Time for Justice on Fuel Prices for Eastbourne Poorest

12.00.00am GMT Mon 28th Jan 2008

Consumer group Energywatch reports that energy companies are charging prepayment meter users an average of £195 extra each year for their gas and electricity compared to the best available deals.

British Gas, still the most common supplier for local residents of Eastbourne & Willingdon, is one of the worst offenders with the difference between a pre-paid meter and their internet deal £249 per year.

Stephen Lloyd, Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner said: "This is a disgraceful situation and a clear example of profiteering by some of the wealthiest companies in Britain. Customers with pre-pay meters tend to be the poorest families and pensioners yet the energy companies charge them more than other customers. Our new party leader Nick Clegg MP brought up the issue at a recent Prime Ministers Question Time highlighting the scandal of higher charges for pre-pay meter users.

Stephen added: "Many disadvantaged Eastbourne households will be on pre-pay meters and they are, in effect, being penalised twice. First the price of gas and electricity is going up and secondly if they're on a pre-pay meters they are being charged more. It is time for the Government to take action to stop the energy companies from hitting poorer customers hardest. At a minimum, the pre-pay meter price should be equalised with the standard quarterly rate.

"Frankly, it's about fairness. Those with the least in Eastbourne should not be expected to pay the most. I will be writing to the Chief Executive's of each of the main energy companies used by local residents to demand they change this obscene pricing regime."