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The water industry rates the “most trusted” sector among Scottish consumers, while energy is one of the “least trusted”, according to consumer group Which?
A report by the group found that 68 per cent of people trust their water supplier, while just 36 per cent of respondents said they trust their energy company.
Only 23 per cent of Scottish households have switched their energy supplier in the last five years. Of those who had switched supplier, the top three things that prompted them into switching were: becoming aware of cheaper deals (47 per cent), a fixed tariff coming to an end (26 per cent), and a tariff price increase (20 per cent).
Eighty per cent of those who have gas and electricity did not experience any problems in the last two years, while 8 per cent did experience a problem.
The three most common problems respondents to the survey cited were billing (47 per cent); poor customer service (33 per cent); and problems with meters (18 per cent).
Meanwhile, the top-performing energy suppliers amongst respondents were Scottish Power (25 per cent), British Gas (22 per cent) and SSE (17 per cent).
Which? director of campaigns and communications Vickie Sheriff said: “Our research shows that many people in Scotland are experiencing problems with their essential services but many don’t go, or don’t know where to go, to get help or advice.
“The Scottish government has been given new powers and they present a real opportunity for ministers to be ambitious in the way they are used to benefit consumers.”
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