Consumers should vote with their feet and switch to a different supplier if their power company raises its charges, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has said. In an interview with the Observer, Mr Huhne said people did not have to take price increases "lying down". He urged people to hit firms "where it hurts" by finding a cheaper supplier.
Scottish Power has this week announced big rises in gas and electricity prices and there are fears the other five major suppliers will follow suit.
Mr Huhne said: "Consumers don't have to take price increases lying down. If an energy company hits you with a price increase, you can hit them back where it hurts - by shopping around and voting with your feet." He is expected to announce new measures this week to make it easier for smaller companies to compete in the energy market.
He said: "Right now, only one in five people switch suppliers. I want to see more switching, more competition and more companies in the market. The big six only have a few minnows snapping at them, who are kept artificially small. By scrapping red tape for small players they can become serious challengers and help keep bills down."
APA supports the Energy Secretary’s competitive strategy and has asked that it be equally applied to petrol ;where margins for suppliers are too low and the tax element paid to government is far too high. Members can see APA’s ‘Facts on Fuel’ in the Members area, Knowledge Zone.
APA
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