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Gas & Electricity Latest News Research reveals UK households are overpaying for energy

Research reveals UK households are overpaying for energy

Research reveals UK households are overpaying for energy

According to new research carried out by ICIS Heren - a world-leading publisher of gas, power and carbon market information, energy suppliers are failing to pass on the price cuts of lowering wholesale prices to customers.

Energy companies are now facing tougher rules to provide a full explanation to their pricing to the regulator. Data has shown that the wholesale price of gas averaged 25.5 pence per therm from 1 April to 24 August.

In the same period last year this rate was well over twice that amount, at 58.47p.

However, the majority of suppliers have failed to reduce prices in line with the wholesale price cuts. British Gas cut its gas prices by 10% earlier this year, while Scottish and Southern reduced prices by 4%.

A Heren spokeswoman said: "I would have thought that companies should be revising downward their household prices. Prices on the forward curve are a long way back from where they were last year."

The figures were reviewed together with similar falls in the price of electricity – after a dispute between the government's consumer watchdog, Consumer Focus, and the suppliers come about as wholesale prices plummeted to the lowest levels seen in almost three years.

Heren said the price for the coming winter months will be 38.12p compared to the 101.28p seen in 2008.

Consumer Focus believes that households are being overcharged by as much as £100 a year for their energy. It said if suppliers want to avoid damaging their reputation by treating consumers unfairly they "must make immediate price cuts".

Buchanan's letter said: "Wholesale costs have fallen from last year's peak and look set to fall further as we head into the winter. In a strong competitive market, we would expect prices to respond to such falls.

"I believe you owe it to consumers, ahead of the winter, to explain how cost changes, including falling wholesale costs, are likely to bear on future energy bills."

Prices have fallen for a number of reasons – from a reduction in industrial demand for gas, to falling oil prices and a significant expansion in new gas import pipeline links and liquefied natural gas terminals.

Written by Sam Gooch
Wednesday, 02 September 2009 14:13
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Card Balance Transfers Purchases Typical APR (variable) Apply
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NatWest Platinum
0%
16 mths
0%
3 mths
16.9%
Barclaycard Platinum
0%
16 mths
0%
3 mths
16.9%
Nationwide Credit Card
0%
15 mths
0%
3 mths
16.9%
Virgin Credit Card
0%
14 mths
0%
3 mths
16.6%
Egg Visa Card
0%
until Nov 2011
0%
until Dec 2010
17.9%

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 16 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£25,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You earn over £10,000 per year

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 16 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are 21 years or over
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Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 15 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£25,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 25 Years of Age
  • You have an Excellent Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You earn over £25,000 per year

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 14 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.98%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.6% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.6% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

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  • You have a Bank or Building society account

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% until Nov 2011
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% until Dec 2010

Typical APR

Purchases:
17.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
17.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
23.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 45 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
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  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • Any Income Considered

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 9 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 13 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Cash Advance:
24.94% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 51 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You have an excellent Credit History
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Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 13 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
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Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
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Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 16 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£25,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
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Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 12 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 12 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
19.95% p.a.

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Credit Limit:
£25,000
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Up to 59 days
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Balance Transfer Rate:
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3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 10 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
  • You are over 23 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £20,000
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  • You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 13 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
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Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
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  • You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
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  • You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 13 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
  • You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
  • You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
  • You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
  • You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 12 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have a bank or building society account
  • You have an income over £25,000 p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 13 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
  • You are over 23 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £20,000
  • You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
  • You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% until Oct 2011
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.50%
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Typical APR

Purchases:
19.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You haven't missed multiple payments on a credit agreement within the last 12 months
  • You don't have a CCJ (County Court Judgement) or IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) and haven't been registered bankrupt
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  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have a bank or building society account
  • You have an income over £10,000 p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 15 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.7% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • YOU ARE AN EXISTING HSBC CUSTOMER
  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You have been a permanent resident/citizen of the UK for atleast the last 3 years
  • You have a bank or building society account
  • You have an income over £10,000 p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 12 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.98%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.1% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have an income over £8,000 p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
N/A
Balance Transfer Fee:
N/A
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Typical APR

Purchases:
6.80% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
6.80% p.a.
Cash Advance:
15.8% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 21 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have a bank or building society account
  • You have an income over £20,000 p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 9 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 9 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
11.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
11.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
23.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are over 50 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £12,000
  • You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
  • You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 10 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 10 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
  • You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
  • You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
  • You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
  • You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 10 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 10 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
  • You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
  • You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
  • You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
  • You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
5.90% For Life
Balance Transfer Fee:
2%
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
  • You are over 23 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £20,000
  • You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
  • You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
4.90% for 12 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 6 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
11.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
11.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have a bank or building society account
  • You have an income over £25,000 p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
N/A
Balance Transfer Fee:
N/A
Purchase Rate:
0% for 6 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
17.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
17.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • I am aged 18 or over
  • I have a current UK bank or building society account
  • I have a permanent UK home address
  • I have a household income of at least £30,000
  • I have no history of bad debt
  • If self-employed, I have been working for more than one year.

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 13 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
  • You are over 23 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £20,000
  • You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
  • You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
  • You have not applied for an MBNA or Virgin Credit Card within the last 6 months