Age UK pulls the plug on E.On partnership amidst PR disaster
Charity Age UK has abruptly pulled the plug on an ill-fated partnership with energy giant E.On amidst criticism that its branded tariff was more expensive than other similar deals.
Age UK came under fire following claims in The Sun that it was raking in £6m a year from the deal at the expense of consumers who were left paying over the odds for their power, undermining the charities reputation.
In response Age UK said E.On had been unable to offer tariffs as low as it would have liked and has thus withdrawn its association for all new and renewing customers although those already signed up will remain unaffected and can switch at any point without facing any penalties.
Commenting on the decision Ian Foy, managing director of Age UK Trading, said: "We always aim to give our customers outstanding value for money. This decision... will give us the opportunity to review the current situation."
The Sun had reported that the Age UK recommended rate saw pensioners hit by an average bill of £1,049 per year, a £245 increase on the cheapest deal offered by the energy supplier last year.