Power meter users urged to switch

Households using pre-payment meters for their gas and electricity could save £250 million per year if they all switched supplier, Ofgem has said.

This works out to around £100 per customer who has never switched, according to the regulator.

Pre-payment customers are usually better off getting their gas and electricity from separate firms.

But many don't realise the money they could save by changing supplier, Ofgem said.

The regulator named npower the most expensive electricity firm for pre-payment meter customers, charging an average £435 per year compared to Scottish and Southern - the cheapest at £356.

British Gas was the most expensive gas firm for pre-payment meter customers at £617 on average per year compared to Scottish Power at £560, Ofgem said.

The regulator has launched a campaign urging households on pre-payment meters to shop around for better deals.

Ofgem chief executive Alistair Buchanan said: "Pre-payment meter customers should take advantage of the competitive market if they are to see further falls in their energy bills."

They could save on average £100 per customer - rising to £170 in some regions, he said.

Pre-payment meters are most often used by low-income households who find them helpful for budgeting.

Share this article

Send this article to a friend »

• Del.icio.us
• Digg
• Reddit
• Facebook
• StumbleUpon

What are these?