Energy firms face looming deadline to reveal how many customers they have forced onto prepayment meters
Ofgem has ordered energy companies to stop the forced installation of the meters, but sources close to Grant Shapps say he’s concerned about a blanket banBy.companies on Thursday to stop the forced installation of prepayment meters and review their processes for dealing with customers who have fallen into arrears.
Downing Street has been pushing the regulator to take a tougher line and British Gas was hauled in for a meeting with the energy minister on Thursday, after an undercover reporter revealed details of how the company hires contractors to break into the homes of vulnerable customers and install the meters.iBut he has shied away from proposing legislation on the issue.
On Twitter, Mr Shapps said: “EDF have now confirmed they have suspended the outrageous practice of forced installation of prepayment meters following the investigation into British Gas.Companies have been told that by the end of next week they must supply statistics on how many warrants they have taken out to install meters in customers’ homes. Any firms seen to have relied on the warrants disproportionately will be named and shamed.
Any found to have illegally forced vulnerable customers to have meters should face criminal proceedings, & if any vulnerable customers have died due in part to this, very serious charges should be brought. No reason why corporate manslaughter laws should not be extended to cover
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