CONSUMERS have been warned by industry watchdogs to be wary of new electricity suppliers when the market opens up to competition.

They are concerned consumers in Bromley will sign contracts without checking the fine print when competition starts in March.

Residents will be swamped with various deals and information from competing electricity companies in the coming months, including combination deals on electricity and gas bills.

But the Office of Electricity Regulation (OFFER) is warning consumers to be careful.

A spokesman for OFFER said: "It is difficult to say how much costs for electricity will be cut at present.

"People should be careful and watch what they are getting themselves into. They should watch out for binding contracts and penalty clauses for late payment."

She said people have to check what they are signing before they change suppliers.

"People should not feel they have to change their electricity supplier just because it is opening up to competition. Customers should shop around at present and see what opportunities are out there for them."

The opening of the electricity market to competition has been conducted in three stages with Bromley part of the last stage.

The first areas to face the changes to competition were last month.

If people have any problems with electricity suppliers, they should call OFFER on 0800 451 451.

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