Ofgem announced yesterday that all British domestic energy suppliers have signed up to an updated Code of Practice and tougher Ofgem oversight of prepayment meters (PPMs) that are enforced under warrant installations or remotely switched without consent .
The Code of Practice sets out clear procedures that suppliers must follow, strengthening protections for customers in vulnerable situations. The new Code was developed in consultation with Citizens Advice, Energy UK and other key stakeholders. Implementation of the Code will be subject to new detailed monitoring by energy regulator Ofgem.
Ofgem requires suppliers to work with, and support customers, who are struggling to pay their bills, to limit the build-up of bad debt, for the benefit of all consumers. See press release.
Citizens Advice and Ofgem have opened a phone line to support the national evidence call to ask energy customers to share their experiences of moving to a prepayment meter (PPM). It is calling for the experiences of customers who either have had PPMs installed to recover unpaid bills or those who actively choose to use pay-as-you-go to manage their budgets. There are approximately four million customers overall in Britain on prepayment meters.
The phone line builds on the web form for the evidence call launched earlier in April, and means that people who cannot access the internet have a chance to have their say.
The number is 0800 464 3374.
