Tenants could switch to save £190, says Ofgem

[Michael Browne]

Nearly four in five UK tenants have never switched energy suppliers - a move that could save them £190 a year, the energy regulator has said.

 

Ofgem said that 77% of bill payers in rented homes had never switched gas and electricity supplier.

 

If a tenant is directly responsible for paying the bill, then they have the right to switch.

 

If the landlord has a tie-in with a specific supplier, this must be made clear to a tenant.

 

However, if the tenant is responsible for paying the bill then he, or she, has the right to switch at any time without incurring an exit fee.

 

"At a time when nine million British households are renting and budgets are tight, it is important that consumers are clear about where they stand when choosing and switching their energy supplier," said Philip Cullum, Ofgem senior partner.

 

"Our research shows that tenants that have not switched could save an average of around £190 on their annual energy bill."

 

The regulator has put together a guide for tenants on the issue.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24062938