Figures from energy regulator Ofgem show that the switching rate for gas and electricity

suppliers hit more than five million in 2007, as energy customers went in search of cheaper deals.

This is the highest level of switching for five years.

All the major energy suppliers have now increased their bills this year. However customers who have yet to switch can still save on average £92 if they pay by standard credit.

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Ofgem Chief Executive, Alistair Buchanan, said: "The number of customers switching supplier is increasing and five million account switches alone in 2007 shows that suppliers who don't offer competitive prices and good service will lose customers.

"However, some customers have voiced concerns about the market and we have responded by launching an investigation to examine whether it is working effectively for all customers."

Scottish and Southern Energy has overtaken E.ON to become the second biggest

energy supplier in Britain after British Gas. Suppliers continue to compete with tariffs to suit customer needs, including fixed-price deals, online account deals and green electricity tariffs, which together amount to around nine million accounts to date.

(CD/KMcA)