Ofgem suspended the measure in February last year but has since drawn up new rules. Before suppliers can restart involuntary installations, they must meet the conditions set out by Ofgem.
Prepayment meters cannot be forcibly fitted if all members of the household are over the age of 75, if there are children in the household under the age of two, or if anyone lives there with a terminal illness or condition which could worsen in a cold home.
Companies which break the rules will face enforcement action and unlimited fines, and they will be required to refit a standard meter within 24 hours and pay compensation.
“We still have grave concerns about the processes energy firms have in place for assessing vulnerabilities,” Francis said. “Late last year, Scottish Power were found to be trying to seek warrants to force vulnerable households onto prepayment meters.
“Ultimately, without a change in the law, we knew this day would come. MPs and ministers – who ignored pleas to introduce a full ban – can only hope that it is not their vulnerable constituents who are forced onto these meters.”
Research from Citizens Advice last year found that 3.2 million people across the UK ran out of credit on their prepayment meter in 2022 because they didn’t have enough money. This means they were left in a cold and dark home.
Jonathan Bean from Fuel Poverty Action added: “We are horrified that Ofgem has taken the cruel and dangerous decision to allow Scottish Power and others to break into homes and limit energy supplies in the middle of winter. This will leave many people traumatised and cold.”
Louise Rubin, head of policy and campaigns at disability equality charity Scope, said: “This is alarming news for disabled people. Many disabled people rely on energy to power vital and life-saving equipment, such as wheelchairs, hoists and breathing machines.
“Life costs a lot more for disabled people, and if you can’t afford to top up your meter, the consequences could be disastrous. The new rules are a step in the right direction, but they don’t guarantee that disabled people won’t be forced onto prepayment meters.
“And some energy companies have already been shown to break the rules in the past. Ofgem needs to make sure disabled people aren’t being forced into dangerous situations.”
Customers do have rights if they cannot afford to pay their energy bills and companies are legally obliged to help, such as through drawing up a manageable repayment plan.
Francis said: ““If anyone receives a court summons from their energy firm they must contact Citizens Advice, a local law centre or other advice provider as soon as possible to see if help is available to them. Customers should not ignore these letters as the consequences of doing nothing could be severe.”
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