22.04.08 5 million switch energy provider

Recent figures from Ofgem have revealed that more than 5 million of us changed gas and electricity provider in 2007, the highest figure for five years. Alistair Buchanan, Chief Executive of Ofgem, says that this is proof that suppliers with uncompetitive prices and poor customer service are losing custom.

Whilst this news may indicate that more and more of us are taking heed of the advice to compare deals and switch provider, Moneysupermarket.com sees it not as evidence that more people are changing provider but that the same people ("tariff tarts" as they are nicknamed) are changing more often.

Whatever the true picture is, not everyone is getting the message that it pays to shop around for the best deal. Pensioners, the unemployed and those on low income are the groups least likely to change provider and it is with this in mind that Ofgem, in association with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, have launched a new initiative, “Energy Best Deal”, in order to get more of the groups most in financial need to change provider and also to make them properly aware of what help is available from the Government and the industry in paying their energy bills.

63% of householders are still on a standard tariff, receiving their bills through the post and paying by cash or cheque. The advice from those in the know is that savings are to be had by signing up for online deals, paperless bills and paying by direct debit. For those without access to the internet, the Switch with Which? Freephone service may be of interest.

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