‘We want fair play for those who prepay’: Kirklees support group demands a fair deal from energy suppliers

PAGE 4 (PACKAGE)
Anne Myall who refuses to use electricity in her house after receiving string of massive bills she claims to be incorrect. Anne lives in Pocklington, North Yorkshire, she has resorted to living without modern comforts in a one-woman protest. The pre-payment meter Npower installed without Anne's knowledge. Picture: Jonathan Pow/Ross Parry Agency — PAGE 4 (PACKAGE) Anne Myall who refuses to use electricity in her house after receiving string of massive bills she claims to be incorrect. Anne lives in Pocklington, North Yorkshire, she has resorted to living without modern comforts in a one-woman protest. The pre-payment meter Npower installed without Anne's knowledge. Picture: Jonathan Pow/Ross Parry Agency

Kirklees Citizens Advice and Law centre is asking providers to offer a fairer choice of tariffs, a better price and more innovative ways to top up.

It comes after national charity Citizens Advice recent analysis revealed on average, people who use prepayment metres pay £226 more a year than the best online direct debit deals available from the same supplier.

Nick Whittingham, chief executive of the Kirklees centre, said: “Those that prepay for their energy shouldn’t be penalised for doing so. It’s time suppliers offered a fairer prepay deal.

“They should show their commitment to improving the service by signing our Consumer Demand for a smarter prepay energy offer.

Suppliers have given a second class service to the 15% of energy customers using prepay in North Kirklees for too long.

“A lack of top up options, charging to move unreachable meters and a £444 price difference between the best direct debit deal and the worst prepay deal is simply unacceptable.”