No one should be cut off from their electricity for being in arrears, a Glasgow MP has said.

Anne McLaughlin, Glasgow North East SNP MP, led a debate on prepayment meters at the SNP conference in Aberdeen.

She said: “We are living through catastrophic times.

“Nobody should be cut off from a lack of income. And prepayment customers are in a more precarious position.”

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She added: “It is outrageous that 470,000 people on prepayment meters are afforded fewer rights than I am. We have no say in this and just have to suck it up.

“Well we won’t any longer.”

People on prepayment meters are more likely to be cut off by their supplier than those on direct debt, the MP said.

McLaughlin added: “Energy companies have a part to play too in ensuring that no one is disconnected this winter for getting into debt on their bills.

"They must come together to come up with a solution that ensures no one goes cold this winter.

“Those most at risk of losing their energy supply are also those in the greatest need. People on pre-payment meters pay more per unit of energy and higher daily standing charges than the rest of us.

"But more alarmingly, those who can afford to be on a direct debit are given many chances before disconnection. However, someone on a prepayment meter just needs to be a penny over £10 in debt and they are automatically disconnected.

"Why should some have more rights than people who, in the majority of cases, have a prepayment meter because they are struggling financially?"

The motion was seconded by Glasgow SNP councillor Graham Campbell, who said the Scottish Government should be taking action.

He added: “Our party policy is to have a public energy company.

“We shouldn’t have to wait for independence to do that.

“No one should have to choose between heating and eating.”

READ MORE: The great energy rip off: Why are poorer people paying more for gas and electricity?

The resolution they proposed demanded no one “on these islands” should be “cut off from their supply because of financial hardship”.

A prepayment meter is a more expensive method of being billed for energy.

Citizens Advice says prepaying for your energy lets you pay small amounts often, but it’s usually a more expensive way to pay than getting a bill.

And campaigners have noted if you run out of money, you run out of gas and electricity.