Consumers warned over winter energy 'impact'

20/11/2008

Consumers struggling with their energy bills following "crippling" price hikes may yet face further difficulties this winter, it has been suggested.

According to uSwitch.com, price hikes earlier this year have added an average of £381 onto the average household energy bill.

The comments follow an announcement by Britain's second-largest energy supplier, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), that it may cut energy bills next year.

However, Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com has warned consumers that they may still face a tough winter.

She said: "I urge consumers not to become complacent about energy usage this winter because this is still not a done deal.

"Consumers need to be aware that the promise of a future price cut will not limit the impact of energy prices this winter so they still need to take action now to protect themselves."

Recent research by Age Concern indicated that only one in five customers switched supplier following the most recent price hikes.

A further 70 per cent of respondents to the survey claim they are unlikely to switch supplier next year.

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills,

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