FinanceuSwitch Price ComparisonsEnergy consumers "being taken for a ride" as British Gas announce half a billion profits Energy consumers "being taken for a ride" as British Gas announce half a billion profits
By Tony Watts - Editor - 21/02/2008
As British Gas today announces a five-fold increase in their profits of £571 million, the UK’s leading price comparison website has said that consumers have a right to feel that they are being taken for a ride.
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, comments: “Revealing huge profits only a month after hitting customers with an inflation busting price hike is like having a £571 million elephant in the living room – it was never going to go unnoticed. British Gas was clearly hoping that consumers’ memories are short, but their pockets deep."
British Gas’s customers who were hit with a 15% increase in their dual fuel bills in January. Customers will now face £1,055 bills while shareholders enjoy a dividend increase of 17%.
“If ever there was a wake-up call to British Gas customers,” says Ann, “this has got to be it. You are not with the cheapest supplier, you are not with the best service provider and you are certainly not on an equal footing with shareholders.
"You do not have to put up with paying £143 a year more for your energy bills while Centrica shareholders enjoy a 17% increase in dividends. There are plenty of other suppliers out there who are prepared to offer you a better price, better service and a better deal – there are savings of up to £325 to be had. All you have to do is switch.”
With up to £325 in savings available, uSwitch offers these three golden switching rules could give you cheaper gas and electricity bills in 2008.
1) Switch to an online plan
2) Switch to Direct Debit
3) Switch to dual fuel
To check how much you could save by switching suppliers, go to the website linked below.