Site calls for increased take-up of online energy tariffs

19/10/2009

Online customers are set to make the most of upcoming gas and electricity price cuts, it has been suggested.

Figures from price comparison site uSwitch.com suggest that customers on standard plans will experience price reductions of £54, or four per cent of the total, over 2009.

However, those on online plans are set to benefit from cuts of 12 per cent, or £133.

Separate YouGov figures cited by uSwitch.com show that two in three (65 per cent) of Britons are currently "worried" about how much they are paying for their energy.

Bill costs also rise at this time of year, with winter on its way.

Will Marples, energy expert at uSwitch.com, said: "Online energy plans are consistently cheaper than standard energy plans - but the message doesn't seem to be getting through.

"It's a shame because this is where competition is really working for the consumer - suppliers are competing hard on price and bringing out ever more competitive plans. The problem is that not enough consumers are taking them up."

Figures from Ofgem suggest that only one in 20 UK energy customers is on an online tariff.

"We recommend that any bill payer check the best tariffs available using its free energy comparator available at energyswitching.co.uk," EuroDebt director Kevin Still added.

"Care should be taken where there may be arrears with the existing provider or the budget plan you are on is lower than the actual energy consumption to-date, where there will be a balance to settle before switching.

"For people struggling with their finances, this is one of the first checks that EuroDebt makes to ensure that sensible reductions can be made in household expenditure."

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills, Retirement Money Problems, Credit Card Lifestyle, Recent Graduate Debt,

• Share
• 
• 
• Store
• 
• Follow
•