Ofgem said firms must “work hard to look after their customers” during the cost-of-living crisis, “especially those who are vulnerable”.
It comes after the energy watchdog launched a market-wide probe into prepayment meter installations as it was revealed that debt collectors had broken into British Gas customers’ homes to fit them.
British Gas has suspended the practice, described by Energy Secretary Grant Shapps yesterday as “outrageous”, and he urged other suppliers to follow suit.
Mr Shapps said: “EDF have confirmed they have suspended the Stressful...meter alert outrageous practice of forced installation of prepayment meters following the investigation into British Gas.
“I am now calling on all the other energy companies to confirm they are following suit.”
A newspaper investigation found that debt agents expressed excitement at putting meters in the homes of people who had fallen behind on energy bills.
On one occasion, representatives of a company used by British Gas to pursue debts – Arvato Financial Solutions – reportedly forced their way into the home of a single father of three.
After establishing the property was unoccupied, agents were seen working with a locksmith to force their way in to install a prepayment meter. The locksmith reportedly said: “This is the exciting bit. I love this bit.”
Agents also reportedly forcibly fitted a prepayment meter at the home of a mother with an infant baby.
This story is from the February 03, 2023 edition of Daily Express.
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This story is from the February 03, 2023 edition of Daily Express.
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