The reverse auction is currently scheduled to take place in four weeks time.
In a statement British Gas said it was concerned that the proposals currently tabled by Which? “fall short of being simple, transparent and fair for all customers” and may result in below cost pricing for new customers. That would be unfair, said the company.
More tariffs would increase complexity in the market and important customer service standards and other energy efficiency support would not play a part in purchasing decisions, aded the firm.
British Gas also said Which? should be fully transparent about the fees it could earn from the service.
The statement stopped short of saying that it would not take part but a spokesperson confirmed to Utility Week that British Gas will not bid in the reverse auction now scheduled for 26 April. Utility Week had been told by one of the suppliers still committed to bid that the auction was originally scheduled to take place on 19 April.
SSE was the first big supplier to confirm it would not take part in the auction. The other big four firms have yet to say explicitly whether they will bid. Of the active small suppliers, Co-operative Energy has not yet ruled itself out, neither has First:Utility. Ecotricity, Good Energy and Ovo have all said they will not take part in the auction as things stand.
See this feature for details: Who’s afraid of the Big Switch?
Which? expressed disappointment at the move and dismissed suggestions that it had not been transparent about its cut.
“If suppliers aren’t willing to engage with hundreds of thousands of potential new customers, it speaks volumes about why this industry needs urgent reform,” said a spokesperson. “Which? is still working closely with forward-thinking companies that can see the advantages of taking part in this exciting new campaign.
“We have been fully transparent throughout this process. Which? is a not-for-profit charity and have been clear that we would charge a fee to the winning supplier in order to cover our costs. The Big Switch is not about encouraging below cost pricing but rather establishing the best price for customers, many of whom are struggling with rising energy bills.
“We take the responsibility of getting people a good deal extremely seriously which is why we have made a significant investment in IT infrastructure and customer support to ensure that The Big Switch process is as clear, fair and easy as possible for potential switchers.”