Homeowners urged to check utility bills

Householders are being urged to check that their energy companies have adjusted their energy tariff to keep them on the most economical version.

This year the top six energy providers have all re-examined their charging tariffs, yet two thirds of households have not "switched" – which means that they have not been moved to the new charging rates.

Paul Schofield, head of utilities at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said: "Energy providers rarely, if ever, tell existing consumers about cheaper options, as the more expensive tariffs allow them to offset the great deals they offer.

"Allowing existing customers to languish on old tariffs is a money spinner, but it doesn't help build trust or loyalty. Banks adhere to a Banking Code, so why can’t energy providers adopt a set of standards to be fair and transparent with their customers when they launch cheaper products?"

December 13^th 2007

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