SSE had been the first UK utility to announce that it was to reduce prices, but it failed to give details at that time. Since then British Gas, npower and Powergen have all revealed detailed plans to cut prices at set future dates.
British Gas’ tariffs will come down on March 12, 2007, while the other two companies will reduce prices at the end of April. SSE’s earlier failure to give details of its cuts had been seen by some as opportunism. However, the firm’s surprise move to reduce prices immediately means that its cuts will take effect before any of its rivals.
While each of its competitors has declared that they would become the cheapest provider in the UK market when announcing their planned reductions, SSE’s move will mean that it will remain the cheapest supplier following the current round of price adjustments.
