In 2022, more than 94,000 prepayment meters were installed in British homes using court warrants and without the customers’ consent, according to a statement from the government. British
Gas, Scottish Power, and OVO Energy were found to account for 70% of these forced installations. Prepayment meters allow customers to pay for their energy bills on a pay-as-you-go basis. However, some suppliers obtained court warrants to break into the homes of customers who had fallen behind on their bills to install prepayment meters, meaning they could have their heating cut off if they did not pay.
This practice caused significant concerns for customers and the UK energy regulator Ofgem instigated an urgent investigation into such practices, asking all energy suppliers to stop the forced installation of prepayment meters in people's homes in February 2023. The surge in energy prices over the past few months has left many households facing significant energy bills and debt.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) reported that British Gas, Scottish Power, and OVO Energy forcibly installed 66,187 prepayment meters under warrant last year, with Scottish Power being the worst offender, force-fitting more than 24,300 meters. British Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps stated that "Today's figures give a clear and horrifying picture of just how widespread the forced installation of prepayment meters had become, with last year seeing an average of over 7,500 force-fitted a month."
The government is calling on energy companies to focus on compensating such customers. British Gas owner Centrica (CNA.L) stated that it would "only ever apply for a warrant as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted". The company said this is a months-long process in which it makes "multiple efforts to engage and communicate with a customer to try and find a solution".
The installation of prepayment meters has been a controversial issue in the UK for several years, and many have criticized the practice of using court warrants to force customers to use them. The current situation is indicative of the challenges faced by energy companies and customers alike, with many households struggling to pay their bills due to the high energy prices. Energy companies have a responsibility to ensure that their customers are treated fairly, and that any concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
The use of prepayment meters is not a new phenomenon, and they have been in use for many years. They allow customers to pay for their energy usage in advance, rather than receiving a bill at the end of the month. This can be useful for people who want to keep track of their energy usage and avoid unexpected bills. However, the use of court warrants to force customers to use them is a controversial practice that has been criticized by many.
In conclusion, the forced installation of prepayment meters in British homes without the customers’ consent is a significant concern, with more than 94,000 meters installed using court warrants in 2022. The government and energy companies must work together to find a solution that is fair and reasonable for customers, while also ensuring that energy companies can operate effectively in a challenging market. The current situation is a reminder that energy companies have a responsibility to treat their customers fairly, and that any concerns should be addressed promptly and effectively. Photo by KRoock74, Wikimedia commons.