Friday 1 May 2015

‘61% of Brits to switch suppliers after high bills’

Nearly two thirds of energy customers plan to switch suppliers after unexpected high bills, a new survey claims.

It revealed 61% of UK customers had received an unexpected high bill in the last year and 71% said it had caused anxiety.

The study by US software provider Opower also found customers typically wanted better communication from energy providers.

­More than 80% said it is important for their utility to provide them with alerts for unusually high bills, helpful customer support and information about rate changes.

But less than half of these customers are satisfied with their experience during these interactions, it revealed.

Vice President John Webster said: “Most customers think about their energy provider for just a few minutes each year and everyone is looking for ways to break through this supposed indifference."

The survey also revealed 43% of 1,000 British respondents said improvements in customer service would have the biggest impact on satisfaction levels with their energy provider.