Confused.com: Energy customers being overcharged

25 June 2009

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.

"Customers are likely to feel frustrated they're still seeing big bills and angry that they're potentially being overcharged by £74. Yet this figure is insignificant compared to the £250* UK households could be saving if they simply switched provider. Recent OFGEM statistics reveal that 44% of households have never switched electricity provider and 40% have never switched gas supplier, meaning they could be missing out on huge savings.

"OFGEM and the Energy Retail Association are challenging today's figures so this debate could rumble on, all the while consumers are paying over the odds for their gas and electricity. It's down to households to take control of their bills and shop around for better deals. It's unlikely we're going to see any significant price cuts soon so people should take matters into their own hands and change to a cheaper tariff or provider using an accredited and impartial comparison service."