This week marks three months since British Gas announced this year’s second price cut for its standard plan customers. Despite further reductions in the cost of wholesale energy over the summer, other big suppliers are yet to follow British Gas’ lead. Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at Uswitch.com, says: “It’s simply astounding that – three months since British Gas cut its prices for the second time this year – the other major suppliers are still dragging their heels.
“Although British Gas’ second price cut was welcome, the fact remains that its average customer’s bill has reduced by less than 3%. Single digit reductions fall well short of the double-digit drop in wholesale energy prices. With the global oil surplus expected to continue into 2016, suppliers have no excuses left for refusing to pass on double-digit bill reductions to hard-pressed consumers.
“Forecasters are warning this winter could be one of the coldest in 50 years. Now is the time for suppliers to respond to the mounting pressure from the Government and consumers before the cold weather starts to bite.
“In the meantime, big six customers on standard tariffs should act now and switch to a better deal, saving themselves a staggering £295 a year on average.”
Big six suppliers’ duel fuel standard plan prices
| Supplier | Plan name | Average annual cost (paying on receipt of bill) | Average annual cost (paying by monthly Direct Debit) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Gas | Standard | £1,133 | £1,075 | ||
| E.ON | E.ON Energy Plan | £1,149 | £1,079 | ||
| SSE | Standard | £1,169 | £1,089 | ||
| EDF Energy | Standard (Variable) | £1,170 | £1,100 | ||
| ScottishPower | Standard | £1,193 | £1,113 | ||
| npower | Standard | £1,204 | £1,110 |
Source: Uswitch.com. Correct as of 20th October, 2015
Big six suppliers’ duel fuel standard plan price changes 2015
| Supplier | Change | Effective | | E.ON | Gas: down 3.5% | 13th January | | British Gas | Gas: down 5%
Gas: down 5%
| 27th February
27th August
| | ScottishPower | Gas: down 4.8% | 20th February | | npower | Gas: down 5.1% | 16th February | | SSE | Gas: down 4.1% | 30th April |
Source: Uswitch.com. Correct as of 20th October, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Jason Wakeford
Phone: 0203 872 5612
Email: jason.wakeford@uswitch.com
Twitter: @UswitchPR
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