17 April 2009
More than a third (35%) of British households have been charged too much or too little by their energy supplier in the last two years, new research shows.
Energy users also take an average of two months to sort out any problems with bills, according to the price comparison site.
Almost two-thirds (64%) are doing what they can to improve accuracy by providing suppliers with meter readings, but suppliers are still considered more inaccurate than other sectors such as banks and councils.
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, explained: "In the last two years alone 11 million energy customers have fallen foul of a discrepancy between an estimated and actual bill.
"Suppliers are starting to get the message across to consumers that it is in their best interests to supply up-to-date meter readings. They are also making it easier than ever."
Meanwhile, a survey by consumer watchdog Which? in March found that energy suppliers are still overcharging the majority of households that are in credit on their accounts.