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Gas protesters to gather for demo

Prospect Hill protest over standing charges

More than 100 protesters are expected to gather this afternoon (19 Sep) outside the Island's parliament, to voice their opposition to controversial charges set by Manx Gas.

The demonstration, organised through social media, is set for 1pm on Prospect Hill.

Campaigners claim they are being overcharged through the energy company's 'standing charge', where the cost of supply is billed separately to the cost of fuel.

The structure has been in place since January 2016, when Manx Gas entered into a voluntary regulatory agreement with the Office of Fair Trading to limit profits.

OFT Chairman Martyn Perkins has pledged to be at Government Office to meet those staging the protest, and 'listen to their concerns'.

In a statement issued last night, Manx Gas managing director Tony Nicholls says anyone worried about the impact of the standing charge structure should contact the company to find out more.

Robert Gardner, a director at Manx Gas, denies customers are being overcharged - but says they're entitled to make their views known:   

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