Millions of Householders are in Credit to their Gas Suppliers Says Confused.com



Research on behalf of price comparison website, Confused has revealed that almost six million householders are in credit to their gas suppliers (http://www.confused.com/gas-electricity).

Gareth Kloet, energy expert at Confused.com urges customers to think twice:

Many householders, who pay by direct debit, may find that they are in credit with their energy suppliers around this time of year. While it may seem attractive to ask for this money back, we would advise people to hold off and speak to their supplier about their levels of energy consumption first.

In calculating customers's monthly direct debit payments, suppliers will simply divide annual consumption by twelve. It is therefore no surprise that so many households will see a surplus of cash on their statements now.

In many circumstances, this build-up will see consumers through the winter, when their consumption increases. Therefore before asking for a refund, it is recommended that customers have a chat with their supplier and provide an up-to-date meter reading. The supplier will then be able to check if their customer is paying the right amount and make any adjustments, which in some circumstances may result in a refund.

Yet, given the recent energy price (http://www.confused.com/gas-electricity) increases, it is just as likely that the amount that consumers are paying is right and, in some circumstances, may actually need to be increased further if their monthly payments are simply not high enough to get them through the winter months.

In addition, Confused.com suggests that customers shop around regularly for their gas and electric prices (http://www.confused.com/gas-electricity) to ensure that they are on the right tariff, as they change frequently. If the customer chooses to switch supplier when they already know that they are in credit, it means that they:

- Can reconfirm their annual spend and savings achievable, based on the information they provide to an Energywatch accredited price comparison website

- Happily bank the credit in the knowledge that they have shopped around for the best deal, unlike the millions of UK households that have yet to make savings.

For further information please contact:

Press office

Confused.com

02920 434 398

Joanna Harte/ Karen Wagg

Polhill Communications

020 7655 0550

Notes to editors

About Confused.com:

Confused.com is one of the UK'ss biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include home insurance (http://www.confused.com/home-insurance), travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.

Confused.com has 77 motor insurance partners, and customers can save up to 's163;208, on average. It also has a panel of 54 for home insurance, and customers who use Confused.com for home insurance can expect to save up to 's163;186 (Based on average savings January - July 2008)

Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com'ss service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.

Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.





Millions of Householders are in Credit to their Gas Suppliers Says Confused.com