7 April 2011

One Third of Brits’ Energy Bills are Incorrect

Almost a third of households have been billed incorrectly for their energy in the last two years, new research reveals.

Almost a third of households have been billed incorrectly for their energy in the last two years, new research reveals.

The study by uSwitch showed 27 percent of households have received an inaccurate bill over this period, but for the first time in five years, energy suppliers are not the worst industry to get bills wrong. The Inland Revenue instead wins that accolade.

More than one in ten have received an inaccurate energy bill more than once, with 40 percent of households finding they unexpectedly owe money to their supplier following a discrepancy.

"Inaccurate bills are no laughing matter for consumers who can end up out of pocket and wasting time and effort trying to resolve billing blunders,” said Ann Robinson, uSwitch director of consumer policy.

"The fact is that households are at the blunt end of hugely varying standards in billing accuracy, with some industries, companies and organisations performing noticeably better than others.”

The average amount owed following the fault is now £147, which is £5 higher than it was in 2009, but £6 lower than last year.

These inaccuracies take just over two months on average to resolve, although 40 percent are sorted out within a week, a four percent improvement on last year.

Since 2007 energy suppliers have consistently been the worst billers, with this year breaking the mould.

Save Money on Energy

Research by Ofgem showed consumers who do not compare different energy rates regularly could be missing out on savings of up to £170 a year.

Their Energy Best Deal campaign launched by them and Citizens Advice, aims to provide impartial advice to consumers who are looking to keep the cost of energy as low as possible.

The campaign includes the advice to provide a metre reading to energy suppliers so it is less likely they will get the bill wrong, preventing the occurrence that customers will end up owing their supplier.

Compare Energy Rates with MoneyMaxim