Responding to the deal struck today by the Government and energy suppliers, Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at Uswitch.com says:
“This is a welcome reduction to energy bills coming at a time when over eight in ten households were expected to be rationing their energy use this winter for fear of cost. We would now urge suppliers to pass these cuts on as swiftly as possible so that consumers can feel the benefit immediately.
“However, it’s important that consumers understand that even if this reduction is passed on in full their bills will still be higher than they were previously – the reduction won’t be enough to wipe out recent price hikes. It’s also vital that they do not walk away from this thinking that they have a cast-iron guarantee that they are protected from future hikes – they aren’t. If wholesale prices change significantly then they could still see their bills go up.
“The fact remains that while the Government is giving a very welcome hand, consumers can build on this and protect themselves further by making sure they move to the most competitive tariff for their needs, many of which are fixed price and will therefore protect them completely from price hikes for anything up to four winters.
“I would also urge consumers to take note of the Government’s emphasis on energy efficiency, as making our homes efficient is a key step in the battle for lower energy bills. The fact that the part of ECO that helps vulnerable consumers will continue at its present level and that Green Deal is to be strengthened and streamlined is particularly welcome.”
It’s all about “U”!
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Uswitch is the UK’s top comparison website for home services switching. Launched in September 2000, we help consumers save money on their gas, electricity, broadband, mobile, TV, and financial services products and get more of what matters to them. Last year we saved consumers over £373 million on their energy bills alone.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a new business that also owns Money.co.uk and Bankrate.
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