Gas and electricity firms 'not satisfying customers'

29/10/2008

Britain's energy firms are suffering from increasing consumer discontent, a new survey has revealed.

The Customer Satisfaction Report, from price comparison website uSwitch, found that the number of people dissatisfied with the UK's biggest gas and electricity providers has risen from 33 per cent to 41 per cent over the past month.

Recently, high wholesale fuel costs have resulted in sharp price rises from the firms - with market leaders British Gas even putting one of its tariffs up by 35 per cent.

Ann Robinson, consumer policy director at uSwitch.com, said: "Price rises were never going to be a vote winner but this year's increases have hit people exceptionally hard and inevitably it has damaged their perception of the industry.

"Sadly this has undone a lot of the hard work suppliers have put in to improving service, setting them back to where they were a couple of years ago."

uSwitch's report also found that 45 per cent felt their provider was offering them good value for money.

Meanwhile, just 41 per cent said that they were benefitting from the "best deal".

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills, Young Family Finances, Retirement Money Problems,

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