Big six customers pay £300 more, claims First Utility

The gap between the average big six tariff and the cheapest tariff on the market increased by one-third last year, independent supplier First Utility claimed today as it launched a new advertising campaign.

The supplier claimed that customers on big six standard variable tariffs paid £305 more than those on the cheapest tariffs last year, up from £232 the previous year.

It claims that customers can save an average of £284 a year by switching to First Utility.

The figures were released as First Utility launched a nationwide advertising campaign promoting a mock energy company – ‘HD Electricity’ – which uses the magic power of unicorns to make TVs shine brighter, lights glow whiter and food cook quicker. This is meant to ironically point out that all electricity is the same, regardless of the price paid – so why pay more?

First Utility chief customer officer Ed Kamm said: “For too long the big six have been exploiting their disengaged customers by keeping them on their most expensive tariffs – despite the huge savings available for those who switch.

“We want to help the nation save billions by giving them consistently low prices and doing the opposite of the industry norm – putting them in control. We do this through better insights into their usage and spend, and through innovative tools to help them waste less.”