The recent announcement by Ofgem demanding energy suppliers to give struggling customers more chances to clear their debts before forcibly switching them to prepayment meters has been met with scepticism and criticised that it does not go far enough

The new rules prohibit the forced installation of prepayment meters in the homes of customers over 85 and those with severe illnesses. The ban on forced installation was implemented after British Gas agents were discovered breaking into the homes of vulnerable customers. The undercover investigation by The Times created a public outcry and brought the issue to the forefront of the public’s minds.

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While the new rules are voluntary, suppliers are required to show the regulator that they are keeping to the updated code. However, charity Citizens Advice believes that the rules should be swiftly made mandatory to prevent vulnerable people from being forced into installations.

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