NATIONALLY a substantial number of people have a pre-payment meter for either their gas or electric consumption, over three million meters for each of the two types of meters.

Over 70% of these meters are installed so that customers can repay a fuel bill they have got behind on. They can be useful as a budgeting aid as they restrict your use of fuel according to your means. However there are also many disadvantages to having them installed such as hidden charges and costs and the fact that you can end up disconnecting yourself if you run out of money to top up your usage.

Figures show that 9% of consumers in West Worcestershire are paying for their energy through a prepayment meter, amounting to 3186 households.

Karen Edwards, CEO of Citizens Advice South Worcestershire, is calling on suppliers to give those that prepay in West Worcestershire a better price and more choice in line with other payment methods.

Analysis from Citizens Advice has revealed the most expensive prepay tariff in West Worcestershire is £1,335 per year, £446 (50%) more per year than the best direct debit tariff available in the region for duel fuel. On average, prepay customers pay £226 more per year than the best online direct debit deals available from the same supplier.

Citizens Advice is highlighting the clear lack of choice for those who pay for their gas and electricity through a prepayment meter compared to other payment methods in West Worcestershire, with only 1.8 duel fuel prepay tariffs available, compared to the average 3.1 tariffs available to direct debit customers.

Citizens Advice South Worcestershire wants fair play for prepay. The charity is calling on suppliers to offer a fairer choice of tariffs, a better price and more innovative ways to top up such as on-line, over the phone or via text. This could greatly help those who are housebound or have young children at home who find it extremely difficult to get out to the shops to top up.

Karen Edwards, CEO of Citizens Advice South Worcestershire said:

“Those that prepay for their energy shouldn’t be penalised for doing so. It’s time suppliers offered a fairer prepay deal. We feel it’s time for suppliers to bring the pay-as-you-go energy option into the 21st century. Customers should be able to top up online, over the phone or via text.

A lack of top up options, charging to move unreachable meters and a £446 price difference per year between the best direct debit deal and the worst prepay deal is simply unacceptable.

If you need help dealing with your bills and choosing the most suitable tariff for your fuel or switching supplier come and see us at one of our offices or outreaches and we will do our best to help you”

For further information and advice, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or see www.adviceguide.org.uk.

Your local bureau – South Worcestershire Citizens Advice Bureau at Malvern Heights, Chequers Close, Enigma Business Park, Malvern, WR14 1BF is open:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10am-4pm, Wednesday (Specialist Debt Advice - by appointment)

Tel: 01684 563611

We also have local CAB Community Liaison Volunteers in rural areas around Malvern as follows:

Alfrick and Lulsley – Elaine Kite – 01886 884435 – elainekite@btinternet.com

Berrow, Bushley, Eldersfield, Holdfast, Longdon, Pendock and Queenhill – Philippa Pipe – 07512797212 - pcpipe@icloud.com

Bransford, Leigh & Leigh Sinton – Lillian Somervaille – 01886 833526 lillian@aubretiacottage.org.uk

Castlemorton, Birtsmorton & Welland – Liz & Neville Mills – 07592 055998 neville_liz.mills@btinternet.com

Suckley – in partnership with the Suckley Good Neighbour Scheme – duty volunteer - 01886 840480 - suckleygns@gmail.com

Teme Valley - all parishes:-

Stuart Cumella (Martley) 01886 888797, 07946869882, stuartcumella@gmail.com

Lesley Dean (Stanford Bridge) 01886 853295 les2dean@googlemail.com

John Lakeman (Abberley) 01299 896846, 07811481150, johnlakeman@abberley.co.uk

Margaret Watkins (Lindridge) 01299 270073, brianwatkins552@gmail.com