More than 250,000 Brits were hit by price hikes after their energy suppliers went bust, research finds
MORE than 250,000 Brits have been moved on to expensive energy deals after their suppliers went bust, research shows.
The consumer organisation Which? said 283,000 of the 925,000 customers whose supplier failed in the past 18 months were shifted on to standard variable tariffs (SVTs).
The charity said the current system was "failing customers" as SVT deals are often the most expensive on the market.
It also said customers were left "facing a lottery" as they didn't know whether they would be switched to the cheapest or most expensive deals.
Some customers were stung with overnight hikes of hundreds of pounds while others reported being threatened with bailiffs over debts to a failed supplier.
Which? is calling on regulator Ofgem to "get a grip on this chaos" by ensuring new tests starting on Friday are "sufficiently stringent" so that they prevent unfit firms from entering the market.
Natalie Hitchens, from Which?, said: "It’s wrong that energy customers face a lottery when their supplier goes bust."
She also said that switching supplier was still the best way to get a good deal and better service.
However, Ofgem, which appoints replacement suppliers, claimed that at least half of the customers got cheaper deals.
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk