Energy companies 'charging a premium' to struggling customers

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Energy companies 'charging a premium' to struggling customers

Fri 13th Nov 2009

Energy firms should pass on their profits in the form of reduced bills to customers struggling with their finances, according to Family Action.

Chief executive of the charity Helen Dent thinks it is "scandalous" that poorer families are being forced to pay more for their bills, as many of them do not use direct debit or other forms of payment preferred by the companies.

In September of this year, Scottish Power announced it had made a six-month adjusted profit of £410.5 million before tax in the financial year ending that month.

Ms Dent said it is vital the companies are prompt in delivering savings, especially to those using pre-paid meters, who she believes are effectively being charged a premium on their fuel and services.

"The injustice that the poor pay more continues to demand action from government and those providing a range of goods and services," she stated.

Parent company to British Gas, Gentrica, recently confirmed that the prices paid by the wholesale fuel prices paid by the industry are expected to rise by between 31p to 49p in winter 2010-11 and to 57p in 2012.

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