Consumers round on energy companies

UK energy companies have been slammed by consumers for their standards of customer service, in a poll conducted by Which?.

The consumer magazine''s survey found that five of the big six energy companies were only able to muster scores below 50 per cent for customer satisfaction.

Of these Npower was the worst by some distance with a score of just 32 per cent, while British Gas was given just 40 per cent.

Further evidence of the sector''s poor performance was provided by the fact that one in five Which? members said they had experienced problems with their supplier over the last 12 months, with these including mistakes with billing and poor channels through which to contact staff.

Jess Ross, editor of the magazine''s online arm, said: "This is the first time that we''ve asked members about their energy suppliers and we''re shocked to see the results – too many suppliers are letting customers down and charging them more and more for the privilege!

"These companies are providing essential services that people can''t live without, but this isn''t an excuse to offer poor value for money."

The survey''s results are set to increase criticism of energy companies, which have already been under attack for swingeing double-digit price increases.