uSwitch.com launches prepayment meter switching service

uSwitch.com has launched a new service to help Britain's 5.9 million prepayment meter customers get a better energy deal. It means that PPM customers, who are often on low incomes and tight budgets, but who pay the highest household energy prices, can now switch to a cheaper prepayment deal, potentially saving themselves up to £138.

The move follows Ofgem's energy market probe, which looked at why PPMs are more expensive than paying by direct debit or online energy plans. PPMs are on average £116 or 10% more expensive than paying by direct debit and £202 or 18% more expensive than online plans - uSwitch.com urges PPM customers to switch to these wherever possible to ensure that they are paying the lowest possible price for energy.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says: "Prepayment meters are expensive and should only ever be treated as a last resort - but for many households they are the only option. Our new service is a real step forward in making sure that those customers who are unable to come off - or have to go on - a prepayment meter can still get a better deal from energy suppliers.

"Any PPM customer who is in credit or owes less than £100 can switch to a cheaper supplier, potentially saving up to £138 a year. However, by coming off prepayment entirely and moving to an online plan they could save up to £327 - given the current high cost of energy this will make a real difference, particularly for people on low incomes struggling to pay their bills."