moneysupermarket.com comments on the Energywatch critisism of British Gas

Edited by the Insidemoneytalk editorial team Jun 15, 2007

In response to the Energywatch criticism of British Gas's direct debit failure, Paul Schofield, head of utilities at moneysupermarket.com, said:

"Unfortunately thousands of British Gas customers will get a big shock when a bill lands on their doorstep with a backlog of four months worth of payments".

"It is easy for direct debit customers to sit back and ignore their bills, but I urge them not to as this could result in inaccurate statements, mis-payments or overpaying at a later date, as proved by British Gas's mistake".

""Our research* recently revealed nearly nine million UK households were in credit to the tune of £56 on average, building up an astonishing £490 million* cash float for UK gas giants.

Again, it is vital households keep track of their monthly direct debits to avoid providers sitting on an even larger stash of their hard-earned cash".

""As more people rely on direct debits to accommodate their busy lifestyles, four months is an unacceptable period of time for missed payments and could result in customers being stunned at the amount of their next bill".

"If you think you are being overcharged, take matters into your own hands and contact your supplier to request a direct debit review." moneysupermarket.com is making a stand to help people ditch their expensive power companies and get the cheapest energy deal by offering £30 cash-back to all customers swapping to a dual fuel tariff through its service.

Those not going for a dual fuel tariff but changing a provider or tariff will benefit from a single £17.50 payment.** - Ends - * Based on research by YouGov on a sample of 2,407 British adults carried out between January 30 and February 1, 2007 ** £17.50 cash-back paid for a switch to either a gas or an electricity provider (£30 paid for a dual fuel switch).

Only one £17.50 cash-back paid per household at any time.

Dual fuel means having both your gas and electricity supplied by the same provider.

June 13, 2007.