British Gas bill increases see a million customers change supplier

British Gas has lost almost one million customers to other suppliers this year after raising prices.

14:02 10 December 2004

British Gas has lost almost one million customers to other suppliers this year after raising prices.

The gas and electricity provider increased prices twice during 2004, losing 290,000 customers in the first half of the year and 630,000 in the second.

Its parent company Centrica has been hit by a rise in wholesale energy prices and claims marklet conditions remain challenging.

"The second price hike for British Gas back in September was a real wake up call for its customers. Today's results from Centrica reveal the full extent of that discontent with 630,000 customers lost in the second half of the year, that's almost a million year to date," commented Tim Wolfenden from independent comparison and switching service uSwitch.com.

"British Gas will continue to haemorrhage customers whilst its prices remain higher than its major competitors.

He added that customers who have never switched are paying more than over 20 per cent more for their energy than they should.

"In today's environment, switching is easier than ever and there is no excuse for apathy; customers can save an average 140 a year by switching."