NORWEB'S higher than average standing charges are to be investigated by the government.

Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers has asked energy regulator Callum McCarthy to examine wide regional variations in charges to ensure pensioners and poor consumers are not disadvantaged.

He is particularly concerned about hard-up people on pre-payment meters bearing the biggest burden.

Although Norweb's standing charges are not the highest in the country they are well above the England and Wales average.

Ordinary credit customers pay £8.60 a quarter against an average of £8.30 and direct debt customers pay £8.30 against an average of £7.10.

But in the South East of England - covered by Seeboard - credit customers pay nothing and direct debits get a £2 rebate.

Hardest hit are people on pre-payment meters in the North West who pay £14.40 against an average of £12.80 and a Seeboard charge of just £3.40 a quarter.

Mr Byers said: "We are taking action to provide a modern framework for utility regulation.

Electricity standing charges are a matter of pressing concern - they account for around 13 per cent of a typical bill and can rise to 20 per cent for low volume users. "I have asked energy regulator Callum McCarthy to look into this area to ensure that pensioners and the poor in particular are not disadvantaged.

"This government is putting the needs of consumers at the heart of our policy agenda.

"Knowledgeable consumers stimulate businesses to innovate and so contribute to competitiveness."

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