The Government said it has been assured by every energy company in Britain that they will follow the rules which forbid them to forcefully install pre-payment meters in the homes of vulnerable customers. The practice already goes against the rules, but there have been signs in recent weeks that not all suppliers are following the regulations.
It is also unclear how big an impact the commitments to the Government will have. Companies need a warrant before they can forcibly enter someone’s home to install a pre-payment meter and magistrates have already been told not to issue any more.
The news comes after the practice was pushed into the headlines last week with a Times investigation which revealed some of the methods used by a British Gas subcontractor. Regulator Ofgem has since launched an investigation, and ministers have demanded better practices from energy suppliers.
