Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Prepayment Meters: Vulnerable Households

Tuesday 28 November 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Secretary of State met with CEOs of energy suppliers to emphasize the need for Ofgem's new rules to improve protections for vulnerable consumers.
  • The ban on the involuntary installation of prepayment meters will soon be lifted, raising concerns about potential higher costs for vulnerable households.
  • Discussions are ongoing to ensure that no forced installations of prepayment meters have occurred and to scrutinize the system for protecting vulnerable individuals.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Michael Shanks Lab Rutherglen
Energy Environment
Context

Concern about the impact of involuntary installation of prepayment meters on vulnerable households.

Question

If she will make an assessment of the impact of the mandatory code of practice for the involuntary installation of prepayment meters on vulnerable households.

Answer from Amanda Solloway

The Secretary of State and I met CEOs of energy suppliers recently. We emphasised that Ofgem's new rules must be implemented and lead to improved protections for vulnerable consumers. We are working closely with Ofgem and the industry to ensure that that is the case.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of impact on vulnerable households not provided.

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Q2 Tony Lloyd Lab
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Concern about the lifting of ban potentially affecting families with children over two years old and pensioners under 75.

Question

The Minister will be aware that the ban on the involuntary installation of prepayment meters will be lifted soon. That will mean families with children over two years old and pensioners under 75 who are still vulnerable will potentially face the higher cost of prepayment meters. There is the possibility, of course, that when they run out of tokens they will be cut off. Is that right?

Answer from Amanda Solloway

First of all, we have been mindful of ensuring that there is no higher cost to prepayment meters. We are mindful of the fact that prepayment meters have a place in certain households, because we are very sure that we must not increase debt.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Confirmation of potential higher costs and disconnection not provided.

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Q3 Michael Shanks Lab Rutherglen
Energy Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Concern about the lack of demonstration of compliance with the code of practice and Scottish Power's court actions.

Question

I thank the Minister for that answer, but what is it about the code of practice that means two-year-olds are vulnerable but three-year-olds are not? What is the difference between those households? Why has Scottish Power been able to go to court to obtain warrants to install prepayment meters forcibly before it has been able to demonstrate any compliance with the code? Is that not the wrong way around?

Answer from Amanda Solloway

Just for assurance, we have held conversations with Ofgem and suppliers to make sure no forced instalments have taken place yet. We are scrutinising the system to ensure that all vulnerable people are able to access the energy they need.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Explanation of age criteria and legal actions not provided.

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