Energy

Energy regulator Ofgem has announced that an interim price cap set to save four million people on prepay meters around £75/year will come into effect from next April.

Concerns about energy provider SSE's approach to switching its customers – and particularly those in vulnerable situations – onto prepay meter tariffs has sparked an investigation by the energy regulator.

The super-cheap energy tariffs we've seen over the last few months are starting to disappear, exclusive MoneySavingExpert.com research has revealed. So while winter energy bills may seem a distant prospect amid soaring summer temperatures, now could be your last chance to lock in a cheap price for when the cold comes.

An investigation into energy supplier Extra Energy has been launched by regulator Ofgem after a record number of complaints were lodged with Citizens Advice.

British Gas has rolled out a tariff offering customers eight hours of free electricity over weekends if they have one of the company's smart meters installed in their home. But while it will cut costs for existing customers, it's still considerably more expensive than the cheapest energy deals available on the market.

The competition watchdog has said it will force energy suppliers to open up customer databases to let rivals offer those on standard tariffs better deals, as part of a series of measures to reform the energy market. But if you're worried about being spammed, you now won't get emails unless you opt in.

If you're switching between many of the big energy providers you'll now benefit from 10 'commitments' guaranteeing a smooth and hassle-free transition – but if suppliers fail to deliver, you may still need to get the Ombudsman involved.

Regulator Ofgem is proposing to introduce a small levy on all energy bills to ensure customers don't lose out if their energy firm becomes insolvent.

Plans to give homeowners the option of switching their mortgage provider within just one week are being considered by the Government, as part of an effort to make switching easier for consumers across a range of sectors.