I have read through this thread and have arrived at my own conclusion which was the same as when I started .
I am surprised that no one has actually mentioned the cause of the problem,because the not so well off have to pay as they go they have to pay much more for their gas and electricity.
The utility companies tell us that because it is so expensive to run these systems they have to charge a much higher tarrif, added to this the payment cards must be purchased from local newsagents etc and they would also not be doing this for nothing ,they would be taking their cut.
20% would be a conservative estimate of the extra they must pay,if you take this as an average of the yearly fuel bill then an amount of over £200.00 raises it's ugly head.
Familiar figures?
I can't understand that the poorest section of the population have to pay the
highest price
After all they are unable to try around for a better price ,are not able to pay by direct debit or get fixed prices.
Surely in this age of computers and the like some system could be put into situe by these fat utility companies to ease the burden
The question is "do they want to?" profit is their god.And they will no doubt produce figures to show it is not possible,but we all know the figuers will show what they want us to see.
I know there is a simple solution that these highly paid wizz kids can come up with
Perhaps the charity involved would approach these people and get some dialogue going.