Household Bills
‘I’m alright Jack!’ – British Gas reports £533 million profits
British Gas’ results today show widening margins, increased profits and a declining market share says uSwitch.com, the independent online price comparison and switching service.
moneysupermarket.com: 1.25bn profits for Centrica
£1.25 billion profits for Centrica – Scott Byrom, utilities expert at price comparison website, moneysupermarket.com, said: “Centrica bounces back in the first half of 2007 after struggling with losses of £143m this time last year.
Are you Britain’s best deal hunter?
AA Insurance is today launching a competition to find Britain’s Best Deal Hunter: someone who can spot a steal from miles away; always drives a hard bargain and can give any estate agent or salesman a run for their money. Whether it’s doing the weekly supermarket shop or buying a car, this person knows the cheapest way to do it.
Households still ‘owed’ over £3bn in energy price cuts
Latest research shows that suppliers are still withholding £177 in price cuts from every household despite 15 months of consistently low wholesale prices.
Broadband not up to speed
There’s a huge gap between advertised broadband speeds and the actual speeds users can achieve, shows research by which.co.uk.
Ofgem halves rules to open energy supply market possibilities
As part of a landmark piece of work energy regulator Ofgem has cleared the way for energy suppliers to offer more innovative products that could bring better deals to customers and environmental benefits.
moneysupermarket.com: Ofgem axes 28 day rule
Commenting on Ofgem’s decision to axe the 28-day rule, Scott Byrom, utilities expert at price comparison website moneysupermarket.com, said: "This is a disaster for the consumer.
What price happiness? £10,000 a year apparently
Happiness costs us over £496 billion per year, according to research from Abbey Current Accounts. The average Brit spends £10,801 per year on leisure pursuits including holidays, gadgets, beauty, hobbies and socialising - which equates to around £29 per day.
‘No obligation’ energy tariffs could become a thing of the past
Ofgem has removed the rule that prevents power companies from forcing customers onto long-term agreements.
Scots pay less for holidays but top for spending money
UK regions have very different spending habits when it comes to holidays, according to research by M&S Travel Money. How much currency travellers take with them, and what they spend it on, varies across the nation depending on where we live.
Ofcom welcomes new code on mis-selling in mobile market
Ofcom has welcomed a new industry code of practice for mobile phone providers that aims to stamp out misleading sales and marketing practices in the mobile market.
British Gas playing ‘catch up’ on green
Commenting on British Gas’ announcement that it is launching two new green products, Geoff Slaughter, Energy Manager at uSwitch.com, says: “This is welcome news and very timely with green issues topping the agenda.
Have you joined the eurotariff?
Commenting on networks’ introduction of the new EU capped roaming tariff, Rob Barnes, head of mobiles at moneysupermarket.com said: “It is disappointing to see that some of the major networks have left it until the very last minute to introduce Eurotariffs.
Holiday hagglers save £3.5 billion abroad annually
Whether we’re buying straw donkeys or sombreros, electrical goods or fridge magnets, we’re a nation of holiday haggling pros according to new research from AA Insurance.
moneysupermarket.com: new British Gas green energy products
Commenting on British Gas's two new green products, Scott Byrom, utilities expert at price comparison website moneysupermarket.com, said: "Undoubtedly, these products tick all the right boxes from a 'green' point of view, but they come at a cost.