The taxi driver who led the protest against ’unfair’ Manx Gas has welcomed news that the utility is to drop its controversial banded standing charge.

But Barry Murphy believes that customers have been overcharged and may take action to get their money back.

The Manx Gas U-turn was exclusively revealed by the Examiner this week.

Managing director Ian Plenderleith said the system of banded standing charges had failed the ’man in the street’ test. He said some customers could not understand why they were getting big bills in the summer despite having no heating on.

From late March and April, households will be able to choose to stay on the bandings or revert to the old system of a lower standing charge but higher unit tariff.

Mr Murphy, who staged a series of public protests outside Manx Gas’s headquarters, welcomed the move.

He said: ’I’m pleased that finally Manx Gas had decided to take on board the feelings of its customers.

’For the first time, customers are going to get a choice. It’s very unfortunate that it has taken this long.

’We were not looking for a miracle - just looking for an end of unfair charges. We’ve had to push, push and push for any real change.’

The move to end banded standing charge came as the results of a Chief Minister’s committee report on gas regulation was due to be released.

Mr Murphy said: ’The committee report is not going to shine them in a very good light. From an image point of the view, this is a very clever move.’

He said he believed that the report will go to the Council of Ministers this week and then will be debated at the February Tynwald.

Mr Murphy said he believes some customers who felt they were overcharged may take their case to the small claims court.

He said: ’We will wait to see what this report contains. A lot of people feel they have been overcharged and are looking at options for how to get their money back.’