Yorkshire Electricity is today offering a package of price cuts and discounts - a day before the gas supply market opens up in West Yorkshire.

From April 1, YE is making a four per cent price cut to householders and small firms along with a £10 discount for people who also buy their gas from the firm.

YE, which already has two million electricity customers, has already signed up 200,000 gas customers since its launch into the domestic gas market in October.

The price cut and discount mean that the average YE electricity and gas customer's bill will be £232.62 a year - a drop of 33 per cent since 1991. YE says the £10 discount makes an average saving of £70 a year compared with British Gas prices.

John Over, YE's energy trading and marketing director, said today: "We have had the lowest electricity prices in the country in recent years, with a total reduction of 33 per cent since 1991. We are committed to further reductions in the future.

"Our customers tell us they want reliable, low-cost electricity backed up by good customer service. We are now able to sell gas more cheaply than British Gas and we are delighted that we can reward those customers who buy their low-priced energy package from us with this £10 discount."

More than seven companies are competing for gas customers in the region and offering various discounts. British Gas is trying to retain as much of its market share as possible by reducing its prices by 15 per cent.

The others include Gas from Yorkshire Electricity, Northern Electric, Eastern Natural Gas, Beacon Gas, Amerada and Calortex.

The Gas Consumers Council is in Bradford's Kirkgate Centre, Darley Street today and tomorrow giving advice on the opening up of the gas market.

Hilary Putman, the GCC's regional manager, said: "We cannot give advice on which company to choose but we can explain what happens to people."

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