12 million households (46%) could be owed a total of £1.1 billion by energy suppliers – or an average of £93 each
Over one in ten (13%) homes could be in line for more than £200
At the same time, almost four million households (15%) collectively owe suppliers £507 million
Uswitch.com is urging consumers to take control of their bills by supplying up-to-date meter readings.
Some 12 million homes could give their finances a boost by reclaiming £1.1 billion of credit from energy suppliers, according to a new survey of consumers by Uswitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service .
The new figures suggest that the average household in credit could reclaim £93 from their supplier, with over one in ten (13%) in line for more than £200. The research indicates that as many as half of all UK homes (46%) could be owed a refund. These consumers are most likely to have used less energy than they paid for, highlighting the importance of taking regular meter readings for accurate bills.
While many households could be in line for a refund, there is also a significant number in debt to their supplier. Uswitch.com recently revealed that despite higher disposable incomes, lower inflation and price cuts to energy tariffs, the number of households in debt to their energy supplier has soared to almost four million – 260,000 more than last year.
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at Uswitch.com, says: “Now is the time to check your energy account to see if your supplier owes you money after the winter. Energy bills are often based on estimates rather than actual usage, so can be way off the mark. Under rules introduced a few years ago, suppliers must refund this money to you if requested, so claiming what is yours has never been easier.
“However, many consumers are also in debt with suppliers. It’s important to remember that accounts can fluctuate between credit and debt depending on the season. Being in credit can provide a buffer against the colder months when usage typically goes up. The best advice for ensuring that your bills are accurate is to give your supplier regular meter readings.”
Jason Wakeford
Phone: 0203 872 5612
Email: jason.wakeford@uswitch.com
Twitter: @UswitchPR
Research was conducted online by Opinium between 1st May and 5th May 2015, among 2,002 UK adults. All responses were from those who were responsible for paying the energy bill.
When asked ‘Thinking about your most recent energy bill from your supplier which of the following best applies to you? 46% of respondents were in credit to their supplier. 26 million households in the UK. 46% of 26 million = 11.9 million. The mean amount of those in credit was £93. £93 x 11.9 million = 1.11billion
When asked ‘Thinking about your most recent energy bill from your supplier which of the following best applies to you? 7% responded ‘in credit between £201 and £300, 4% responded ‘in credit between £301 and £500, 2% responded ‘in credit more than £500. These percentages added together = 13%
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Uswitch is the UK’s top comparison website for home services switching. Launched in September 2000, we help consumers save money on their gas, electricity, broadband, mobile, TV, and financial services products and get more of what matters to them. Last year we saved consumers over £373 million on their energy bills alone.
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