter customers get a better energy deal.
Statutory power 'great news' as previous threats fell on 'deaf ears'
James Caldwell, director of Fairinvestment.co.uk comments on news that the Government may introduce statutory powers to cut energy bills: "Energy bills increased by nearly 30 per cent in the 12 months up to September 2008, and Gordon Brown's previous threats to energy companies to cut their prices seemed to have fallen on deaf ears.
Central heating on lock down as Brits feel the pinch
Brits face a bitterly cold winter as they take drastic action to combat rising fuel bills by refusing to turn their heating on, according to research from moneysupermarket.com.
One in 20 clueless about energy bills
Fool.co.uk is calling on utility companies to make bills easier to understand. One in 20 people (5%) is so bewildered by their bills that they don't know what they mean. A further one in 20 (6%) never studies their bills at all, and around half (56%) claim to have a rough idea of what their quarterly invoice means.
Brown must show new approach to economy and environment
The Government must use its Pre-Budget Report to lift Britain out of recession and end fuel poverty by investing in new green industries and cutting energy waste, says Friends of the Earth.
Households risk safety by not getting boiler serviced
This year's energy price rises have left consumers worried over winter bills and taking unnecessary risks with their health, warns uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service.
Age Concern: Conservative fuel poverty proposals
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: "Strong and decisive action is needed to tackle the fuel poverty crisis, in order to help the poorest pensioners and families who are struggling to afford to heat their homes.