London Electricity in dash for gas
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LONDON Electricity has started a marketing campaign to attract domestic gas customers ahead of the end of the British Gas monopoly in two years.
The company, which already supplies businesses with gas, is writing to some households asking them to register to be among the first to able to buy their gas from a new supplier .
A spokesman for London Electricity said: 'If we do not make this sort of move, others will. The idea is to register people who might show an interest and to make the first contact.'
London is also targeting those using more than 2,500 therms a year who may not know they can already choose a supplier other than British Gas. It believes there are thousands of large domestic users and small businesses in that category in the M25 area. The average household consumes 650 therms.
London Electricity said that it could undercut British Gas tariffs by up to 10 per cent and is telling potential customers that they can make immediate savings of pounds 100 on their annual bill.
In 1996 5 per cent of the market, now monopolised by British Gas, will be to choose their supplier. The following year a further 5 per cent will be allowed to choose, with the market opening completely in 1998. The mechanism for introducing competition in domestic gas supply is the subject of a consultation now underway by the industry regulator, Ofgas.
Companies, including most regional electricity firms and some North Sea producers, are already supplying gas to industrial and commercial customers. London Electricity supplies gas through a joint venture with Total, the oil company, and has 1,200 customers.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments