Grant Shapps Cracks Down on Energy Suppliers Over Prepayment Meter Abuse
Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has slammed suppliers for shoving vulnerable customers onto prepayment meters without proper support. Today (22 January 2023), he vowed to crack down on this harsh practice that’s leaving people “in the dark.”
Forced Prepayment Switches Under Fire
Shapps has written directly to energy firms, demanding they stop forcing customers onto prepayment meters prematurely. He called on suppliers to exhaust all other options first – like offering extra credit, debt forgiveness, or expert debt advice – before resorting to these harsh measures.
“I simply cannot believe every alternative has been exhausted,” Shapps said. “Suppliers are leaving at-risk customers switched against their will, some even disconnected without warning. This isn’t just rude—it’s cruel.”
Transparency and Accountability
- Suppliers must now disclose the number of court warrants they’ve applied for to forcibly install meters.
- The government plans to publish how well suppliers are redeeming Energy Bills Support Scheme vouchers, highlighting who’s failing vulnerable families.
- A public info campaign is set to remind people to claim their energy bill vouchers, targeting those most in need.
- The new rules aim to flush out rogue firms pushing forced fittings without care.
Government Takes a Tough Line
Energy Minister Graham Stuart backed the measures, saying, “Switching to prepayment should be a last resort. Suppliers must offer compassion, especially during this crisis.”
The government is teaming up with Ofgem and the Ministry of Justice to ensure courts don’t rubber-stamp warrants and that customers aren’t abandoned. They also call for faster rollouts of smart meters, which can help deliver support more smoothly and prevent self-disconnection.
Five-Point Plan to Protect Vulnerable Customers
- Suppliers urged to stop forced prepayment switching voluntarily.
- Mandatory reporting of forced entry warrant applications.
- Publish supplier redemption rates for energy bill support vouchers.
- Launch a government campaign informing consumers on voucher claiming.
- Work with Ofgem to enforce supplier compliance and protect vulnerable users.
With energy bills soaring, the government’s no-nonsense approach sends a clear message: vulnerable customers won’t be left out in the cold.
