HOW TO SWITCH YOUR GAS AND ELECTRICITY

The simplest and often best way to switch energy bills is to use an online service, which can compare the tariffs on offer for you. The services shows you the tariffs available and how much you could save by switching to each one, it allows you to choose what suits you and can rank suppliers by customer service and price. Switching is quick and easy and can be done online. All you need to do is put your postcode into the box to the right and follow the simple steps. The service is free to use and in a few minutes can tell you whether you can save hundreds of pounds. There's no need to fill out any paperwork or sign a new contract - it does the hard work for you

EDF Energy is the most complained about of the 'big six' gas and electricity firms

EDF Energy was the most complained about of the ‘big six’ energy firms at the end of last year, according to figures demanded by regulator Ofgem. The gas and electricity supplier received 8,072 complaints for each 100,000 customers in the final quarter of the year - more than double the 4,001 logged for the second most complained-about firm npower. Britain's biggest energy supplier, British Gas, said it received 2,285 complaints per 100,000 accounts, while E.ON posted 3,023, SSE 1,435 and Scottish Power 1,359. Under new Ofgem rules, the big energy firms must publish quarterly complaints data on their websites, including information about how many complaints were received and how quickly grievances were dealt with. In its last quarterly report in July, watchdog Consumer Focus also found EDF was the most complained about of the energy giants after it was the only one of the six to see an increase in complaints last year. Consumer Focus compiled ratings based on figures from the Citizens Advice Bureau, the ombudsman and its own information from case workers dealing with vulnerable people.

EDF makes £801m in UK as energy bills soar

EDF made profits of £801million from its UK operations last year as bills soared four times faster than inflation, leading to claims it was ‘recession-proof’. The figure is the equivalent of £220 for every one of the 3.7million homes supplied by the French-owned energy giant. It hiked family tariffs by an inflation-busting 10.8 per cent in December, taking the average annual bill to £1,251 a year and plunging millions into misery just as winter hit. But this was due to a £190million financial hit it took on one of its gas fired power stations at Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire. Without this, profits would have hit £1billion, the group said. Adam Scorer from Consumer Focus said: ‘The energy industry does seems virtually recession-proof, which is very different to the experience of most consumers who’ve seen prices rise and incomes fall over recent years.’

The Hidden Costs Of The Green Deal

Anyone wishing to take advantage of the Green Deal to improve the energy efficiency of thier home should be aware of the financial consequences. The expected financial savings must be equal to or greater than the costs attached to the energy bill, known as “the golden rule” .There has also been doubts cast over whether the central tenet of the scheme - a so-called "Golden Rule" whereby the cost of repayments never outweighs the savings on the bill - will actually be successfully implemented. The scheme requires an assessment of £150 or more to determine what if any work can be done. The cost of this has been suggested to deter many people. The Government believes Green Deal loans will be repaid at a rate no more than 6.92%. Further to these charges there will be an initial set up charge followed by a £20 annual fee, failure to repay a Green Deal will lead to disconnection of gas and electricity supplies. Recent surveys have found little awareness among the general public for the Green Deal. The high interest rates and charges of the scheme have been heavily critised. If the loan is paid off early the entire interest for 25 years is the penalty to pay,this would arise due to the anticipated difficulty in trying to sell your home because any buyers would be put off by the increased fuel bills. It is not yet entirely clear what kind of legal entity is applied to the Land Registry documentation to properties that have received Green Deal loans, or how the mortgage providers will treat those properties when the property is resold or remortgaged.