COMMENT
THE latest price hike from British Gas will come as a bitter blow to millions of loyal customers.
An annual increase of £44 from October may not seem a lot. But this is the second price rise from the company this year and means average bills will have increased by £180 in just 13 months.
That’s a major hit to households – particularly for vulnerable and older customers, who are more likely to be stuck on the worst-value tariffs.
British Gas says it will contact those affected and tell them about cheaper deals they could switch to. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the company to make sure this happens.
According to recent figures from the energy regulator Ofgem, 13 million customers are still on rip-off standard variable tariffs. That is far too many British families and pensioners left exposed to fluctuations in the energy market and regular price increases.
Cap
These people can send a clear message to the Big Six by taking power back into their own hands and switching to a better deal.
Switching has never been easier. By using online tools such as Which? Switch, those on the company’s’s most expensive tariff could save more than £350 a year by moving to the best available deal.
Even customers who would rather not leave British Gas should be able to save money. Customers could save £102 a year if they contact the company and ask to be moved to its cheapest deal.
Don’t let the energy price cap – due to take effect later this year – stop you switching.
It is designed to rein in the worst excesses of the broken energy market, but is no guarantee of a better deal for consumers and can only be a temporary fix.
And it must not be used as an excuse for the Government, regulators and the energy giants to drag their feet on major reforms – so we finally see real competition that offers British households the fair prices and high levels of customer service they’ve been denied for so long.