Cheap energy deals missed out on by Brits

Just 13% of British households are currently making the most of the cheapest energy deals available, a new study suggests.

uSwitch.com found that between 2008 and 2009, one million households transferred to online energy plans, meaning 87% were still missing out.

Around ten million people still pay for their energy through standard plans, it found, meaning they could be overpaying by around £2.2 billion a year.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, said: "The market is competitive - otherwise you wouldn't be able to save around £300 a year by moving online - but not enough consumers are taking advantage."

She added that online energy plans can be around £300 cheaper than standard deals, giving consumers some extra cash in their pockets.

It was recently revealed that from 2012, properties will have to display energy efficiency ratings when being sold in the EU.

Posted by Ruth Bradshaw