SDLP Lisburn Councillor Brian Heading has urged energy companies to offer top-ups for customers on pre-pay tariffs across the board, to bring it in line with that offered to consumers in the Republic.

Councillor Heading said the current cheapest tariff available to keypad customers in the north, from Electric Ireland, is only available at outlets that have Payzone facilities, which are not available in every locality.

Councillor Heading also urged people, particularly those in fuel poverty, to shop around and ensure they are getting the best deal they can from their energy tariffs.

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He said: "Currently the cheapest tariff for keypad customers in the North is from a company called Electric Ireland which allows top-ups in only local Payzone outlets. However, Paypoint is used by the majority of retailers to process top-ups for utility bills in the North.

"Most energy suppliers accept top-ups from both Paypoint and Payzone, however, the largest supplier, Power NI, has recently phased out Payzone top-ups in favour of Paypoint top-ups.

"According to the Consumer Council, Electric Ireland is cheapest at 14.93p for pre-pay tariff, which is a saving of £58 per year. The Consumer Council website has a full list for gas and electricity and I urge people to switch and save as much as they can.

"Many people in deprived areas living in fuel poverty tend to use energy prepay tariffs. Having to travel miles to find an outlet to top-up is unacceptable. The SDLP has raised this with both Energy Ireland and with NI Consumer Council and will continue to do so."

(CD/JP)