NEWS COPY
By Astrid Hall
Four out of ten Brits have been with their energy provider longer than they have been with their current partner, according to a study.
The incredible extent to which we are loathe to change suppliers despite a plethora of offers and deals available emerged following research carried out among 2,000 adults.
The research also found 41 per cent described their relationship with their energy provider as "solid and long-term", with just eight per cent feeling on the verge of a 'break up'.
The study was commissioned by comparethemarket.com in light of the news that 31 energy tariffs are due to come to an end this month.
The announcement means over 96,000 customers will be hit with an average bill increase of roughly £200 – a total cost of over £19 million to the consumers affected.
Discussing the findings, Peter Earl of comparethemarket.com, said: “Whilst some Brits might feel loved-up this week as they celebrate Valentine’s Day, these findings demonstrate people won’t put up with a partner that doesn’t understand their needs, or stay in relationships if there is a lack of trust.
''Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for their relationship with their energy suppliers – with a number of Brits choosing to stick it out in spite of their supplier’s shortcomings.
“With more than 70 tariffs coming to an end this month and next, I’d encourage all consumers to consider the quality of the relationship and value for money with their current energy provider and to take a moment to assess whether it’s time to start afresh with a new one.”
The study also found the most common resason for breaking up with their energy supplier is a ‘lack of trust’ and feeling as though they were ‘being ripped off’.
The research also found Brits have typically been with their energy supplier for four years.
But one in five stated they had never been in a personal relationship for longer than four years.
The most common reason for break ups with loved ones is ‘growing apart’, followed by ‘infidelity’.
Others have ended it for developing feelings for someone else, with over one in 10 blaming the end of their relationship on the fact that they were ‘going in different directions’.
Interestingly, the reasons for relationship failures with energy providers weren’t too dissimilar, over half ‘breaking up’ with their supplier because they found a better deal with someone else.
In fact, one in 10 adults have found it 'harder' to leave their energy supplier than their most recent partner.
And when looking at how people are choosing to break up with their romantic partners or energy suppliers, it is clear that the digital breakup is on the rise.
This is particularly true for the younger generations, with one in five of 18-24 year olds saying they had broken up with a partner via text or WhatsApp.
And a further one in five ending it with their partner over the phone.
Looking at energy, it appears breaking up over the phone is the most popular method for Brits, with almost four in 10 choosing to end their provider relationship in this way.
* In a bid to help consumers end their relationship with their current supplier and move on to a new energy partner, comparethemarket.com has developed a step by step guide to help individuals through the process of this break up online, as well as a script for when it’s time to make the phone call that ends it all.
For more information and to view a copy of the guide, visit: https://www.comparethemarket.com/energy/information/breaking-up-with-your-energy-provider/
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