Charities Criticise Energy Watchdog

A Coalition of Scots anti-poverty and kids’ charities has heavily criticised the energy regulator, Ofgem. The coalition has turned its attention on Ofgem because of what it sees as its continuing failure to protect vulnerable consumers from debt.

Protesters have already marched on Scottish Power’s headquarters to demand it stops back-charging token prepayment meter customers, causing them to build up large debts. Scottish Power, Powergen and npower are the only energy suppliers continuing this practice.

Ofgem is being targeted after it published an open letter claiming these suppliers had made encouraging progress on the replacement of token prepayment meters.

MSP Jackie Baillie said: “I am astonished that Ofgem is “encouraged” by such a dismal response. If Ofgem isn’t for protecting vulnerable consumers then what exactly is it for?”