Eager to self-disconnect?

Since the deregulation of the United Kingdom electric power industry, the creed of ''competition'' has even affected customers, particularly low income groups and those least able to pay. Consumers in debt to electric utilities are being encouraged to accept pre-payment meters and so the burden of disconnection has shifted from the supplier to the customer. In the light of increasing numbers of poorer families voluntarily ''disconnecting'' themselves, as being unable to afford meter payments is described, a new voluntary nonprofit-making agency the Energy Action Grants Agency (EAGA) may offer such consumers hope. EAGA hopes to buy electricity cheaply from producers and sell direct to such customers. It plans to expand into gas and water supplies if successful. (UK)