29 October 2008
Gas and electricity providers have seen customer satisfaction fall over the last year, according to research by uSwitch.com. The independent price comparison and switching service found that satisfaction with the big six energy suppliers has fallen by 8% over the last year. During this time, companies have put up their gas and electricity prices twice, resulting in an average 42% increase in household energy bills. The report shows that 41% of consumers are currently dissatisfied with their energy provider, up from 33% in October last year. Furthermore, just 41 per cent of energy customers believe their supplier is offering them the best deal available, compared to 45% a year ago. Ann Robinson, Consumer Policy Director at uSwitch.com, said: "Price rises were never going to be a vote winner, but this year's increases have hit people exceptionally hard and inevitably it has damaged their perception of the industry." Citizens Advice and Ofgem are launching a new campaign designed to help low-income households access the most competitive gas and electricity tariffs on the market.