£220 extra on OAPs’ energy bill ... for not being online

A COUPLE in their 80s who have never used a computer are being charged £220 extra for gas and electricity – because they cannot set up an online account.

Derek and Vera Millett have been loyal customers of energy provider E.ON for years. But the couple, from Westonsuper-Mare in Somerset, were left ‘gobsmacked’ after they were told their bill would be going up by £180 a year from May 1.

On the back of the bill, the provider said they could switch to a different tariff – and save £228.20 a year.

However, this tariff, which E.ON call the ‘Fix Online v10’, requires that the couple set up an online account and pay electronically.

Neither Mr Millett, 89, nor his wife, 88, has ever owned or been on a computer. And at this point in their lives, they do not feel the need to get a smartphone.

Paying the bill in the traditional way, by direct debit or an annual paper bill sent by post, costs the provider more, E.ON said.

Mr and Mrs Millett’s son Colin said: ‘I phoned E.ON on behalf of my parents. I asked if they could make allowances for the fact their customers were loyal customers over the years but were 89 and not online, but was told there was nothing they could do.

‘It is discriminatory against people because of their age, and the worst thing is there are probably loads of people in their 80s in this situation.’

Caroline Abrahams, director of Age UK, said: ‘The internet brings many benefits. However, those who cannot, or choose not to use digital technology should not be disadvantaged or made to feel like second-class citizens.

‘It’s essential that there are alternatives so that the 4.2 million older people who aren’t online do not miss out.’

A spokesman for E.ON said: ‘E.ON Fix Online is an online-only tariff through which customers are required to sign up online, savings for which are reflected in the price.’

‘Discriminating against elderly’