Which? recommended that customers take matters into their own hands and switch providers if they were unhappy.
Customer satisfaction with energy firms is lower than in any other industry sector, consumer group Which? said today.
A report from the organisation has shown that the "big six" UK gas and electricity providers collectively have a satisfaction rating among householders of less than 50 percent. Included in this group was Npower, which ranked lowest on just 32 percent.
The actions of the firms have been under the spotlight in recent times, with all six imposing price hikes due to the rising wholesale costs of fuel. British Gas even put up its gas tariffs by a record 35 percent. As a result, fierce criticism has been levelled at the industry, with trade unions and charities calling for a windfall tax to be imposed on providers in order to help out low-income customers.
Jess Ross, Editor at which.co.uk, said: "This is the first time that we've asked members about their energy suppliers and we're shocked to see the results - too many suppliers are letting customers down and charging them more and more for the privilege!"
She added: "These companies are providing essential services that people can't live without, but this isn't an excuse to offer poor value for money."
A poll by Which?, also released today, shows that nine in ten customers who have switched gas or electricity provider have found it "easy" to do so.
