26 November 2008
uSwitch.com has launched a new prepayment meter switching service to help 5.9 million gas and electricity customers get a better deal.
The independent price comparison site estimates that households on prepayment meters could save up to £138 a year by switching to a different provider.
It points out that while prepayment meters are expensive, they are the only option for some households. However, these consumers should not be excluded from the benefits of competition, it claims.
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says: "Our new service is a real step forward in making sure that those customers who are unable to come off - or have to go on - a prepayment meter can still get a better deal from energy suppliers."
Consumers who can come off their prepayment meter could save up to £327 a year by taking out an online energy plan instead, she adds.
According to Consumer Focus, gas and electricity providers make around £500 million extra each year from customers on pre-payment meters.