Big Six energy suppliers under threat from growing independents

Independent energy suppliers are encroaching ever further into the territory of the Big Six energy giants, as consumers seek out better service and deals.

Independents' market share has leapt by 50% in the last year, meaning they now account for 13.4% of the market, according to data from Cornwall Energy.

First Utility continues to be the fastest-growing and now holds 4% of the dual fuel market with 765,000 households.

The Big Six firms - British Gas, EDF, E.on, NPower, Scottish Power and SSE - have effectively lost 660,000 customers in the last 12 months.

Robert Buckley of Cornwall Energy said: “The independents collectively now hold the fourth largest share of energy accounts in the market - truly breaking the stranglehold of the incumbents.”

Which? executive director, Richard Lloyd said: “The Big Six have repeatedly failed to deliver a decent standard of service so it's no wonder customers are starting to leave them in droves.

“Despite this the CMA has found there is a lack of competition which is leading to people paying much more than they should.

”We now need the competition inquiry to bring forward radical changes to boost competition, introduce fairer prices and encourage more households to switch to better deals.”

Last week two of the big six energy providers were the companies rated among the lowest when it comes to customer service in the UK.

The latest Which? annual survey of the UK’s 100 biggest brands revealed, rather unsurprisingly, that Scottish Power was ranked the lowest with a customer score of just 59%, just behind Npower which scored a not-much-better 61%.

In comparison, the top-rate company got 89%.

Ed Kamm, chief customer officer at First Utility said the rapid growth of independents is testament to consumers wanting something different – lower energy prices and better value from their provider.