An advice centre in Watford has slated energy companies prepayment services as "stuck in the dark ages" as it launches a new campaign.

Watford Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)'s 'Fair Play for Prepay' asks energy companies to offer a greater choice of tariffs and more innovative ways for their customers to top up.

The centre said one in six energy customers pay for gas and electricity in advance by topping up their prepayment meter via a card from their local store  - which is inconvenient and costs around £80 more than other payment methods.

Other industries that allow people to pay up front for services, like mobile phones, have come up with more innovative ways to add credit, but energy customers still have to top-up by going to a nearby shop.

Charlene Marks, advice session supervisor of Watford CAB, said: "Energy top-ups are stuck in the dark ages.

"It’s bizarre that people can top up mobile phones by text and buy shopping online, but when it comes to prepayment energy, customers have to traipse to the local store.

"If you are housebound or have children at home, getting out to top-up your gas and electricity can be really difficult.  If it runs out unexpectedly then you are faced with no heating or lighting until you can get to the shops.

"In this day and age life could be made much easier for these customers by topping up over the phone or online.

"Energy firms also need to look at boosting choice for prepayment customers.  Having one or two options to choose from is not enough to make this part of the market competitive and drive down prices."