Guide to the Latest Deals on Gas and Electricity

Updated monthly: Last update April 04, 2008

The gas and electricity market is constantly evolving and that is why we have created this monthly ‘what’s new’ feature to keep you abreast of the latest developments with sections devoted to the newest tariffs on the market and the most recent utilities news.

So whether you’re scouting around for a better deal or just want to know what’s going on, read on and the world of gas and electricity will be primed for your benefit.

Quick links:

What’s new: price cuts and increases; the latest tariffs.

In this section we’ll keep you up to date on all the latest price changes in the utilities market:

SSE hikes prices - Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), which supplies energy as SWALEC, Southern Electric, Atlantic and Scottish Hydro Electric, earned plaudits for implementing a price freeze until March 30 to give customers a welcome reprieve during the winter period. It was a move that meant the provider offered some of the cheapest tariffs in the UK. However, as of April 01, its prices leapt by 14.2% for electricity and 15.8% for gas. The good news for customers it that this move means all of the major energy providers in the UK have now increased their prices since 2008 allowing switchers to gain a clear perspective on who offers the cheapest deal. For more on this story read ‘Is your gas and electricity provider treating you fairly’ in our Expert View section.
Switching reaches new heights - Ofgem has reported that 5.1million gas and electricity users switched to a new deal in 2007. However, while this news is encouraging, it is believed that these actions are being taken by so-called ‘ tariff tarts’ - those who switch constantly looking for the cheapest deals. It is still feared that around 63 per cent of Brits are languishing on a quarterly standard tariff and paying over the odds compared to the numerous direct debit online-only deals available. It is hoped that with all six major energy providers now having increased their rates, more people will feel comfortable moving to a better deal - and potentially saving in excess of £300 a year.

What’s new: the latest gas and electricity news stories.

This month: Switching rates up but consumers still lose out

Consumer watchdog energywatch moved quickly to play down figures that suggest switching figures for gas and electricity are up in the UK after they hit 5.1million in 2007.

Since 2003, average gas bills have leapt by 108% while electricity bills have moved up by 70%. Indeed since the start of this year alone prices have moved up by an average of 15.2% on gas bills and 12.4% on electricity bills.

While energywatch is pleased that consumers are taking action to reduce their bills, the consumer group is also quick to emphasise that the least expensive deal on offer does not equate to affordable energy when the average bill is in excess of £1,000. It is also feared that between 20% and 30% of customers are moving to a more expensive deal because they do not have enough information in place to help them choose the best offer.

As a consequence energywatch is calling on the Government to introduce a social tariff for its neediest customers, one that is the lowest tariff available and is not just accessible to customers with internet access.

Stay tuned to this ‘what’s new’ feature each month for more on the gas and electricity market and don’t forget to compare prices in your area using the gas and electricity comparison tool.

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