npower reveals Net discount tariff

UK domestic utility company npower is understood to be introducing a special discounted tariff for its online subscribers.

Energy industry regulator Ofgem is unaware of any other utility companies offering services on- and offline providing a special discount to Internet customers.

The new product called Internet Tariff is expected to offer a discount of up to ten per cent to online subscribers. A spokesman for Consumers’ Association says: “As a policy matter we believe that a product such as the Internet Tariff would certainly put those people at a disadvantage who do not have Net access”.

It is not clear whether customers that wish to qualify for the online discount will have to sign up to both gas and electricity.

Internet Tariff also allows subscribers to manage their accounts by supplying meter readings on the Net.

The launch of the Internet Tariff is expected to be backed by an ad campaign to break in September.

Its rival British Gas provides the same rates on- and offline for gas and electricity, while PowerGen offers online subscribers &£15 cash back.

Utility companies that supply gas and electricity through the Net such as Virgin Energy, Amerada and Servista, claim to offer a cheaper energy service than existing competition.

npower has also launched a “Health through warmth” initiative its first piece of activity under Ofgem’s Social Action Plan scheme, which provides energy expertise to health professionals and the National Energy Efficiency charity.