Pre-payment meter rip-off

The government has said it will step in to protect pre-payment meter customers if they continue to be ripped off by energy companies.

Rochdale’s Labour Parliamentary Candidate Simon Danczuk has backed the move and said he was ‘disgusted’ when he heard that the energy regulator Ofgem found millions using pre-payment meters were being overcharged.

Ofgem also found companies overcharging four million electricity customers in areas not connected to the gas main.

Mr Danczuk said: "I think it is wrong that Rochdale people with pre-payment meters should have to pay more for their energy. It’s often those on low incomes that are on meters, so they are the last people that should be charged excessive amounts.

"I have pre-payment meters for both my electricity and gas and it isn’t as though you get a good service for paying more. I’ve often had problems with British Gas not turning up to appointments to sort out the meter – they have you sat in all morning and don’t show up. Its ok for me, I can work from home, but some Rochdale people will be losing half a day’s wages waiting in for someone who doesn’t arrive. On top of this, they’re paying a premium for the privilege.”

Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, expects the big six utility companies to take action and could bring forward legislation to prevent unfair pricing difficulties.