Isle of Man gas firm pauses disconnections after watchdog concerns

The OFT chairman last week said a further 90 people had faced being cut off

The Isle of Man's monopoly gas provider has agreed to a "short pause" in disconnecting customers who are in debt and struggling to pay their bills.

Office Fair of Trading (OFT) chairman John Wannenburgh said "constructive talks" had been held with Isle of Man Energy after concerns were raised.

The break would give the watchdog time to review a number of households in danger of being cut off, he said.

The gas provider also made a commitment not to disconnect vulnerable customers.

Those on the company's priority care register include those aged over 65, people who have a disability or long-term illness, parents of children under the age of five, and people who are recovering from hospital treatment.

Residents who have experienced a recent bereavement, break-up or job loss and have been living independently for the first time will also now be signposted to appropriate support, instead of being cut off.

Isle of Man Energy has also committed to review and update its disconnection policy.

Monitor the situation

Last week, the energy provider confirmed 30 customers who had built up "significant" debt had been issued with disconnection notices and the OFT chairman said he had been made aware of 90 more people who faced being cut off.

Mr Wannenburgh told Tynwald members the company was within its remit to disconnect those who did not pay, but vulnerable people should be helped "were we can".

The OFT chairman said, prior to Monday's talks, it had appeared the firm had shown "not much" compassion and had treated its customers with "contempt".

He also confirmed it had been agreed that every disconnection notice would cross the desk of the gas firm's managing director for his verification.

The gas firm and government would continue to monitor the situation "closely" and would meet again to review the developments, he added.

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