'Poor pay more' for energy claim

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/5309172.stm

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Energy suppliers in Scotland should stop making poorer people pay more for their gas and electricity, according to a consumer watchdog.

Energywatch Scotland wants a drop in the charges for prepayment meters.

It said that people using prepaid meters were being charged about £150 a year more for gas and electric compared with customers who got quarterly bills.

Energywatch said people on low incomes were the biggest users of prepaid meters, to help budget or repay debts.

According to the watchdog, Scotland's poorest were being hardest hit for essential services.

Energywatch has got together with several charities including Child Poverty Action Group, Help the Aged and Citizens Advice Scotland to urge suppliers to review their policy and lower charges.