Households in York are set to enjoy smaller electricity bills as the supply industry undergoes a "consumer-led revolution," a Government minister predicted today.

Consumers in the York postcode area will be able to shop around for their electricity from next March, while competition arrives in Harrogate in April.

And energy Minister John Battle, speaking after meeting representatives of the supply industry in Leeds to switch on the countdown to competition, said suppliers will have to provide the best possible service and prices.

"For the first time ever, customers will be able to shop around to find the best electricity deal to suit their needs," he said.

"As customers become used to finding the best deal on electricity, in the same way as they look for the best deal on gas, groceries or insurance, suppliers will have to be on their toes to deliver the best possible service and prices.

"This will be a consumer-led revolution in energy."

The competition starts on September 14 in the Hull postcode area, when Yorkshire Electricity will fight to keep existing business against a challenge from rivals such as Northern Electric.

Next March, Yorkshire will fight to keep existing custom in the Tadcaster and Selby areas and seek new business in the York and Ryedale areas, currently supplied by Northern Electric.

But other competitors are also in the fray, including Centrica - better known as British Gas - which is expanding into the domestic electricity market.

Yorkshire Electricity said today its salesmen were already at work in the York area, seeking customers for its "dual fuel" package - gas and electricity.

There will be no need for new cables to be laid or meters installed anywhere, as all companies will be able to use the existing infrastructure to deliver power to homes.

The introduction of competition to the domestic electricity market follows similar changes to the way in which gas is sold.

see COMMENT 'Shopping for power deals'

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