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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Alex Lawson

Energy firms to ban forced prepay meter installations in homes of over-85s

Jonathan Brearley Ofgem Great Britain
Older person using a quantum key prepayment electric meter
Energy suppliers have agreed not to fit prepayment meters for customers aged over 85 or anyone with a terminal illness. Photograph: Libby Welch/Alamy

Energy suppliers have agreed to a ban on forcibly installing prepayment meters in the homes of customers over 85 and will make representatives wear body cameras as part of a new code of conduct, the Guardian can reveal.

Suppliers have agreed to fresh guidelines for putting in the devices when households have run up energy debt after an outcry over agents using court-approved entry warrants to break in to install them.

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