A MAJOR energy company is to cut its gas bills by 5% in a move expected to spark reductions by rival suppliers.

But far more needs to be done as the financial squeeze continues to hit Kirklees families hard.

EDF Energy increased gas tariffs by 15.4% in November but said wholesale costs had fallen by 9% since then, prompting the 5% cut it has announced from February 7.

Simon Cale, chief executive of the Huddersfield-based National Children’s Centre which helps children, young people and families in need, said: “The EDF move is a step in the right direction and let’s hope other energy companies now follow suit, but there is a long way to go.

“It is a worrying time for Huddersfield families and some are now having to make the choice whether to turn the heating on or put food on the table.’’

And he hit out at energy companies that make it difficult for people to properly compare prices or even find the lowest one.

“Many of the families we deal with would have problems finding the lowest tariff,’’ he said. “You have to be an expert to understand them, but many don’t have computers and some have trouble reading. The help is just not there for them.’’

Mr Cale added: “Labour leader Ed Miliband says pensioners should automatically get a company’s lowest rate, but shouldn’t that automatically apply to everyone?’’

Mr Cale added: “The National Children’s Centre is busier than ever which is a sign of the times. People have been very generous over Christmas by supporting us and providing presents to families in need. They are really feeling the pinch and we will continue to do all we can to help them.’’

Consumer groups have called on other energy companies to follow EDF Energy’s lead after a prolonged period of price rises since the last round of tariff cuts in spring 2010.

Mark Todd, director of the price comparison service Energyhelpline.com, said: “EDF has thrown the first punch in the energy price war to come.

“The reduction is less than expected but it is quicker and for that millions of home-owners concerned about winter bills will be relieved.”

The move comes on the day that an annual energy company satisfaction survey carried out by Which? showed that EDF finished second bottom in a table of the biggest six energy suppliers. Only 43% of its customers said they were satisfied with the company’s service or likely to recommend it to others.

The surge in complaints follows the introduction of a new billing system.

EDF, which was the last of the major suppliers to raise prices in the autumn, said fair tariffs were vital to “address the issue of consumer trust”.

It said its average bill for a dual fuel customer with typical consumption paying by monthly direct debit will be £1,129 a year, compared with the current £1,218 a year for British Gas.