Backlash starts to affect Big Six energy providers as British Gas admits losing almost half a million customers in the past year

‘The tide has taken a decisive turn against the big six energy providers, with British Gas conceding it has lost almost half a million customers in the past 15 months following much-criticised price rises.

The company admitted yesterday that it lost 362,000 accounts last year, after a 9.2 per cent rise in prices in November accelerated an exodus of financially-struggling customers. A further 100,000 have left so far this year.

Together with lower-than-normal energy use due to the mild winter, the exodus pushed down profits at British Gas’s owner, Centrica, by six per cent to £571m for 2013.’

Read more: Backlash starts to affect Big Six energy providers as British Gas admits losing almost half a million customers in the past year

The lights will go out if politicians don't stop bashing us, British Gas boss warns as profits fall 6% to £571million

‘British Gas has been hit by a 6 per cent fall in profits after fed up customers switched to cheaper rivals.

Parent company Centrica revealed its arm supplying homes with gas and electricity made £571million in 2013, down from £606million a year earlier.

Chief executive Sam Laidlaw hit out at political attacks on the industry but critics said the firm was continuing to make huge profits ‘on the back of spiralling bills for hard-pressed consumers’.’

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