Energy companies need investigating for increases to Direct Debit Payments even when people in credit. (South Suffolk Liberal Democrats)

South Suffolk Liberal Democrats <southsuffolklibdems@googlemail.com>

Energy companies need investigating for increases to Direct Debit Payments even when people in credit.

November 23, 2008 3:00 PM

Nigel Bennett, Lib Dem Parliamentary Campaigner for South Suffolk, calls for investigation by Ofgem after personal experience of British Gas.

At the end of the week, Senior MP's called for an investigation into Energy companies increasing their cash flow by increasing direct debit payments even when customers were in credit.

Nigel Bennett said, " I really fear that many people have seen their direct debit payments increase unnecessarily. British Gas increased my direct debit by 28% last month even though I was in credit by 3 months payments. A telephone call from me sorted it out but with fuel poverty increasing, many cannot afford this kind of increase especially if they do not question it. We have to remember that Ofgem estimate 4.5 million are in fuel poverty and recent research suggests 80% of single pensioners are also."