Energy News

British Gas customers face soaring bills

Friday, 23 April 2010

By Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

Almost half a million British Gas customers could see their bills rise by as much as £374 a year as their five year, fixed rate tariffs come to an end.

Around 460,000 customers signed up to the British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk) Price Protection 2010 tariff back in 2005, paying an average of £820 a year for their energy bills - compared to today’s standard gas and electricity bill of £1,194.

However, while other energy customers across the country have seen a number of price hikes over the past five years - including a 42% increase in 2008 - customers who signed up to the British Gas Price Protection 2010 tariff have saved £1,153 or 22% compared to those on the average standard plan.

The tariff was initially £85 a year more expensive than the standard average plan, but by June 2006, energy bills had gone up enough to make it £95 a year cheaper.

Chris Eagle, marketing director of Energychoices.co.uk, said: “While these customers managed to save a significant amount over the last five years, you should always think carefully before fixing your energy.

“Even without fixing your energy prices, you can still take advantage of some of the best deals on the market by switching energy provider. And always pay by direct debit and sign up for paperless billing if you can so that you can make the most of the discounts on offer,” he added.

Source: uSwitch.com