A fifth of all household spending in the UK goes on gas,
electricity, water supply and sewerage services. Energy supply was
privatised in the late 1990s; whilst competition was introduced,
prices have risen. This has been particularly true over the period
in which this report relates. Indeed, the cost of gas and
electricity is now the major issue in the market.
This report examines the utilities market and its
operation, in the context of new consumer research into consumer
behaviour and attitudes, not just the utility suppliers, but also
broader issues, such as energy-saving, climate change, perceptions
of the industry and pricing structures.
The 'big 6' energy brands are subject to the analysis
above. Nuanced consumer opinions are extrapolated through a matrix
of associative terms and phrases, while user penetration for each
company is also included.
To download a full table of contents for this
report, click here.