Complaints about energy companies soar

Complaint levels about energy companies soared in the first three months of the year.

The number of complaints more than trebled in the first quarter of 2014 compared with the same period a year ago.

There were 10,638 gripes forwarded to the Energy Ombudsman, with billing the biggest source of concern.

Last month, regulator Ofgem announced a competition inquiry into the sector.

The study, by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), is looking at whether the 'big six' UK energy suppliers prevent effective competition and how this affects bills. The inquiry could take at least 18 months.