Thousands of energy customers in the Highlands with no gas connection are being hit by much higher bills than those with gas, according to a not-for-profit supplier offering a new tariff aimed at beating fuel poverty.
Our Power has launched a variable tariff that offers a “fairer” energy price for householders who heat their homes by electric storage heating and are on restricted meters.
The company claim the majority of “restricted meter” customers have previously been excluded from accessing competitive tariffs, paying up to two-and-a-half times more to heat their homes than a household supplied by gas.
This customer group, they say, have not had the opportunity to switch their supplies through price comparison websites due to the complex nature of the metering, as most switching sites do not support this type of consumer.
Our Power, which has partnered with Money Advice Scotland, has now created a simple form to capture and process their supply details, allowing customers to view an estimate of savings against an incumbent supplier tariff.
Chairman and co-founder Alister Steele said: “Through no fault of their own thousands of people across Scotland are being disadvantaged by the type of electric meter they are using.
“As we enter the grip of winter the blight of fuel poverty will bite across our communities. Our ethos is about fairness, offering customers choice and respect through good service.
“Consumers on restricted meters have the right to choose more affordable energy. This is at the heart of this campaign.”
Yvonne MacDermid, chief executive of Money Advice Scotland, added: “As we enter winter, our network of member money advisors are confronted with the fall-out of fuel poverty on a daily basis.
“Front and central to dealing with this issue is ensuring that all consumers, irrespective of their financial status or where they live, have access to a broad range of tariffs.
“We are aware of the issue of restricted meters preventing customers from accessing more affordable energy and we welcome Our Power’s move to find a solution.”
