British Gas faces mass exodus

BRITISH Gas is bracing itself for a mass exodus of customers as nearly 20% prepare to switch to cheaper suppliers. The news, revealed by an ICM poll for energy watchdog Energywatch, follows the company‘s announcement it is hiking prices by 10%.

The survey showed that around 2.7m of 13.5m British Gas customers are about to switch suppliers.

British Gas has defended the 10% price rise on increased wholesale costs, which it argues, must be passed on to consumers.

Customers can make switching easier by logging on. uSwitch is a free internet service that allows consumers compare offerings from a complete range of gas, electricity, digital television and mobile telephones.

Site users can use a calculator to evaluate price, service, location, payment method or package offered by suppliers and be advised on the most suitable supplier for their individual needs. The company says around 57,000 people each week switch online, saving up to £150 a year.