WEIR WELCOMES DEBIT TRANSPARENCY CALLS.

WEIR WELCOMES DEBIT TRANSPARENCY CALLS.

MP ENCOURAGES CONSUMERS TO CHALLENGE CHARGES

SNP Energy spokesman, Mike Weir MP, has welcomed OFGEM’s recommendation that energy suppliers must be more transparent about direct debit payments. The recommendation is contained within a review of direct debit arrangements of the six major energy suppliers, following complaints by customers late last year about significant increases in amounts they were being asked to pay.

Commenting, Mr Weir, a long-term campaigner on energy and consumer protection issues, said:

“Action to ensure companies provide greater clarity for those paying by direct debit is a welcome step forward.

“There have been long-standing complaints about the way payments are increased without proper warning and the new regulations should help consumers know where they stand. There has been a real need for changes to make it easier for customers to know when charges are being increased and give them an opportunity to challenge them.

“No one should just accept the new monthly payments being sought if they think they are too high. It has to be asked why when prices are currently supposed to be falling, that companies are still seeking increases in direct debit payments. Anyone receiving such a demand just now should challenge it. I know from my own experience it is possible to get these reduced.”