Written question asked by Margaret Moran (Labour) on Monday, 8 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 October 2007. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Monday, 15 October 2007 on behalf of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

Utilities: Fees and Charges

Question: (3) what measures he plans to take to assist households who have received backdated payment requests by energy suppliers who have not recalibrated token prepayment meters; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) is responsible for regulating gas and electricity supply, including matters related to prepayment meters, and I have no plans to meet with the energy suppliers on this issue. I welcome Ofgem's commitment to working with suppliers to improve their performance in recalibrating and replacing certain prepayment meters. My Department continues to monitor progress. Ofgem has provided regular updates on suppliers' progress, with the latest published in a letter of 9 August from its Director of Governance. This letter, which included details of the progress on customer communication made by Scottish Power, Powergen and npower, is available from Ofgem's website at:"www.ofgem.gov.uk"

Secondary information