14 October 2008
Up to five million consumers on pre-payment gas and electricity meters should be offered a fuel rebate, according to the National Housing Federation (NHF). The organisation claims that energy customers should be offered refunds of up to £70, depending on their gas and electricity provider, to make up for being overcharged. Its proposals follow the findings of an energy market review carried out by industry regulator Ofgem, which found that customers who pay for their gas and electricity using pre-payment meters are missing out on some of the most competitive deals. The NHF has written to Ofgem urging it to enforce such rebates, insisting the watchdog must "show some leadership" and ensure fairness for consumers. "Ofgem has effectively found five of the energy companies guilty of overcharging some of the poorest in society by £193 million per year. Surely this means that those affected are now owed a rebate?" said Chief Executive David Orr. uSwitch.com said recently that pre-payment meters should be seen as a last resort for consumers struggling to meet their gas and electricity costs.