Press Release
MP says "Stop the pre-payment meter rip-off"
Last week, the energy regulator OFGEM highlighted the overcharging of millions of those on pre-payment meters and similar overcharging of 4 million electricity customers in areas not connected to the gas main.
Tom Clarke MP said:
"I think this is wrong and, Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband has reassured me that he thinks this is unacceptable The Government has made it clear to the big six utility companies that it expects them to take action. If the companies don’t act, the Minister has said he'll bring forward legislation to prevent unfair pricing difficulties. I will support these moves to stop this rip off."
“OFGEM have set a statutory consultation period until 1st December. The Government has made it clear to the big six utility companies that it expects a quicker action or an explanation to remedy these abuses. If the companies don’t act ahead of Ofgem’s process, the Minister has instructed officials that they should be prepared to consult on legislation to prevent unfair pricing difficulties. Ed Milliband is taking swift action to end the abuse of power by the utility companies. My constituents know that I have been campaigning for nearly three years for this kind of action, and that is why I welcome the Governments stance, which is fairer to consumers, not least, at this time of year”.
Tom Clarke MP commented: “The Government estimated in 2006 that 3.5 million households were in fuel poverty – and at a time of rising prices the figure today is likely to be higher. It is vital that Government, industry and the regulator work together to find practical ways to help the vulnerable and fuel poor”