Menu
22/11/2004
Switching energy suppliers could save householders '£1bn a year'
Household fuel bills could be reduced by £1 billion a year through switching fuel suppliers and improving energy efficiency, an energy consumer summit in London has been told today.
Launching a new drive to get consumers - particularly vulnerable consumers - to 'switch and save' and cut the cost of fuel bills this winter, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt and Energy Minister Mike O'Brien said that first time switchers could save up to £100 a year on fuel bills.
The summit also heard that changing payment method to direct debit could save around another £20 a year; pre-payment meter users stand to save even more; and cavity wall insulation alone could save a further £35 a year.
According to the National Audit Office, there are 26 million domestic electricity accounts and 20 million domestic gas accounts – and non-switchers are paying 22% more on their energy bills than those who have switched.
Ms Hewitt said: "We know that for many families fuel bills are a significant part of their weekly outgoings, and we need to do more to help the most vulnerable consumers benefit from big savings that are out there.
"Half of all households have never switched energy supplier, despite the fact that there are big savings still to be made. Our message today is simple - why pay more for your gas and electricity than you need to?"
The summit will launch the 'Energy Smart' awareness-raising campaign run by consumer watchdog Energywatch, industry regulator Ofgem and supported by the DTI. Representatives of vulnerable groups will also be at the summit to discuss how Energy Smart can reach those in greatest need of help in reducing fuel bills.
More than 11 million older people last year benefited from a total of £1.9 billion in Winter Fuel Payments.
(gmcg/sp)
Launching a new drive to get consumers - particularly vulnerable consumers - to 'switch and save' and cut the cost of fuel bills this winter, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt and Energy Minister Mike O'Brien said that first time switchers could save up to £100 a year on fuel bills.
The summit also heard that changing payment method to direct debit could save around another £20 a year; pre-payment meter users stand to save even more; and cavity wall insulation alone could save a further £35 a year.
According to the National Audit Office, there are 26 million domestic electricity accounts and 20 million domestic gas accounts – and non-switchers are paying 22% more on their energy bills than those who have switched.
Ms Hewitt said: "We know that for many families fuel bills are a significant part of their weekly outgoings, and we need to do more to help the most vulnerable consumers benefit from big savings that are out there.
"Half of all households have never switched energy supplier, despite the fact that there are big savings still to be made. Our message today is simple - why pay more for your gas and electricity than you need to?"
The summit will launch the 'Energy Smart' awareness-raising campaign run by consumer watchdog Energywatch, industry regulator Ofgem and supported by the DTI. Representatives of vulnerable groups will also be at the summit to discuss how Energy Smart can reach those in greatest need of help in reducing fuel bills.
More than 11 million older people last year benefited from a total of £1.9 billion in Winter Fuel Payments.
(gmcg/sp)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 June 2008
Deduct £2bn Off Energy Bills By Insulating Every Home
The Local Government Association (LGA) said the Government's announcement on fuel poverty was a move in the right direction but is calling for energy companies to make the same contribution as householders to pay for a national programme, to ensure that every home in the country is insulated.
Deduct £2bn Off Energy Bills By Insulating Every Home
The Local Government Association (LGA) said the Government's announcement on fuel poverty was a move in the right direction but is calling for energy companies to make the same contribution as householders to pay for a national programme, to ensure that every home in the country is insulated.
24 September 2008
EDF To Takeover British Energy
The Government welcomed EDF's proposed £12.5 billion takeover offer for British Energy Group and the British Energy Board's recommendation of the offer to its shareholders. The Government has committed to accept the cash offer of 774p per share for its 36% stake held by the Nuclear Liabilities Fund (NLF), subject to certain conditions.
EDF To Takeover British Energy
The Government welcomed EDF's proposed £12.5 billion takeover offer for British Energy Group and the British Energy Board's recommendation of the offer to its shareholders. The Government has committed to accept the cash offer of 774p per share for its 36% stake held by the Nuclear Liabilities Fund (NLF), subject to certain conditions.
24 April 2008
Report Shows Government Is Failing Pensioners In Fuel Poverty
The Government is failing pensioners and poor families in fuel poverty, according to a coalition of Age Concern, Child Poverty Action Group, and National Energy Action.
Report Shows Government Is Failing Pensioners In Fuel Poverty
The Government is failing pensioners and poor families in fuel poverty, according to a coalition of Age Concern, Child Poverty Action Group, and National Energy Action.
02 December 2013
Energy Firms To Cut Fuel Bills
A number of major energy firms have said they plan to cut fuel bills, following a series of new measures from the government. Over the weekend, Centrica, which owns British Gas, said it would cut bills by £53 in January 2014 – two months after it increased its prices by £123 for the average dual-fuel customer.
Energy Firms To Cut Fuel Bills
A number of major energy firms have said they plan to cut fuel bills, following a series of new measures from the government. Over the weekend, Centrica, which owns British Gas, said it would cut bills by £53 in January 2014 – two months after it increased its prices by £123 for the average dual-fuel customer.
16 November 2011
Risk Of 'Fuel Debts' Spark Campaign
A campaign to make energy customers aware of their rights has been launched as this winter brings risks of "fuel debt". Consumer groups have come together to advise people how to deal with fuel debt, and what to do if they can't meet their bills.
Risk Of 'Fuel Debts' Spark Campaign
A campaign to make energy customers aware of their rights has been launched as this winter brings risks of "fuel debt". Consumer groups have come together to advise people how to deal with fuel debt, and what to do if they can't meet their bills.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
