Hove MP joins parliamentary campaign against ‘rip-off’ pre-pay gas and electricity meters

The Labour MP for Hove, Peter Kyle, has joined the parliamentary campaign against ‘rip-off’ pre-payment gas and electricity meters.

He went to the launch of the campaign in the House of Commons this week to clamp down on the extra cost of the pre-payment meters to Britain’s poorest people.

He said: “The latest research by the Citizens Advice Bureau has revealed that pre-payment meter customers on average pay £226 a year extra for the cost of their energy compared to the cheapest direct debit tariff.

“And with 1 in 5 prepayment meter users already in fuel poverty this amounts to an extra £1,232,378 a year being taken out of the pockets of the 5,453 households across Hove and Portslade who can least afford it.”

Peter Kyle with Dawn Butler MP

Peter Kyle joined Dawn Butler MP at the launch of her campaign for action from the big six energy companies and the government.

Mr Kyle said: “It is unacceptable that the poorest in our society are forced to pay the most for their energy bills when the cost of energy is falling but bills continue to rise.

“I will continue to call for real action in the energy market to pass on the savings which thousands of families in my constituency deserve. This pre-pay rip-off must end now.”

Dawn Butler said: “It is about time someone stood up to the big six energy companies on behalf of the most vulnerable energy consumers who are being left out of pocket.

“The cost of energy is at an all-time low yet prices keep going up.

“The government need to take action to force energy companies to pass on these savings to consumers. If you support my campaign add your voice by signing the petition.”

To sign the petition, click here.