British Gas backtracks on changing energy meter top ups minimum from £1 to £5
BRITISH GAS has backtracked on a change that pushed up minimum energy meter top-ups from £1 to £5 after backlash from customers.
Customers said that the new rule, which was implemented in January, could push them into debt, especially when money is tight at the end of the month.
Today, the energy giant said that it had "listened to customers" and would be reversing the decision.
The move comes after 91,000 people signed a petition on the 39Degrees website set-up by Labour MP, Preet Kaur Gill.
38 Degrees campaigner, Ruby Earle, said: “This goes to show the power ordinary people can have when we come together.
"More than 90,000 members of the public have taken on a multi billion pound company - and won - by signing petitions, sending emails to British Gas and sharing our personal stories, supporting Preet Gill MP’s campaign.
Preet Gill MP said: “This is a vital win for the thousands of people affected by British Gas’s decision to raise the minimum pre-pay top-up.
"Our campaign has revealed the extent of the fuel poverty crisis under this government.
"Much more needs to be done to ensure that no one has to choose between eating and heating their home.
"I urge other energy providers to follow suit.”
Rival suppliers such as Bulb also impose a minimum £5 charge for electricity top-ups.
The higher minimum limit was introduced at the same time as Payzone started running a new top-up system for British Gas - but it made it available at 15,000 fewer locations.
The changes caused chaos for some customers who were left without gas and electricity has temperatures plummeted.
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This included one mum with a son, 2, were left without heating for three days.
And it's not the first time that the top-up system has been plagued with troubles.
In October, some British Gas customers were unable to top up meters or pay bills online when its system crashed.