CHEAPER gas and electricity could be in the pipeline for people in the North West as battle lines are drawn for an energy price war.

The electricity and gas supply markets are being opened up to competition next year and Norweb has already launched ENERGi, a one-stop energy shop which will supply gas to customers as well as electricity.

And British Gas has declared war on Norweb by pledging that its electricity prices - once it starts supplying - will be cheaper than any of the competition.

Norweb is inviting customers to sign up with ENERGi now, ahead of the opening up of the market, and have promised lower prices and better service.

Norweb claims ENERGi will save customers up to 22 per cent on their current gas bills and customers will also have the choice of buying gas or electricity as part of an integrated package.

Marketing manager, Mike Brindle said: "The opening of the domestic gas market in the North West is a marvellous opportunity for customers. Two million households in the region have experienced the high standards and competitive pricing of one of the UK's leading electricity companies.

"ENERGi will extend these benefits to all their new gas customers and will offer greater choice, excellent services and all the benefits of a one-stop energy shop. ENERGi is the future of gas and electricity in Britain."

Meanwhile, British Gas has vowed that it will offer cheaper electricity to North West homes.

A spokesman said: "We will be offering lower prices than currently offered by other suppliers so that our customers can get great value buying both gas and electricity from us.

"We have just announced further cuts in gas prices which will mean our prices have fallen by 30 per cent in real terms since privatisation.

"We believe these prices, the quality of our service and our decades of experience will help us retain our position as Britain's major gas supplier after our customers have a choice of supplier from next spring.

"From next year we also aim to win a sizeable chunk of the electricity market too by offering the best possible value for money."

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