MEP calls for energy secretary to back campaign

MEP Paul Nuttall, UKIP deputy leader

Local MEP Paul Nuttall is calling on the Energy Secretary to support his campaign to stop the poor subsiding the energy bills of the better off.

The power firms have been told by Amber Rudd to start cutting household bills by passing on the 20% fall in wholesale costs of gas and electricity costs.

Mr Nuttall, UKIP deputy leader and MEP for the North West, said: “It is obviously right that these savings should be passed onto the hard pressed consumers, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet.

“But I think the Energy Secretary needs to go further and also tell these energy firms that it is unfair that those with pre-payment meters have to pay over the odds.

“These meters mean that those who pay in advance for their gas and electricity have to pay an average of £80 a year more than direct debit customers.

“It is the poorest in society and those least able to fight their corner who are penalised in this way and I think that is totally wrong.

“These power providers are raking in eye-watering profits. They should cut their charges but they should also stop penalising pre-payment users.”

Last year alone 97,000 pre-pay gas and electricity meters were installed in England, Wales and Scotland last year alone.

Many were installed under a court order after debts had accrued and Mr Nuttall has already welcomed news that Ofgem has pledged to investigate.