Press releases

Broadband 

BROADBAND PLAYING FIELD SET TO LEVEL IN TIME FOR 2012 OLYMPICS

Up to ten million homes are set to benefit from BT‟s decision to allow rival internet companies access to its broadband networks. If the move goes ahead it will place broadband companies in a strong position to take a chunk of the 40% of homes being hooked up to superfast broadband in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Gas & Electricity 

BRITISH GAS IS NOW BRITAIN’S CHEAPEST ENERGY SUPPLIER

British Gas has today launched a major charm offensive on the household energy market. As well as cutting its gas prices by 7% or £55 it has also launched a new online plan which is the cheapest in the market.

Gas & Electricity 

British Gas cuts prices

The waiting game is over for consumers as Britain’s biggest energy supplier, British Gas, has announced that it is cutting prices. The reductions – 7% or £55 for gas – come into effect immediately. It means that the average British Gas dual fuel bill will drop from £1,202 to £1,147.

News 

STORM BREWING AS FIRMS SLASH FREE TEA AND COFFEE FOR STAFF

Brits are famed for their love of a good brew and yet just 57% of British workers get to enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee at work, according to new research from uSwitchforbusiness.com. In fact, a quarter of workers (25%) have seen companies cut back on refreshments over the last year – leaving a bitter taste in the mouth for many:

Gas & Electricity 

OFGEM WARNS HOUSEHOLDS COULD FACE 25% INCREASE TO BILLS IN 10 YEARS TIME

In a report out today, Ofgem has given its biggest indication yet that bills will rise dramatically over the next decade. It has announced that bills could rise by up to 25% in the next ten years due to factors such as the global financial crisis, tough environmental targets and increasing gas import dependency. Based on today’s average bill size of £1,239, this will mean bills could hit £1,549 in ten year’s time.

Gas & Electricity 

DESPITE LAST YEAR’S PRICE CUTS ENERGY DEBT SOARS

Ofgem’s quarterly social obligations report, released just yesterday, reveals some worrying trends and raises concerns about the ongoing affordability of household energy, says uSwitch.com.

Car Insurance 

MOTORISTS WARNED TO BEWARE ‘FROST-JACKERS’ WHEN DE-ICING THEIR CAR

With the big freeze set to continue, waking up to a frozen car looks set to become an all too familiar experience for British motorists this winter. But while de-icing a vehicle may seem like nothing more than an inconvenient addition to the morning routine, the careless habits of car owners could mean that they become a victim of a crime known as ‘frost-jacking’.

Gas & Electricity 

GUIDE TO STAYING SAFE AND WARM IN A WINTER POWER CUT

Householders are being urged to cut out and keep a handy guide on staying safe and warm in the event of a winter power cut. The guide was pulled together by uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service, after many households were left without power during the recent big freeze.

Gas & Electricity 

£319 MILLION INVESTMENT COULD SPELL FUTURE BILL MISERY FOR CONSUMERS

Ofgem yesterday published final proposals for funding the first tranche of projects from a potential £1 billion package of extra investment in Britain’s high-voltage networks. The first tranche, totalling £319 million, will help connect Great Britain’s growing renewable electricity generation. However, this is just part of a much broader £233.5 billion investment programme that is expected to add £548 a year in total onto household energy bills, warns uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service. And while the investment is needed, consumers must start preparing for the eventual impact on their energy bills.

Gas & Electricity 

NEW SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY RULES ‘CONFUSING’

Ofgem’s new rules for the small business energy market come into play tomorrow – Monday 18th January, 2010. While designed to give greater protection to Britain’s SMEs, according to uSwitchforbusiness.com, the dedicated SME price comparison and switching service, the rules are in danger of confusing business owners and put too much onus on them to take action.