Ofgem statement on prepayment meters installed under warrant
Press release
- Publication date
- Industry sector
- Supply and Retail Market
An Ofgem spokesperson said:
“Installing pre-payment meters under warrant should be used as a last resort by energy suppliers when consumers get into debt. It is a way to prevent a customer from being disconnected. Suppliers can only install a prepayment meter where it is safe and reasonably practical for the consumer to use.”
Notes
Suppliers should be doing all they can to support customers struggling to pay. This includes the provision of energy efficiency advice, signposting to social support and setting any outstanding debt repayments on the meter at an affordable level taking into consideration the customers' financial circumstances. Customers struggling with debt should talk to their supplier as soon as possible.
Suppliers are required to treat customers fairly. We are looking into reasons behind the increase in the number of PPMs installed for non-payment of debt on a warrant visit.
Ofgem is committed to supporting vulnerable consumers. We are working with Citizens Advice and industry to further improve the experience of prepayment customers and to better identify and protect customers who are self-disconnecting. We want to make it easier for prepayment customers to switch supplier as this could help them better manage their bills. We will also formalise suppliers’ current voluntary practice of allowing PPM customers with a debt of up to £500 per fuel to switch, by making it an obligation.
Suppliers should demonstrate when applying for the warrant that they have carried out appropriate checks for vulnerability. If for example the customer relies on energy for medical reasons, or has mobility problems that limit their ability to access the prepayment meter or top up the meter, the supplier is not allowed to install a prepayment meter.