Gas and Electricity | Finance

OVO Energy reduces cost of dual fuel fixed price online tariff

Commenting on OVO Energy reducing the cost of its dual fuel fixed price online tariff, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com said: "OVO Energy becomes the latest provider to join the price war with a cut on its dual fuel fixed price online offering - ‘The New Energy Plan'. This bold move once again changes the face of the fixed online tariff market, making OVO the cheapest product available in 13 out of 14 regions, and knocking E.ON off the top spot with a saving of £41.09 per year.

OVO energy undercutting opposition

Gareth Kloet, head of energy at Confused.com, said: "Bravo for OVO! This is exactly what households have been waiting for. This new tariff undercuts its nearest competitor First:Utility by an average of £33 per year.

moneysupermarket.com: Fuel Poverty Report

Commenting on the seventh annual Fuel Poverty Report from the Department of Energy & Climate Change, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com said: "The four actions revealed in today's report are welcome news to UK bill payers, and it is encouraging to see the Government is continuing to place focus on, and take the necessary steps to, tackle fuel poverty in the UK. This is no doubt a step in the right direction, and is key to helping provide relief, not only to the millions of bill payers dreading the impending winter energy bills, but especially for the five million Brits currently living in fuel poverty.

Sempatap helps reduce heating bills

Houses with solid walls (that's almost every property built prior to 1920) lose up to a staggering 45% of heat if the walls are not properly insulated. A considerable amount of heat also disappears up the chimney and your radiators could be turned down by several notches on the thermostatic valve if you put the right kind of material behind it.

Brits top the class on green IQ test

Brits know more about climate change than their European counterparts according to new research launched today (Monday 19 October) to mark the beginning of Energy Saving Week (19-25 October).

moneysupermarket.com: Ofgem Project Discovery report

Commenting on Ofgem's Project Discovery report, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Today's news adds fuel to the fire that there is no doubt British bill payers need to be extra vigilant over the long term about their energy consumption, and if there was ever a time for bill payers to make sure they are on the best value energy tariff for their consumption and region now is the time to do it. The onus is completely on individuals here to make sure they strive to find the best deal as apathy will never be rewarded when it comes to the energy market.

Energy customers face a long winter of discontent

Gareth Kloet, head of energy at Confused.com says: "Whilst it is good to know that Ofgem have compiled this report, none of the possible scenarios modelled is good news for consumers who are already struggling to deal with the last 12 months of price rises. In its report, Ofgem outline 4 forecast scenarios that predict price rises of between 14 and 60% for customers by the middle of the next decade as a result of addressing the challenges to gas and electricity supplies in the UK . Critically however, whilst each scenario tries to predict the cost implication on customers, it does not give any account of the other costs associated with retail prices - the largest of these being wholesale costs. The outlook is therefore bleak but necessary as security of supply is a critical issue that needs addressing through investment.

Students are wasters, its official!

Students are still living up to the caricatures of Rik and Vyvyan, made famous in TV sitcom ‘The Young Ones’, ignoring greener housemates and wasting energy, according to new research.

Energy bidding battle

Commenting on First Utility reducing the cost of its dual fuel tariffs, and Scottish Power reducing its Online Energy Saver 7, Gareth Kloet, head of energy at Confused.com, said: "First Utility reacted rapidly to E.ON's tariff tinkering yesterday and it looks like there's no end in sight in the fight for the top spot. However it's more of a battle and less of a war at the moment. Although Scottish Power made an attempt today by reducing its Online Energy Saver 7 tariff, we're still waiting for the Big Six to really show their hands. This clash of the energy titans is by no means over and failing to take advantage of this competitive spirit could lead to big losses.

moneysupermarket.com: first utility dual fuel tariffs

Commenting on First Utility reducing the cost of its dual fuel tariffs, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com said: "Let the battle commence! Hot on the heels of E.ON taking top spot in the energy price market today, newcomer First Utility has reacted, just hours later, with a price cut on its dual fuel tariffs - iSave Dual Fuel and Smart Dual Fuel online Saver. This will be made available to new and existing customers of First Utility.

Ethical energy supplier scoops best business award

Ebico, not-for-profit energy supplier, has been rewarded for its attempts to reduce the bills of low income households by being named the UK’s most socially responsible business.

First power produced by Robin Rigg offshore wind farm

Energy company E.ON has announced that the first power had been produced by its Robin Rigg offshore wind farm in the Solway Firth.

Changes bring benefits to rural fuel consumers

New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.

Scottish Power’s fixed deal ends

Commenting on Scottish Power's fixed deal coming to an end on Monday 31 August, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com said: "British bill payers beware; the second fixed energy tariff to come to an end this year does so on Monday. The Fixed Price Energy Tariff 2009 from Scottish Power was a firm favourite with the 70 per cent of our customers who swapped to a fixed deal last year. By choosing a fixed energy tariff 12 months ago, they saved themselves an average of £134.50 a year against a back drop of sharply rising prices.

E.ON launch new fixed price online energy plan

E.ON has launched a new fixed price online energy plan - FixOnline 3 - which allows consumers to fix their prices until 1st December, 2010. The plan is only available to those who will manage their account online and pay by monthly direct debit. In return, they will be paying the second lowest energy prices currently available in the market and will only be paying £1 more than if they were on the cheapest plan in the market.

A bright idea - lightbulbs go green

On 1 September the EU starts the mandatory phase out of 100W and frosted incandescent (or old fashioned) lightbulbs.

British Gas Websaver 4

Commenting on the launch of British Gas Websaver 4, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "British Gas is waiting in the wings to replace EDF Energy's limited capacity Online v5 tariff. While this product is £11 cheaper a year it is only available to new customers in 10 out of 14 regions - a big blow for existing EDF Energy customers and consumers in London, the South East, South West and South Wales looking to reduce their energy bills. In comparison, British Gas' new tariff, which costs £993.56 a year on average, is available to every region as well as new and existing customers.

Spending plan delivers £100 million hike in help for fuel poor

Britain's Big Six energy suppliers spent £157 million on voluntary social programmes in 2008-09, a near three-fold increase compared with 2007-08 (£57 million). Most was spent on social and other discounted tariffs for vulnerable and fuel poor customers. Suppliers have exceeded their spending target for 2008-09 by £59 million.

Online energy price war heats up

Gareth Kloet, Head of Utilities at Confused.com says "This new tariff from E.ON is a further blow to British Gas as it is another, more competitive choice for consumers who have ‘average consumption'. As it has undercut their Websaver tariff in all regions, and is the best buy in four regions of the UK, British Gas is no longer a best buy for the average consumption consumer.

moneysupermarket.com: E.ON online energy product

Commenting on today's launch of E.ON's new online energy product, Scott Byrom, manager of utilities at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com said: "British Gas has been nudged to third place with the launch of Save Online from E.ON which changes the landscape for the best utilities products currently on the market.

Extra finance to start flowing for wind power

Three UK-based banks start work today with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on a programme to lend up to £1 billion to onshore wind farms over the next 3 years.

Wallace and Gromit in new energy efficiency advert

New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.

npower challenges British Gas as ‘cheapest supplier’

Cash strapped households have been given a summer bonus by suppliers as the online energy price war hots up, says uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service. ScottishPower and npower have both brought out new competitive online energy plans which have helped to bring the average online energy bill down to £1,047 a year. Online plans now offer consumers a saving of £192 on average compared with traditional standard plans.

CFS helps launch fund to fight new tar sands developments

UK citizens are being urged to join a Canadian Cree First Nation in their fight against one of the biggest environmental threats facing the planet.

E.ON price cut

E.ON announces a price decrease equivalent to 3.3% for gas impacting 1.8m of their customers. Gareth Kloet, head of utilities at Confused.com, says: "While the 3.3% price cut is a welcome move for 1.8 million of E.ON's gas customers, it's just a drop in the ocean. It's about £2 less each month for customers using an average amount of gas, so it's not going to make a huge difference to consumers struggling with their household budgets.

E.ON drops gas prices

Commenting on E.ON dropping its gas prices, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "This price drop is a tiny step in the right direction. While it is a welcome surprise, a 3.3 per cent price drop - that's just £25 for most customers - isn't earth-shattering, especially following the record energy price hikes of last year. However, it will hopefully encourage more competition in the market and mean other providers will also reduce their prices. The removal of the standing charge for pre payment meter customers should also give reason for some cheer.

Warm Zone, BGC, Baxi, Veolia to deliver affordable warmth

Warm Zone, BGC, Baxi Group and Veolia Water Outsourcing have collaborated to help local authorities and registered social landlords (RSLs) to address the issues of fuel poverty in off-mains gas areas.

Multifit GasSaver from Baxi

The Multifit GasSaver is an innovative low cost product that sits neatly between boiler and flue to further improve the energy efficiency of domestic boilers. It recycles flue gas heat which would normally be expelled into the atmosphere and wasted.

Investors flock to support village wind turbine

Village community contributes £86250 to purchase wind turbine. This green investment bucks the crunch. Investors say “Why rely on Russian gas imports when we can generate are own renewable energy, make a real return on our investment and combat climate change”

Energy bill overcharging

New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.

Confused.com: Energy customers being overcharged

Gareth Kloet, head of utilities at Confused.com, says: "Energy prices are on a downward trend which is good news but if today's figures are accurate they reveal there's still room for further cuts to be made.

Fuel poverty: Will the Government finally get a grip?

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee Announcement today acknowledges the imminent failure of the Government to end fuel poverty in this country and urges it to take decisive action now. uSwitch.com comments on the announcement and the proposals being put forward to help the 5.2 million households now estimated to be living in fuel poverty.

Nuclear reaction

Commenting on the latest move by British Gas to buy a 20% stake in British Energy, Gareth Kloet, head of utilities at confused.com, said: "There seems to be no stopping nuclear power and this was further illustrated this week by British Gas's move to buy a 20% stake in British Energy.

uSwitch.com: Smart Meters

Tom Lyon, energy expert at uSwitch.com comments on today's announcement on smart meters: "Today's announcement from the government to equip every home in the UK with a smart meter by 2020 marks a great news day for all energy users. It may seem like a long deadline, but this is a huge programme and it's important that it's completed as effectively as possible, with minimum disruption to consumers.

moneysupermarket.com: Smart Meters

Commenting on the introduction of smart meters in every UK household by 2020, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at price comparison site, moneysupermarket.com, said: "Smart meters will put an end to estimated bills and meter readings. Customers won't ever have to overpay or find themselves in debt with their energy supplier once smart meters come into force. Not only this, but it will enable consumers to keep a close eye on their energy consumption, allowing them to curb unnecessary usage, use energy at off-peak times and hopefully, make some much needed savings.

Huge winter energy bills leave Brits cutting back on basics

More than four in ten of the population (44%) are cutting back on essentials such as food in order to afford their winter energy bills, according to research from Consumer Focus.

Energy industry still biggest culprit for getting bills wrong

Consumers have named energy suppliers as the worst culprits for getting bills wrong for the third year in a row, according to new research from uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service. The energy industry was voted worst for inaccuracy, ahead of banks, council tax departments, other utility providers and even the Inland Revenue.

Budget ‘green recovery package' must tackle fuel poverty

Consumer Focus is urging the Government to invest in a series of Budget measures to tackle fuel poverty, as part of the ‘green recovery package' promised by the Prime Minister.

Bill payers' shock as sky high winter energy bills hit home

Following the coldest winter Britain has experienced for a decade and the heaviest snowfall seen in eighteen years, research from moneysupermarket.com can reveal 42 per cent of Brits have been left shocked by their most recent energy bills for the winter.

Best value energy providers for each region revealed

Following the recent price moves by all of the big six energy giant's moneysupermarket.com reveals the difference in energy prices across the UK regions. Brits could save as much as 22 per cent on their energy bills by moving to the cheapest available product. Meaning a staggering saving of £1.7 billion for UK households.

Rest of ‘big six’ should follow Scottish Power, says Which?

In response to Scottish Power's announcement that it will compensate customers who overpay for gas and electricity through excessive monthly direct debits, Martyn Hocking, Editor, Which? magazine, says: "With household budgets under pressure, it seems incredible that energy suppliers can effectively use their customers' money as ‘interest-free loans', by setting direct debit payments too high and allowing balances of hundreds of pounds to build up.

Energy price cuts leave a £3.7 billion hole in consumer pockets

Households are being left with a £3.7 billion hole in their pockets despite recent energy price cuts, reveals uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service. Last year, price rises added £4.3 billion in total on to household energy bills. Recent price cuts announced by the big six suppliers will wipe £650 million back off again - leaving a £3.7 billion shortfall.

British Gas consolidates its position at the top of best buy tables

Gareth Kloet, head of utilities at Confused.com, comments on British Gas's decision to ease the financial burden for 4.5million customers, by reducing its standard electricity prices by 10%: "British Gas's latest announcement reaffirms its position as the cheapest electricity supplier in Britain, with rates of up to £111 less than those provided by some local suppliers. Following hot on the heels of its 10% February price cuts for gas, British Gas customers will now save an average of £132 on their dual fuel annual bills

British Gas cuts electricity prices: will others follow?

Is this the sign of things to come? British Gas' announcement that it is cutting electricity prices by 10% will be a boost to customers struggling to pay their bills in the current climate. The cut follows the company's 10% cut on gas prices, which took effect on 19 February this year and as a result of these, British Gas customers will save on average £132 in total on their annual household energy bill.

moneysupermarket.com: British Gas cuts electricity prices

Commenting on British Gas cutting electricity prices by 10 per cent and the launch of WebSaver 3, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com said: "As expected, British Gas has made a second price cut this year - reducing the cost of electricity by 10 per cent for its 4.5 million standard customers, effective immediately. This is great news for customers, making up for the provider only cutting gas prices in the first round this year (10 per cent, effective 19 February 2009). Households with an average consumption can expect to see a drop of £46 to their annual bill, with standard prices falling to £1,199.

npower launches search for Britain’s Bright Ideas

Have you designed the world’s first clockwork toaster? Or designed an anti-standby device in your own home? Then npower needs you!

Scottish Power challenges EON's fixed tariff dominance

Gareth Kloet, head of utilities at Confused.com, comments on Scottish Power's recently launched Online Energy Saver 5 tariff: "Scottish Power has released a new capped tariff which is set to rival EON's competitive Fixed Online energy tariff.

Consumer Focus: Increased Warm Front grants

Jonathan Stearn, energy expert for Consumer Focus said: "This welcome increase to the Warm Front grant will help many of the poorest customers who have previously dropped out of the scheme because they could not afford the top-up fees needed. However, many vulnerable consumers will still lose out.