Let’s work together to ensure all energy customers are on the best deal, says Bacs

Bacs Payment Schemes Limited (Bacs), the organisation behind Direct Debit, has welcomed the ever increasing choice of tariffs on offer for energy customers but is keen to see everyone signed-up to the best possible deal.

Energy customers with the UK’s ‘Big 6’ suppliers alone can now choose from nearly 100 different tariffs , including fixed price, eco friendly and online saver options, leading to confusion among some consumers as to which exactly is the best deal for them.

Graham Callaghan, Bacs energy sector manager, said: “It is clear that many customers still need help to navigate through the various options on offer. For example, nearly a third of the tariffs offer a cheaper deal if payment is made by Direct Debit and it is crucial that these sorts of benefits are made clear to consumers.

“Our latest research shows that nearly four out of five UK households now pay combined gas and electricity bills by Direct Debit but this still leaves approximately five million households that are still not enjoying these benefits.”

The need to alert consumers to the cheapest available tariff was highlighted in the run-up to the General Election with the Government urging energy companies to do more to advertise the best deals.

The Government’s Climate Change and Energy Policy invites energy companies to inform customers whether they are on the cheapest tariff and how much they can save if they are not. It also requires every energy company to offer special low rates for electricity and gas to vulnerable households.

“We fully support the move towards greater clarity when it comes to energy bills and would like to see all interested parties work together to help consumers further,” added Mr Callaghan.