7th August 2006

Rising UK Energy Prices, Ofgem and Energywatch Review
Recent announcements of significant price hikes from British Gas and other energy companies have generated a substantial amount of ill feeling and concern among UK consumers. More and more customers are considering switching supplier as their current gas and electricity providers raise their prices.

Anger has been so widespread that the Government Department for Trade and Industry has taken the step of encouraging consumers to actively seek out alternative companies in the hope of securing a better deal. Households's and businesses's who have never switched provider before will stand the greatest chance of saving money.

British Gas has said the reason for the most recent price rise was to offset a £143m loss made in the first half of the year, primarily caused by rising wholesale gas prices. However skepticism reigns among leading consumer groups as to the real reason for the price increase, with many commentators expressing concern at the quality and competence of previous decision making at Board Level.

Other energy providers are also delivering inflation busting rises. British Gas rival EDF Energy said it will charge its customers 19% more for gas and up to 9.1% more for electricity in the coming weeks. Scottish Power has also recently imposed similar price rises on it's customers.

Energywatch
Energywatch is the UK Independent gas and electricity consumer watchdog. If you have experienced a problem with your energy supplier and are unsatisfied by their response, you can get in touch with Energywatch who can advise and act as an advocate.

Energywatch works closely with the regulator, Ofgem, to ensure that company performance issues are monitored and where appropriate, the evidence is provided to trigger investigations and/or enforcement action. They have a statutory duty to protect and promote the interests of existing and future gas and electricity consumers in England, Scotland and Wales.