uSwitch.com highlights 'the cold reality' of energy bills
18/05/2012
Research from uSwitch.com has shown the 'cold reality' of energy bills that many UK households are facing. The research suggests that energy costs have spiralled 140 per cent in the last eight years, having a huge impact on household spending and disposable income.
British Gas warns of winter price hikeMillions of householders may have to brace themselves for further energy price rises after British Gas owner Centrica warned that wholesale gas costs will be around 15 per cent higher next winter than last. |
The Big Switch was 'disappointing', says uSwitchThe Big Switch has ended in disappointment for many households, according to consumer website uSwitch. Just a fraction of the people that signed up the initiative will be able to take advantage of the deal, which is more expensive than a tariff currently being offered. |
Utility bills are 'most confusing', says GoCompare.comGoCompare.com have said that utility and energy bills are most confusing, highlighting that many of us are not reading them and as result could be paying too much for our energy. With the average energy bill over £1,000 a year, households should ensure savings are made where possible. |
Energy prices set for 'online increase'The cost of buying energy online could be set to rise, according to research from uSwitch. The consumer comparison company has released research that suggests rising wholesale energy costs could be starting to impact on household bills. |
Primus offers phone line rental at £6.29 per monthLow cost home phone provider, Primus, has cut the price of its Line Rental Saver package to just £6.29 a month. Aimed at light users, evening and weekend calls are 2p per minute with daytime calls at 7.4p per minute. |
ISA savings hindered by energy billsResearch from Consumer Focus has suggested that energy bills are £180 more expensive than this time last year, with many households yet to feel the impact of price cuts. Households having to put energy bills before savings could be missing out on the wave of high ISA rates currently being offered. |
Low income households ‘face higher rate of inflation’Britain’s lowest income households faced the highest rate of inflation in February, at 4.2 per cent, figures from the Alliance Trust Economic Research Centre show. But the highest income households faced an inflation rate of 3.3 per cent. |
Household costs 'increase £250 in 12 months'Household costs have increased by almost £250 in the past 12 months, according to research from Halifax. The banking provider has suggested that in the past year energy bills, water costs, telephone lines and maintenance costs have all had a negative impact on the family budget. |
A guide to smart metersSmart meters will slowly become implemented in homes across the UK and have the potential to help a household better manage their personal finances and to become more energy efficient. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about smart meters and how you can use them to cut back on costs. Households warned about energy efficient scamsThe Trading Standards Institute is urging consumers to be aware of a bogus ‘Claims Management Company' offering compensation to the victims of the energy savings devices rip off. The scam offers £3,000 compensation for people that have bought 'unsafe energy devices'. Calls to cut VAT from household energy billsNew research from uSwitch.com reveals that 98 per cent of people would like to see the Government take action to help consumers by axing the VAT on household energy bills. However the Government signed away the right for zero-rate VAT almost 20 years ago and could face a tough time having it reinstated. |
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'Two steps to minimise cost of energy'Households must start protecting themselves from rising fuel costs by paying the lowest possible price for their energy and using less of it. This is the advice from uSwitch.com amid new research which found fuel bills are now around £633 a year more than they were five years ago. |
'Plan ahead to save money this Christmas'Cash conscious Brits who plan ahead this Christmas rather than leaving everything until the last minute stand to save more money, according to a watchdog group. Consumer Focus is advising shoppers to post cards and presents early this year, as well as ordering online goods in plenty of time. |
Ofcom research reveals customer service scoresLatest research by Ofcom has revealed consumers’ levels of satisfaction with the customer service they receive from their landline, broadband, mobile and TV providers. The survey saw thousands of consumers interviewed in September based on their customer services experiences in the previous three months. |
One week left to save £160 on TiVo dealsFree TiVo deals are being offered to customers who sign up to Virgin Media within the next seven days. The company is promising genuine savings of £159.90 to anyone taking out a triple bundle of Virgin TiVo, broadband and calls before November 24. |
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Leeds unveils new cash ISA range
Leeds Building Society has launched a new trio of easy access fixed rate cash ISAs. The one year fixed rate ISA offers a 2.5 per cent return, the two year version pays 2.75 per cent and the three year account pays three per cent. Tracker Bond offers peace of mind amid uncertainty
Savers looking for a provider that can offer a worthwhile bond during this extended period of low base rates can take advantage of a new tracker bond released today. |
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