Competitive market sees British Gas customers quit

Almost 400,000 customers deserted British Gas in the first half of the year as its parent firm, Centrica, saw profits take a dive.

Centrica said 399,000 UK homes stopped getting their energy from British Gas as a “competitive environment” saw more households switch to rival suppliers.

Chief executive Iain Conn said: “The first half of the year has been demanding for Centrica, but the response has been strong and I am encouraged by the progress we have made.”

Operating profit for Centrica’s UK Home division dropped 7% to £516 million in the period. Total revenue fell 13% to £13.3 billion.

The engergy supplier lost nearly 400,000 customers.