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Consumers hit by £5 gas charges

There has been widespread condemnation of a new policy by British Gas that will see customers who make late payments charged £5.

Both Ofgem, the industry's regulator, and consumer group Energywatch have voiced their displeasure at the decision, which will see those customers who fail to pay their bills within 28 days subject to the penalty.

A spokesperson for Energywatch labelled the move as "unfair" and pointed out that no other energy company is planning a similar policy.

"Their bills are based on estimated readings which are often inaccurate. British Gas is the company we receive by far and away the most complaints about," he told the Times.

However, a spokesperson for British Gas defended the introduction of the charges, stating that they are aimed at people "who can pay and don’t".

"We will not apply these charges to the vulnerable," she told the same publication.

"Anyone who has a problem paying can give us a call. We will set up a payment plan that suits you and won't apply the charge."

The new system is set to come in from the beginning of March, although how many of British Gas' one million customers will still be with the firm by that time remains to be seen.

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08/01/2007 16:57:19

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