The industry regulator is widening the scope of its Standard License Condition 7A (SLC7A) to cover 150,000 more small businesses. Since January 2010, Condition 7A has stopped energy suppliers from using sneaky tactics designed to roll customers into expensive long-term contracts if they don’t terminate their contract in due time. The condition means that smaller businesses can now terminate their … Read More
EDF Energy announce winter price rises
The french-owned energy giant is the fourth of the ‘big six’ to raise their prices in the second half of 2012. This year, EDF will raise prices on electricity and gas by 10.8%, after generating profits of over £1.5 billion in 2011. The changes come into force from December 7, and will affect 4 out of every 5 of EDF’s … Read More
Winter energy price rises begin with SSE
Scottish & Southen Energy are the first to announce their winter price hike, something that’s become a regular fixture in the UK in recent years. The energy giant which also owns the Southern Electric, Atlantic, SWALEC, Scottish Hydro and Airtricity brands, is increasing household prices by 9% on both gas and electricity. Although this does not affect their business gas … Read More
British Gas announces profits increase of 23%
The UK’s largest energy supplier made a record profit in the first six months of 2012, and has hinted that further rises may be coming in the next year and a half. The company, which is a part of Centrica plc, announced profits were up £64m to around £345m – back to “normal levels” according to Nick Luff, Centrica’s Finance … Read More
Consumers to be told best energy deals
Under new rules announced today, the Big Six energy suppliers will have to write to all of their customers once a year informing them if they are on the best type of tariff for their usage. The new rules do not however, mean that the supplier has to inform their customer if there is a cheaper deal with another supplier … Read More
‘Big six’ make small price reductions
All of the big six energy suppliers have now cut their prices, following electricity and gas price rises in the second part of 2011. All of the largest players in the energy market have now cut their standard domestic tariffs to some extent, but all of them have made reductions that amount to a fraction of the price rises they … Read More
PAC publishes report on Smart Meters
The Public Accounts Committee has published their MPs report on the preparations for the rollout of Smart Meters for all homes and businesses. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is responsible for overseeing government expenditures to ensure that they work in the public interest. The Smart Meter rollout is expected to cost £11.7 billion, and the PAC has published a set … Read More
Which? calls for halt to smart meter rollout
The consumer group Which? has today called for “an immediate halt to the smart meter roll-out” as it believes a full review of the plans are needed before the second phase starts in 2014. As we reported back in March last year, the DECC has already set out its plans for a nationwide smart meter rollout during the years 2014 … Read More
Ofgem wants ‘better protection for businesses’
In a press release on Monday, Ofgem proposed new measures designed to shake up the business energy market, and encourage energy suppliers and brokers to provide a better service.
Rising gas prices push up energy bills
Wholesale natural gas prices are 40 per cent higher than they were this time last year. Despite criticism that green taxes and subsidies are pushing up energy prices, Ofgem remain certain that it is rising wholesale electricity prices that are to blame. An Ofgem report stated that wholesale gas is now 40% costlier than it was at this time last … Read More