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uSwitch.com claim 100,000 households could be worse off if they roll over onto SVT
The price comparison website uSwitch.com has warned energy bills could rise by up to £436 as many popular fixed deals come to an end this month.
The website has claimed more than 100,000 households on fixed energy deals could lose out if they do not take action when their deals finish on 31 May.
According to uSwitch.com, seven suppliers have a total of 13 fixed deals expiring next week, after which customers could be rolled onto more expensive standard variable tariffs (SVTs).
The website estimates the average increase would be £289 a year, although the customers facing the biggest hikes are those with EDF Energy (£436), First Utility (£392) and ScottishPower (£373).
Under Ofgem rules, customers are free to switch suppliers without paying exit fees 42 days before their plan end date, so the website is encouraging households to start looking for a cheaper deal.
“If your fixed deal ends this month and you do nothing, you’ll suddenly find yourself paying more money for the same energy,” said uSwitch.com’s energy expert, Claire Osborne.
“With so many cheap deals coming to an end, my message to energy customers is to check if you are already on an expensive standard tariff, or are one of the 100,000 households facing an automatic roll over onto one soon.
“You can switch online or on the phone now without incurring any exit fees, and in just a few minutes you will have saved an average of £357 and protect yourself against further price hikes,” she added.
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