Half of consumers 'don't trust their energy firm'

Some 50% do not trust suppliers and 45% trusted them less than two years ago, comparison website uSwitch.com found.

When asked why, half said energy companies do not offer value for money, while more than a third of people blamed the provider's failure in helping customers lower their energy bills, plus a lack of openness and transparency.

One in four said bills are not easy to understand and 12% complained that suppliers make communication difficult.

The results come after a winter which has seen energy firms ramp up bills by up to an average of 11%.

Yesterday Prime Minister David Cameron backed reforms from energy regulator Ofgem, which will limit the number of tariffs firms can supply.