STUNELL SLAMS ENERGY COMPANIES FOR UNFAIR EXTRA CHARGES

Andrew Stunell MP has attacked energy companies that charge consumers up to £90 a year extra if they do not pay their bills by direct debit. Now he is urging Ofgem and the Government to act fast to end the abuse.

Andrew said -

"Gas and electric bills are steep enough already without paying extra just because you don't have a bank account. This is a rip-off that mostly hits those least able to afford it. Some energy companies charge nothing extra for cash or cheque payments, and I want Ofgem and the Government to clamp down on those that do. I'm backing action in Parliament, and I met the Energy Secretary this week to press the case with him."

Andrew Stunell MP wants the Government and Ofgem to focus on the charges made by some 17 energy companies to their consumers if they chose to pay their bills other than by direct debit.

Lisa Smart, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Hazel Grove, said -

"This is deeply unfair for people in Stockport who simply want to pay their energy bills via a different payment method."

"As a volunteer at Stockport Credit Union, our most important piece of advice to people is to manage your finances in whichever way you feel most in control. For some people, paying by direct debit isn't it and paying each bill individually allows them to feel in control of their finances and helps them budget. For energy companies to slap on a further charge as punishment for doing this is completely unacceptable and I join Andrew in urging the Government to tackle the problem quickly."