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Gas-tly rip off

Which? shows Big Six standard tariff energy bills soar over two years

Research reveals less customers switch suppliers despite massive price rise

Getting the best deals from energy firms has been made more difficult

FAMILIES on standard tariffs with the Big Six energy suppliers pay an average £329 a year more, research has revealed.

The gap between the Six’s normal packages and the cheapest deals has risen from £182 to £329 in two years.

 The rise between the Six’s normal packages and the cheapest deals has soared from £182 to £329 in two years
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The rise between the Six’s normal packages and the cheapest deals has soared from £182 to £329 in two yearsCredit: PA:Press Association

But despite the huge savings available, the number of users switching their electricity supplier has risen by only 1.6 per cent.

And only two per cent more have changed their gas firm, Which? found.

The Competition and Markets Authority has already reported on the lack of competition in the energy market.

 Families on Big six standard tariffs pay an average £329 a year more
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Families on Big six standard tariffs pay an average £329 a year moreCredit: Alamy

It is due to release a final paper on its two-year probe into the industry.

The CMA found households could have been overpaying by £1.7billion a year and Which? is demanding to know what action the regulator plans.

 Alex Neill, director of policy and campaigns at Which?
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Alex Neill, director of policy and campaigns at Which?Credit: Rex Features

The consumer group’s Alex Neill said: “Prices have continued to soar. The CMA proposals must bring real change to benefit consumers.

“The regulator must set out how it will measure the success of reforms and ensure they’ll be effectively reviewed so action can be taken.”