Withington MP supports calls for reduced energy tariffs for pre-payment customers

12.00.00am GMT Mon 29th Dec 2008

Local Lib Dem MP John Leech has backed moves in Parliament to stop energy companies charging higher rates to customers who use pre-payment meters than people paying by other means.

Currently, customers who pay for their gas and electricity via a pre-payment meter - often people with the lowest incomes who are using meters to pay off debts - pay on average £225 per year more than those who pay by direct debit. Mr Leech has now backed a parliamentary motion that seeks to put paid to this practice.

John Leech MP said "It's outrageous that these energy companies can go on charging their most vulnerable customers the most for their gas and electricity. People are already struggling with rising bills and living costs, so it's about time energy suppliers gave something back to their customers. It's just a shame that they won't do it without pressure being put on them - they should be doing it of their own accord."

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Notes to editors:

1. John Leech is backing Early Day Motion 297, Pre-payment Meters: http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=37297&SESSION=899