“Although the revised Code of Practice by Ofgem could be seen as a good start, the reality is, that it doesn’t go far enough and too many people are still at risk of having prepayment meters forced upon them”, said Natalie Don MSP.
Following consultation, Ofgem has announced a revised Code of Practice regarding the forced instalment of prepayment meters. This would see the forced instalments of these meters banned in the homes of consumers over 85 as well as those with some severe illnesses such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and sickle cell disease, which could be worsened by living in a cold home.
This issue arose due to the actions of companies employed by British Gas who broke into the homes of vulnerable customers to install prepayment meters.
There are concerns that this code is merely voluntary, with Ofgem claiming they will make it mandatory in the future. This allows the energy companies to continue as they see fit. There are also concerns that other vulnerable customers do not get even this limited protection, especially those with young children or those with disabilities who may require properly heated homes.
Natalie Don MSP added:
“More needs to be done to ensure that no energy company employs agents to forcibly break into people’s homes to instal prepayment meters. This is unacceptable irrespective of any debt owed by a household.
Ofgem has let the public down
Ofgem has let the public down when it comes to excessive energy price rises and is in danger of doing the same on the issue of prepayment meters.
“The code of practice has to be mandatory for anyone to have any faith that it will work, it also has to be extended to include all vulnerable customers including those with long term illness, disabilities and families with young children.
“Too many households are suffering from extortionate energy price increases yet while the energy companies are making record profits they are using agents to break into vulnerable people’s homes to force them to take a prepayment meter.
“Ofgem has let the public down when it comes to excessive energy price rises and is in danger of doing the same on the issue of prepayment meters.”