ENERGY COMPANY PRACTICES ON OVERCHARGING AND CREDIT BALANCES

Early day motion 158, tabled 8 December 2008 by Lord Mann (Labour). Signed by 67 members.

That this House notes that for many the cheapest way to pay their energy bills is by direct debit; further notes that direct debit allows companies to vary the amount they withdraw from a customer's account and that energy companies can withdraw more than they are owed and hold this amount in credit; believes that customers have the right to assume that the direct debit sum should not fluctuate without reason; further notes that some energy companies have taken additional sums and held them in credit without cause; observes that this makes it difficult for customers to manage their finances and can leave them without money; and condemns this practice.

Signatures by party: Labour 33, Liberal Democrat 21, Conservative 3, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.