Energy News

First:utility claims to be UK’s cheapest energy supplier

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

By Hazel Cottrell - hazel@consumerchoices.co.uk

First:utility has launched a new standard dual fuel tariff, and claims it’s now the cheapest standard energy tariff in the UK.

Challenger energy company First:utility has claimed it is the cheapest standard energy supplier in the UK.

Today it launched a new standard dual fuel tariff, which it says knocks British Gas off the top of the pricing tables, just six days after the energy giant’s price cuts won it the crown.

The average bill overall in the UK with First:utility’s standard tariff is £1,081.27 for customers who use a medium amount of energy, pay by direct debit and manage their bills online. This is £1.40 cheaper than the average UK bill with British Gas’ equivalent tariff.

However, a spokesperson for Energychoices.co.uk’s comparison partner Energylinx, said First:utility’s new tariff will not necessarily be the cheapest standard tariff for all areas.

He said: “First:utility state that this tariff beats British Gas across the UK, but this depends on the exact selection made by the customer.”

Energylinx has calculated that based on a standard customer paying by monthly direct debit and managing their account online, First:utility’s standard tariff is only cheapest in 3 out of 14 regions: Manweb, Scottish Hydro and Scottish Power.

A spokesperson for First:utility said that the new tariff was launched so that the energy supplier (which offers cheaper online tariffs) had a product directly comparable to British Gas’ standard tariff.

Chris Eagle, commercial manager at Energychoices.co.uk, said: “Energylinx’ calculations highlight the fact that the best deal for you depends on where you live.”

He advised those looking to save money on their energy bills to do an accurate energy comparison, which will take into account their location and energy usage, and added the cheapest deals are usually available to those who switch online, to an online tariff.

“First:utility are only offering this tariff direct by telephone, but you can compare it against other tariffs using our energy calculator to find the best deal for your household.”

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