Pre-payment gas and electricity meters criticised
16th July 2010
As many as 1.4 million people have been left without energy in the past year because they have not paid their pre-payment gas and electricity meters, according to a new study.
Pressure group Consumer Focus added that half of those households included someone with an illness or disability, and two in five were home to children aged under 16.
Some 8.8 million people rely on the meters, and the consumer organisation called on suppliers to make pre-payment energy more affordable and convenient.
Chief executive Mike O'Connor said: "Many customers like pre-payment meters because it gives them control over their budget, even though it means they pay more for their energy.
"Paying for a service in advance shouldn't mean getting a second-class service. Energy firms could transform the experience of customers by bringing pre-payment meters into the 21st century, making it easier to top up and avoid being cut off."
The study found one in seven gas and electricity customers who were disconnected had been unable to top up their meter as their local store was closed or they could not get there.
Consumer Focus said suppliers needed to make it easier for people to top up their energy credit by introducing online, ATM and text message facilities.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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