WITH the support of 11 other MPs, John Austin, who represents Erith and Thamesmead, has tabled a Bill in Parliament to make unlawful for energy companies to rip off their poorest customers.
The Private Members’ Bill, backed by backbenchers from the three main political parties, would outlaw tariffs which penalise those who pay for their gas though prepayment meters.
Mr Austin said: “People who use prepayment meters often end up paying the very highest tariffs for their fuel, despite being on the very lowest incomes.
“This is simply unacceptable and I will now be doing all in my power to ensure the Bill becomes law.”
Estimates say around 1.5 million households are still being charged £40 a year more for their gas than customers who pay quarterly bills.
While most companies have now dropped the extra tariff, British Gas and Scottish and Southern Energy have not and are making an extra £50m a year from customers with an average household income of just £13,500.
Mr Austin says if his Equalisation of Tariffs for Gas and Electricity Bill is selected for debate, it will have widespread support in the House of Commons.
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