Energy market offers poor deal

Consumers who switch energy and phone suppliers have been getting a very poor deal since the government abolished price controls, a report by MPs says today. The Commons public accounts committee concludes that a quarter of all people who switched electricity suppliers ended up paying higher bills. The findings come as the government is under pressure to force utility companies to cut fuel bills. Sharp price rises by the big six energy suppliers earlier this year have left the average household facing an annual gas and electricity bill of more than £1,300 this year. Some companies put up gas prices by more than a third.