04 April 2008, 19:12 PM
  • Small businesses should follow the lead of domestic energy consumers and shop around for the best deals.

This is the message from the Forum of Private Business (FPB) after research carried out by utilities watchdog, Ofgem, found that more than five million householders switched suppliers in 2007. Many business owners believe they cannot devote time to seeking out alternative suppliers and are wasting money as a result.

Colin Beake, managing director at Utility Options, says, “Electricity and gas supplies are always on tap, so most businesses make the excuse that they are too busy to get to grips with the problem, and push the action needed to the bottom of the pile.”

All of the major energy suppliers have increased their prices over the last year. Many small firms resent paying more. Research commissioned by gas and electricity watchdog, Energywatch, showed they were dissatisfied with the service provided by the six big electricity companies. Inaccurate billing, infrequent meter readings, a lack of information, slow responses to complaints and the apparent lack of skills and experience displayed by their staff were among the key issues.