Dundee LibDems call for an end to unfair charging for poorest customers (Dundee Liberal Democrats)

Dundee Liberal Democrats <info@dundeelibdems.org.uk>

Dundee LibDems call for an end to unfair charging for poorest customers

March 4, 2007 6:57 AM

Chris Hall calls for an end to unfair charging for poorest customers

Dundee Liberal Democrats have today (Sunday 4th March) given their support to a parliamentary Early Day Motion that backs the National Housing Federation's call for an end to unfair energy pricing for the poorest customers.

The Early Day Motion, 'Fuel Poverty and Pre-Payment Meters' (EDM 990), seeks parliamentary support for an end to higher charges for energy customers on pre-pay meters (PPMs).

Although PPM customers tend to be on lower incomes and at greater risk of fuel poverty, they can pay as much as £123 more for gas and electricity than quarterly billed or standard credit consumers, and as much as £189 more for their energy than direct debit customers.

Scottish LibDem MP Willie Rennie said, "The fact that electricity companies are back charging their customers like this is absurd. It can drive people into debt without their prior knowledge, which could potentially lead to them incurring further bank charges."

Here in Dundee, LibDem spokesperson Chris Hall said, "It is dreadfully unfair that those who are least able to afford high fuel charges end up paying the most. It is a practice that should be ended."