Think you got the cheapest energy deal through a comparison site? Think again

Not all suppliers are included when you search on a switching site - only those that pay up

You could end up paying more for your heating than you need to (Getty Images)

Comparison sites are being unfair to consumers by hiding the cheapest energy deals. That’s because they only show deals from firms that pay them commission.

So, for instance, you won’t find deals from independent supplier GB Energy, even though they may be cheapest. The supplier asked people if they knew about the problem and the answer is a resounding “no”,

In fact its research published today reveals that 59 per cent of those switching energy suppliers had no idea that price comparison sites don’t show the cheapest energy deals available unless the supplier pays them a fee.

“It’s unfair that people looking for a cheaper deal online are duped into believing they’re saving the most money possible when they choose the deal that price comparison sites tell them is the cheapest,” said Luke Watson, chief executive of GB Energy.

Its survey follows a call by Consumer Minister, Nick Boles, that “comparison tools should be transparent if they receive payments from suppliers”.

Luke Watson accused the price comparison of profiting from customer confusion. “Consumers trust these sites to show them the best deal and they don’t expect them to be complicit in ripping them off,” he said.

“The truth is that although energy can be a complex landscape, all the suppliers sell the same energy using the same pipes and power lines.”