TENANTS on low incomes should receive a fairer deal from energy providers, housing associations have argued.
They say residents are being charged up to £300 for prepayment meters compared with some deals available to online customers.
The tenants and associations have no power to remove the meters, and want the tariffs to be brought into line with other users.
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A total of 18 housing associations, which manage 200,000 homes between them, have signed the open letter calling for the change.
They include A2 and HydeMartlet, two of the four organisations that provide social housing in the Winchester district.
They have pointed out that some energy firms, such as Scottish Power, do not charge extra for prepayment meters, unlike others, such as British Gas.
John Turner, head of technical services for A2 said the higher tariff paid by some of their tenants was "unfair".
He said: "We have no influence on the number of pre-pay meters installed in our properties, and no power to ask for their removal.
"We are however fully supporting the National Housing Federations' campaign to equalise the tariffs as this will offer a fairer deal to all of our residents."
Posted by: Tenant, Winchester on 10:56am Thu 10 Jul 08
Perhaps A2 should get their act together before accusing others of unfair charges! A2 charge an extortionate amount of "service charges" on top of tenant's rent for communal garden maintenance, including hedge cutting and weed control. This has barely been done at all along Turnpike Down for the last three years, despite numerous complaints by tenants.
Perhaps A2 should get their act together before accusing others of unfair charges! A2 charge an extortionate amount of "service charges" on top of tenant's rent for communal garden maintenance, including hedge cutting and weed control. This has barely been done at all along Turnpike Down for the last three years, despite numerous complaints by tenants.
Try Ebico Ltd, a not-for-profit energy supplier that charges the same rates to all customers, regardless of payment method. Prepayment meter customers pay the same rates as Direct Debit customers.
www.ebico.co.uk
Try Ebico Ltd, a not-for-profit energy supplier that charges the same rates to all customers, regardless of payment method. Prepayment meter customers pay the same rates as Direct Debit customers.
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