Household Bills
Consumer confidence towards UK economy continues to climb
Consumer confidence has continued its upward trend, rising six points from last month and reaching a new survey high at 129 points, according to the Lloyds Bank Spending Power Report for January.
Thames Water launches new ‘green’ wastewater treatment trial
Thames Water hopes an innovative energy-saving trial will cut the cost of treating wastewater in some of its older biological reactors by up to 50 per cent.
British Gas results show energy switching message is getting through
Commenting on the 2% drop in customers seen by the UK’s biggest energy provider, British Gas, Gocompare.com’s energy spokesperson Jeremy Cryer said:
Expiring fixed rate deals could cost energy customers £200
Energy customers coming to the end of a fixed rate deal need to compare tariffs to avoid imminent bill hikes warns MoneySuperMarket.com.
Energy companies to offer direct debit refunds to British households
Four of the big six energy companies will now automatically refund direct debits to customers who are in credit. While EON were already doing this, negotiations chaired by Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker have resulted in EDF, British Gas and SSE plus First Utility following suit and passing consumers money back to them.
EDF Energy to automatically refund credit to customers
EDF Energy has announced that it will give direct debit customers a full annual refund of any credit built up on their energy account.
Ofwat pressure gets better deal for water customers
Ofwat has welcomed the decision by six water companies to ease the burden on customers in 2014–15 through lower bills.
Tesco mobile’s launch of free 4G could force other networks to drop prices
Commenting on Tesco Mobile’s launch of free 4G, Rob Kerr, mobiles expert at uSwitch.com, says: "Much like its supermarket sibling, Tesco Mobile has carved a niche for itself as offering good value service at rock bottom prices - so it's not surprising it's the first to drop the cost of 4G.
When it comes to one’s energy bill, one is not amused!
With news that the Royal household is struggling to make ends meet Gocompare.com has worked out that the British monarchy could save nearly £50,000 of taxpayers’ money if they switched energy providers for Buckingham Palace alone.
Boats and planes to join the superfast lane
Passengers on boats, planes and other vehicles could enjoy superfast broadband speeds when travelling in the UK, following a decision by Ofcom.
E.ON - is this the last energy price hike ‘til 2015?
The last of the big six energy suppliers’ winter hikes comes into effect this Saturday (18th January). E.ON will be increasing its prices by £45 or 4% for standard direct debit customers and £14 or 1.1% for cash and cheque customers.
Seasonal excess leaves many with a financial hangover
Many of us have suffered the next day after over-indulging over the festive period, but research from Halifax has found more than half of consumers will still be enduring a 'financial hangover' well into 2014.
A quarter of households spend more than 10% of income on energy bills
Over a quarter (28%) of people who are customers of the nation’s six largest energy companies spend more than 10% of their monthly disposable income on energy, research has revealed.
Superfast Broadband in Wales - 100,000 properties milestone reached
More than 100,000 Welsh homes and businesses can now get access to superfast speeds as a result of the UK Government’s roll-out of superfast broadband.
Brits determined to make 2014 the year of their dreams
50% of Britons have set themselves the goal to make 2014 the year to take a dream holiday or go travelling, according to Experian CreditExpert.