The gloves come off in battle for energy customers

Energy companies are duking it out to pick up the customers who are looking for a new deal after rises in gas and electricity bills.

Customers have been stung as five of the big six energy companies in the UK have announced prices rises on their residential deals, citing large scale increases in wholesale costs.

Just EDF Energy has yet to outline increases in prices, although it is expected that one will eventually be announced.

The latest price rise came from is npower and is due to take effect from 1 October, while the earliest came from ScottishPower on 1 August, followed by British Gas on 18 August.

The rises have attracted much criticism, but with wholesales prices having stabilised, it is hoped another round of increases is some way off.

And with some gas and electricity customers assessing their options, there are deals coming back onto the market that could save users hundreds of pounds a year.

EDF has re-launched 'Fixed S@ver v2', its cheapest fixed deal at just £1,009 per year (based on a yearly bill for a typical dual fuel bill), after ScottishPower stole top slot with its new 'Online Fixed Saver Dec 2012'.

In response, ScottishPower is offering £30 cashback on all tariffs for a limited time only. After cashback, this brings the costs of the 'Online Fixed Saver Dec 2012' to £990 a year.

Before you leave you energy supplier, you should check that you are on the correct tariff as different plans could differ by hundreds of pounds in cost.

01.09.2011 - MoneyFacts.co.uk

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