Mature Times - uSwitch Price Comparisons

Threat of another huge hike in energy bills

Mon, 12 May 2008 15:54:10 +0100

Energy supplier Centrica today lifted the lid on the pricing pressure energy suppliers are coming under. As a result the outlook for consumers looks bleak, with comparison website uSwitch.com predicting that there could be an unprecedented 46% increase in household energy bills this year. “Given this scenario,” say uSwitch, “fixed rate energy plans are starting to look like a potential lifeline for worried consumers”.

“Over 60s missing out on energy switching”

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:41:28 +0100

A new report from energy regulator Ofgem reveals that UK energy switching levels hit five million in 2007 - but that whole groups of customers are missing out. In particular, pensioners, unemployed and low-income families are not switching to lower tariffs.

"Poorest customers overcharged £400 by British Gas"

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:56:11 +0000

British Gas is charging some of its poorest customers £400 a year more for their gas and electricity because they are using pre-paid meters rather than quarterly bills - according to the National Housing Federation (NHF).

"Don't wait for social tariff changes to reduce your fuel bills"

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:07:20 +0000

The price comparison and switching website uSwitch has described the Chancellor's promise to tackle fuel proverty by compelling energy suppliers to offer more competitive tariffs to less well off households as a "brave attempt" which could prove to be "too little, too late" for millions of vulnerable people.

Energy consumers "being taken for a ride" as British Gas announce half a billion profits

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:54:39 +0000

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.

Energy suppliers failing the poor

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:18:06 +0000

As householders reel under inflation-busting rises in energy prices, the companies that supply our heat and light have come under attack for failing the most vulnerable members of society.

Could you be paying less for your water?

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:24:57 +0000

If you’re a lower water user and not having your supply metered you could be paying well over the odds.

Are you really getting the best deal on your borrowing?

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:41:22 +0100

The credit crunch appears to be tightening, and experts say that that there will probably be a further drop in the amount of credit available to consumers in the coming few months.

EDF Energy follows npower with energy price hikes

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:39:00 +0000

EDF Energy today followed npower by increasing the cost of gas and electricity for its 5.5 million customer accounts. Customers hoping for some respite before their bills increase are going to be bitterly disappointed to hear the rises come into effect in just three days, on Friday 18th January.

Stay one step ahead of energy price rises

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:50:37 +0000

There's bad news on the horizon: your gas and electricity bills could go up in early 2008. British Gas has already increased prices for its tracker plan which follows the market trend in wholesale energy prices with a 13% increase in gas prices and 15% increase in electricity. Now everyone is waiting to see which supplier will make the first move and increase the cost of its standard plans. Read on to discover how you could make savings.

60% increase in fuel bills causing thousands of winter deaths

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:24:09 +0000

There were 22,300 excess winter deaths of older people last year. And with a colder winter predicted for this year, older people are being urged to claim the all the benefits they can to stay warm.

Warning: credit card cheques could damage your wealth

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:32:39 +0000

In September 2006, the Department of Trade and Industry (now BERR) concluded its investigation into credit card cheques. This stipulated that all credit card providers had to display a summary box explaining the purpose, key features and associated charges of credit card cheques. However, several areas of concern still remain.

Are you paying through the nose for your fuel?

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:09:35 +0000

It’s Autumn - and time to put on the heating - if you dare. But rather than turn down the thermostat to save money, would you be better off switching suppliers - or even changing the way you pay?

Household disposable income "lowest for a decade"

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 09:24:04 +0100

Despite a rise in average household incomes since 1997, the amount of "disposable" income has actually dropped by 2% according to price comparison website uSwitch.com. Yet the company says that by switching suppliers for utility bills, householders could save up to £1,778 by investing less than three hours at their computer.

Don’t get ripped off with boiler breakdowns

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:02:54 +0100

Nearly one in three boilers break down within six years of being installed and repairs could leave you facing massive bills. Find out how you can reduce the risk of being left out in the cold this winter.