£214 power penalty for poorest Scots

05/12/2007

Capability Scotland is dismayed by the report issued by energywatch highlighting that some of the poorest households in society are paying as much as £296 extra each year (£214 on average) for their gas and electricity compared to the best available deals, because they use prepayment meters (ppm).

The combination of the lack of many real employment opportunities, the hidden costs of disability (such as more money spent on extra heating or laundry) and insufficient benefit levels mean that disabled people are hit especially hard by this issue. 

Many of the cheapest payment methods are only available to customers paying by direct debit for example.  Disabled people are doubly hit by the many barriers they face in accessing financial services.  Our research suggests that one third of disabled people do not have a current account with a cheque book, and two out of five do not have a debit or credit card ('Out of Service' 1 in 4 Poll Report - 2002). 

Faye Gatenby, Campaigns, Parliamentary and Policy Manager, of Capability Scotland said:

“Our research suggests disabled people are over represented in the number living in fuel poverty. Low levels of mobility often mean it is harder for a disabled person to keep warm. Many spend more time at home due to a lack of money and inaccessible transport facilities.”

“Steps have been taken by some energy suppliers towards addressing this issue, but our concern is that the interests of shareholders are being put ahead of those customers facing real hardship.  It is now time for energy suppliers to accept their share of responsibility for this situation."

<< Go Back