Scottish households saving millions by switching electricity supplier

Around 140,000 households in Scotland saved £9.8 million in the last six months by changing electricity supplier, according to new figures.

The figures, released by the UK government as part of the ‘Power to Switch’ campaign, show that within Scotland:

The ‘Power to Switch’ campaign encourages people to switch supplier and save money by visiting www.BeAnEnergyShopper.com. Millions of people can save around £200 - and some can save even more.

Across the UK, during a four week period for the campaign, both gas and electricity switches through price comparison sites resulted in 130,000 households saving £38 million - an increase of 193 per cent on the previous year.

Wrapping up the campaign, UK energy and climate change secretary, Ed Davey, said: “Switching puts money back in people’s pockets – and, thanks to our reforms, thousands are taking advantage of cheaper deals and a more competitive market.

“We want even more people to join the thousands who are switching and saving today.”

Energy and climate change minister, Amber Rudd, added: “With 27 energy companies on the market and some fixed deals £100 cheaper than they were a year ago, there’s never been a better time to find a great deal, switch and save.”

The figures follow the launch of a people power campaign to cut the cost of electricity and gas in Scotland.

Introduced yesterday by campaigner and football commentator Michael Stewart and One Big Switch, the campaign aims to use the huge buying power of 20,000 Scottish households in order to unlock group discounted energy in Scotland, and boost competition in the energy sector.

The Big Energy Switch campaign aims to drive competition in the Scottish energy market by:

At yesterday’s launch, Michael Stewart said: “This a chance for people in Scotland to come together and use our collective power to deliver some real cost of living relief. Consumers don’t have to sit back and simply take price rises anymore, we can now use people power to take constructive action to help cut the cost of energy in Scotland.

“National group switching campaigns, like the Big Energy Switch, have worked in other countries to help fight back against the rising cost of living, and now is the time for Scottish consumers to act together to unlock group discounted energy here as well.”

Consumers who wish to sign up can visit www.onebigswitch.co.uk. Registration closes at midnight on 17 April 2015.