Ban on Forced Prepayment Meters for Over-85s and Sick
New rules now ban the forced installation of prepayment meters in the homes of customers aged over 85 and those with severe illnesses. This crackdown follows a shocking scandal where British Gas agents were caught breaking into vulnerable people’s homes to fit the meters. The undercover probe by The Times sparked public outrage and forced regulators to act.
Voluntary Rules Under Scrutiny
Although suppliers must now prove to the regulator that they are following these updated guidelines, the rules are currently voluntary. Charity Citizens Advice is calling for the measures to be made mandatory to shield vulnerable customers from being forced onto prepayment meters without consent.
Controversy Over Prepayment Meters
Energy firms argue switching customers to prepayment meters helps those in debt manage their bills. But campaigners warn these meters are a danger to vulnerable households. Customers must top up regularly or risk losing heat and electricity—a frightening prospect for the elderly or sick.
Strict New Measures to Protect Customers
- Suppliers must make at least ten contact attempts before fitting a prepayment meter.
- A “site welfare visit” is required before installation.
- Technicians fitting meters must wear body cameras or audio recorders to ensure rule compliance.
- Forced installations come with an automatic £30 credit to avoid immediate loss of supply.
- Customers needing continuous supply for health reasons or unable to top-up won’t be switched.
- Suppliers must identify wrongful installations and revert customers to their old tariff with compensation offered.
Despite these steps, campaigners insist the rules don’t go far enough, warning vulnerable customers could still suffer forced prepayment meter installs. The fight to protect the most at-risk energy users is far from over.
