19 September 2005
The recent 14.2 per cent price hike from British Gas has prompted many of its 17.2 million customers to switch provider, a new report has said.
A report from price comparison website uSwitch.com says that almost one in five British Gas customers intends to change to a less expensive provider after the company's fourth price rise in three years.
Alan Tattersall, director of home services at uSwitch.com, said: "Customers have finally run out of patience with British Gas.
"Our research reveals that they are sceptical about British Gas motives for this round of price hikes, with nearly one in four believing that the main reason prices are rising is to make a profit or pay directors more."
Meanwhile, the Met Office has warned that the UK could suffer some of the worst power shortages ever this winter because of record low temperatures.
A Met Office spokesman said that temperatures would be "significantly colder than average".
He added: "Considering we have had a run of mild winters, we issued the warning to energy companies a they might get caught out."
Find the cheapest gas and electricity suppliers and save up to £170 a year at uSwitch.com.
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