Customers urged to cut gas and electric bills

08 February 2010 10:13:00

Consumers should look at ways to save on their gas and electric bills, an expert has said.

Peter Vicary-Smith, chief executive of consumer watchdog Which?, said that now is the "ideal time" for people to check they are getting the best deal for their energy and compare gas and electricity offerings.

"You could save money by switching or by taking a few simple steps, like paying by direct debit or on a monthly basis, or moving to an online account," he advised.

The expert's comments follow the news that British Gas is cutting its gas prices by 7%.

Mr Vicary-Smith welcomed the move, but wondered why the company had not decided to reduce its electricity prices at the same time.

He pointed out that gas is a major source of electricity generation as, according to the UK Energy in Brief 2009 report from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, it was responsible for 46% of electricity supplied.

The expert called for greater transparency between wholesale and retail prices, remarking: "Surely a fall in the wholesale price of gas should also mean a reduction in electricity costs."

British Gas claimed that its price cut will benefit 8m households, saving the average customer £55 a year.

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