For a long time, the energy market has been dominated by six giants: British Gas, EDF, E.ON, npower, SSE and Scottish Power. According to the latest figures from regulator Ofgem, between them the so-called ‘big six’ have a market share of 85 per cent.
The trouble is, they are often the most expensive. Recent years have seen a number of less well-known names emerging in the market, offering better customer service and better prices. So is it time to take the plunge and go with a small supplier?
The big six premium
Millions of people are languishing on their supplier’s standard tariff. These are the most expensive tariffs, the ones you move onto after a promotional fixed period has concluded, and also the ones subject to the waves of price rises energy suppliers usually announce around this time of year.
According to Which? the average cost of a dual fuel standard tariff from one of the big six suppliers, once the latest batch of price rises kicks in, will stand at a massive £1,131 a year.
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