Energy supplier Ovo has paused forced prepayment meter installations over Christmas to help customers through the cost of living crisis. The move will mean people who have fallen into debt on a credit meter and face having their supplier install a pay as you go replacement will have some respite over the Christmas period.
Ovo said the measure is already in effect and will remain in place until Saturday, December 31. It comes as campaigners have been calling for an immediate ban on compulsory prepayment meter installations, which are made under court warrants.
Prepayment meters require regular top-ups, which can be done online using a debit or credit card or by adding store-bought credit to a smart key or card. Prepayment meters charge for gas and electricity usage at a higher rate, which could mean customers who are already in debt may struggle to keep them regularly topped up.
