Research has found one fifth of British consumers have never switched energy suppliers, despite record numbers changing provider in 2017.
Challenger energy brand, Igloo Energy, conducted the research which shows 16 per cent of UK customers say they will not switch as they think it is “too much hassle”.
Igloo’s findings showed 70 per cent of British households are currently customers of one of the big six companies, while 23 per cent have never changed provider.
But a spokesperson from the Energy Switch Guarantee said last year a record 5.5 million changed their electricity provider
They added: “More and more customers are switching supplier all the time – last year a record 5.5 million changed their electricity provider – and finding out that saving hundreds of pounds on their bills only takes a few minutes. With over 70 suppliers to choose from, the energy market has never been more competitive.
“Our latest research shows that 9 out of 10 customers were happy with the process of changing suppliers and with the Energy Switch Guarantee in place covering 90 per cent of the market, those who haven’t switched before can be confident that the process will be simple, speedy and safe.”
In June this year Energy UK revealed a record 222,036 customers switched to small and mid-tier suppliers.
Despite price rises from within the big six, Igloo says bill payers are not switching to the cheaper challenger brands where, the company says, they could save up to £434 annually.
Of those polled almost half (47 per cent) said they are staying with their big six provider as they believe they offer the best prices, while 24 per cent believe they offer the best package offers.
Almost a quarter (24 per cent) said they picked a big six company as they trust an established name more than a challenger brand.
Matt Clemow, chief executive at Igloo, said: “Currently there are nine million loyal customers being ripped off by staying with the big six.
“With household bills set to rise, now is the time for bill payers to vote with their feet and move to bands outside the big xix to see real long-term savings of up to £434.
“Challenger brands are little fish in a big pond so we offer a fairer service and go the extra mile to keep our customers happy.”