MEP hits out at ‘rip-off' energy charges

6th March 2008

WALES Euro-MP ELUNED MORGAN today hit out at ‘rip-off' energy charges as shock new figures reveal that the poorest customers are charged up to £330 more for gas and electricity.

Research from industry watchdog Energywatch says that customers on pre-payment meters can pay up to £330 more a year than online payment or direct debit customers.

Eluned Morgan, Labour's European spokesperson on energy issues, said energy bosses must be made to answer for the inequality.

ELUNED MORGAN said:

"At a time when fuel poverty is on the rise it is completely unacceptable and morally reprehensible that energy companies are essentially ripping off their poorest customers.

"This exploitation of the poorest customers through pre-payment tariffs must end. Energy bosses must be made to answer for this shocking inequality."

One in three of UK households in fuel poverty - where more than 10% of income is spent on heating - has a pre-payment meter.