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Nine out of ten businesses paying too much for utility bills

Jan 11 2008

Up to nine out of ten businesses are paying over the odds for their gas, electric and telecoms with SMEs the worst affected, according to new research.

The findings from Utility Watch said that businesses could save as much as 20 per cent on typical gas and electric bills and up to 35 per cent on telecoms costs.

Lance Pearson, sales director of Utility Watch, says: 'It's official, oil has hit over $100 a barrel. That's quadruple its price since 2002.

'The media is focusing on how this effects the individual and their daily lives. However, the most significant knock on effect is with businesses,' he continues.

Results from the survey showed that 39 per cent of organisations inherited the existing service supplier's terms when they took on a commercial property.

A further 58 per cent lacked the knowledge of supply side contracts to allow them to ask the right questions and make effective comparisons for cheaper bills.

Utility Watch is an independent utility procurement and brokerage group.

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