A growing number of energy customers are switching to smaller suppliers.

New statistics from Energy UK found small and medium sized energy firms gained more than 107,600 electricity customers last month.

That’s 40% of all switches for January and 30% higher than the previous month, it added.

The news comes as the Big Six has been accused of overcharging customers by Ofgem’s boss.

Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of Energy UK said: “Steps made by industry and government have made switching simpler and quicker. It’s great to see this reflected in the highest January switching number on record as customers continue to shop around to find the best deal to suit them.”

The report also revealed 35% of switches in January were between larger suppliers.