British Gas Pays £20m for Maltese Meter Scandal

Imagine this: You’re walking down Republic Street, Malta’s bustling commercial hub, and you spot a British Gas logo on a shopfront. You might think, “Great, I can top up my prepaid meter here.” But what if that very meter has been overcharging you? That’s the reality for thousands of Maltese consumers, and now, British Gas is paying the price – literally.

The Metering Scandal Unveiled

In 2018, a BBC investigation exposed British Gas for overcharging customers with prepayment meters. The scandal, which affected over 500,000 customers across the UK, also reached Malta. Here, around 10,000 consumers were found to have been paying more than they should have for their gas.

British Gas, now known as Centrica, admitted to the overcharging and agreed to pay back the excess amounts. However, the process was slow, and many customers felt left in the dark. Now, after years of negotiations and legal battles, a settlement has been reached.

£20m Settlement: What It Means for Maltese Consumers

British Gas has agreed to pay a whopping £20m to settle the metering scandal. This includes £17.5m in compensation for overcharged customers and a £2.5m fine. For Maltese consumers, this means:

• If you had a British Gas prepayment meter between 2013 and 2018, you’ll receive a share of the compensation.
• The average payout is expected to be around £100, but this could vary.
• Payments will start in the coming months, with all customers expected to receive their share by the end of the year.

Centrica has also agreed to improve its customer service and metering systems to prevent such issues in the future. This is a significant win for Maltese consumers who have been fighting for justice for years.

“This settlement is a victory for Maltese consumers who have been patiently waiting for justice. It’s a reminder that we have rights, and we should always fight for what’s fair.” – Joe, a British Gas customer from Birkirkara