Scottish Power overcharging for different payment methods is “taking advantage of customers”
Ofgem has acted on Citizens Advice concerns that Scottish Power was overcharging customers for different payment methods.
Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:
“Energy firms are taking advantage of their customers when they overcharge for different payment methods. With fuel bills up a third since 2010 costs are already very high so people shouldn’t be paying more than they have to in order to have a warm home and the lights on.
“With trust in energy suppliers at rock bottom, companies need to be up front and clear about why prices between alternative payment methods differ and by how much.
“Ofgem is right to hold Scottish Power to account for not sticking to the rules and it is good that struggling consumers will benefit as a result of its action. It has taken four years for this issue to be resolved so we hope this action, along with the £12 million E.ON is paying back to customers, is a sign that Ofgem is getting on with current enforcement cases and can find a quicker way to sort these issues out for consumers.”
Notes to editors:
Consumer Futures referred Scottish Power to Ofgem for its price differential in 2010 when was a separate organisation, it is now part of Citizens Advice.
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