Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies is urging British Gas to reconsider its decision to switch from Paypoint to Payzone for customers with prepayment meters.
The energy giant chose to end its Paypoint contract at the end of December, which has caused significant problems for many of its customers, particularly those living in rural areas.
Concerned about the situation, James has signed a letter from MPs to British Gas asking them to reconsider the changes and reinstate the contract with Paypoint.
James said:
“These changes are very concerning and are causing great difficulty for many of my constituents here in the Vale of Clwyd, where PayPoint previously provided British Gas top-up energy services through 48 shops.
“Paypoint was founded to support vulnerable people such as the elderly, disabled and those of very low incomes, providing convenient cash payment services near to their homes, operating early to late, seven days a week.
“I have been informed that the replacement service is offering only 12 locations and customers have expressed concern that not all stated locations exist or are equipped to provide British Gas services.
“Whilst I appreciate that having the contract with Payzone (owned by the Post Office), may reduce costs for British Gas, it should not come at the expense of customers from the most vulnerable sections of our community.
“I have therefore signed the letter from MPs to British Gas urging them to reconsider this change and reinstate the contract with Paypoint, who have since written to me stating that they have “preserved the capability to switch our services back on within a few days if instructed to do so”.”