Written question asked by David Hamilton (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 September 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 September 2008. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 September 2008 on behalf of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

Electricity: Meters

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what progress has been made on reducing the tariffs for electricity on pre-payment meters.

Answer: [holding answer 10 September 2008]: We announced in Budget 2008 that the Secretary of State was prepared, to use his statutory powers with a view to reducing the differential between prepayment and other forms of payment for both gas and electricity.Ofgem is currently investigating tariff differentials as part of its probe into the energy market. Initial findings are expected shortly.If Ofgem's analysis does show that prepayment meter customers are suffering disadvantage then we will in the first instance expect Ofgem and the energy suppliers to provide the solution. If sufficient progress is not made by this winter 2008/09, the Secretary of State is prepared to consult on legislation, with a view to reducing unjustified tariff differentials.

Secondary information