The number of consumers switching energy suppliers reached the highest in August.

New figures from Energy UK revealed more than 285,000 customers changed their electricity supplier last month.

That’s compared to 273,000 in July.

Smaller suppliers got more than 80,000 energy accounts – 28% of all switches.

Energy UK claims the figures are above average for the year so far.

CEO Lawrence Slade said: “People don’t normally think about switching their electricity supplier until the days get colder and the clocks go back. But this year switching numbers have remained high and represent a significant change in behaviour.

“Take a look at your energy bill – it takes just a few minutes to hunt around to see how just how good a deal you can get.”

The UK Government has pledged to introduce 24-hour energy switching in the next three years.