Powergen, the UK’s second largest supplier, reduced gas prices by 16% and electricity by 5%, cutting £92 off an average household bill. Also, from April 28, npower customers will benefit from reduced standard rates, saving approximately £141 annually. Its 6 million customers will see bills cut by 16% for gas and an average of 3% for electricity.

Karen Darby, founder of SimplySwitch.com comments, “These price cuts are good news for customers, but it’s a pity they only come into effect after most people have turned off their heating.

“While the recent battle between energy companies has resulted in better deals for the consumer, energy prices still have a long way to fall before customers can recoup the extra amounts they’ve been paying over the last three years.

“From January 2004 to January this year, prices have increased by an average of 80% for gas and 52% for electricity. These recent cuts are a step in the right direction, but don’t go far enough. Customers are still paying more than they were a year ago, despite a cut in wholesale costs.

“Energy bills are falling but the gap between the cheapest and most expensive tariffs is higher than ever before--households could easily save up to £200 a year by switching.

“Scottish Power and EDF Energy have come under increased pressure in recent weeks to follow the other major providers and cut bills. If they plan to leave prices where they are making a huge mistake as more than 600,000 households switched gas and electricity suppliers in January and February alone. The message to energy companies should be loud and clear, switching suppliers is now so simple that people are no longer willing to put up with high prices or poor customer service.“

PIN/ EASIER.COM