► Scottish Gas looking into 30% overcharging claims
Energy industry regulator Ofgem is continuing to investigate claims that Stornoway gas customers were overcharged for many years.
Around 1,100 British Gas -
Stornoway guesthouse operator Derek McPherson said the utility imposed a more expensive “Stornoway” tariff.
Town residents were denied access to the cheapest tariffs – potentially paying thousands of pounds more than mainland customers.
Following MP Angus MacNeil’s intervention, the regulator Ofgem took up the issue to ensure island customers are allowed to move onto the cheapest tariff.
Regardless of where they live, Ofgem insists all Scottish Gas customers are entitled to the firm‘s cheapest tariffs, including its “white label” operation with Sainsbury’s Energy.
Mr MacNeil and Mr McPherson met with Ofgem bosses -
The pair said the probe is still ongoing and advised that affected Stornoway consumers
could raise a complaint with the Ombudsman Services -
The MP is now writing to the 40 plus constituents who contacted him on this issue to suggest this course of action.
Mr MacNeil said: “This issue was brought to my attention last year by Stornoway guesthouse proprietor Derek Mcpherson who has been a stalwart in pursuing this matter to ensure he and the wider community can get the best deal.
“I am pleased that we have had an initial victory in that all Stornoway customers now have access to the cheapest tariffs as a result of this issue being highlighted publicly.
“However I am continuing to press this matter with Ofgem to investigate whether the deals offered to island customers in the past were the cheapest available.
“I do not think this was the case and expect to hear Ofgem’s view on the situation before the end of the year.”
Energy regulator continues probe into Stornoway gas overcharging claims
29 Sept 2017
MP Angus MacNeil and Derek McPherson forced Scottish Gas to allow customers to switch to lower tariff