Energy News

Fixed price energy customers to get bill shock

Thursday 11 June, 2009

By becca.talbot@consumerchoices.co.uk

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Customers with fixed price energy deals could be in for a shock increase in their gas and electricity prices when their contracts end.

Following the energy price hikes of last summer, many Brits looked to fix their costs by taking out fixed price energy tariffs.

Now some of these fixed periods are starting to end, experts are urging customers to be particularly vigilant to check their bills don’t suddenly rise significantly.

Will Marples of uSwitch.com said: “Online energy plans are currently offering consumers the lowest prices, but just 15% - 1.3 million households - are signed up to one. I would urge anyone coming off a fixed plan in the near future to follow three simple steps to make sure they are getting a good deal: move to dual fuel, pay by direct debit and sign up to an online plan.”

Households are being warned not to revert back to their energy suppliers’ standard tariff or switch straight on to another capped or fixed energy deal, as they stand to make the most savings by switching to an online energy tariff.

Marples added: “Fixed plans are definitely right for some customers, but in a time of potentially falling prices they could be the wrong move for many more.”

Britain’s cheapest online energy plan for an average user on the market is currently WebSaver 3 from energy giant British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk).

Chris Eagle, commercial manager at EnergyChoices.co.uk says: “If you’re coming to the end of a fixed price energy tariff, it’s vital you compare energy prices to make sure you’re on the cheapest deal.”

He added: “Making your home more energy efficient can also dramatically reduce the amount you spend on heating your home. Download our complete guide to energy efficiency now and see how much you can save.”

Complete guide to energy efficiency >>>

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