Seek advice over restarting of prepayment meters

Lanarkshire residents worried about being forced onto prepayment meters (PPM) are urged to contact the national energy advice service after three major firms were given the go-ahead to restart the practice.

Energy regulator Ofgem announced that Scottish Power, EDF and Octopus will be able to begin forcibly installing the devices in homes after obtaining court warrants.

For customers who already have a smart meter, the firms will also be able to remotely switch them to prepayment mode without the need for a warrant.

However, new rules have been put in place to protect vulnerable consumers after investigations into British Gas and the wider market led to the suspension of the practice.

Hazel Knowles, energy lead for Advice Direct Scotland, said:“We know that this winter is already proving extremely tough for many people. The restart of involuntary PPM action will add to this stress.

“Ofgem’s stricter rules will go a long way in ensuring that the most vulnerable energy customers, who are struggling to pay their bills, are not being forced onto the devices.

“But with Scotland in the grip of winter and energy prices still high, we know that many people will be worried about falling into debt and being given a PPM.

“The devices leave people paying more and at risk of self-disconnection when they can’t afford to top up their meter.

“It’s vital that consumers know their rights and don’t accept a PPM without proper procedures.

“If you have energy debt and are worried, contact energyadvice.scot for advice, information, and support.”

Advice Direct Scotland, which operates the energyadvice.scot service on behalf of the Scottish Government, is encouraging households to be aware of their rights and understand when a supplier can install a prepayment meter.

The charity has reminded Lanarkshire residents that, under Ofgem’s new code, suppliers are now banned from forcing PPMs on the most vulnerable people.

This includes the over-75s, families with children under two, those needing a continuous energy supply for health reasons, or those unable to top-up a meter due to incapacity.

Energy firms must also contact customers at least 10 times about their debt before applying for a warrant.

A team of advisers is available on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, to offer their support.