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Written question asked by Dan Carden (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 January 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 January 2023. It was answered by Graham Stuart (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 January 2023 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.


Energy: Meters

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to his Answer to the Question from the hon. Member for Eltham of 17 January 2023, Official Report, column 161, whether he plans to amend the (a) Gas Act 1986 and (b) Electricity Act 1989 to help tackle the practice of customers being forced onto prepayment meters.

Answer

When installing a prepayment meter, suppliers have to consider whether this is safe and practicable, including whether a prepayment meter is appropriate for the specific customer. Ofgem rules restrict the force fitting a prepayment meter (PPM) to repay debt, except as a last resort. As my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State set out in the House on 17th January, officials are working on measures to support PPM consumers.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
126781
Session
2022-23
Related items
Household Energy Bills
Tuesday, 17 January 2023
Oral questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Enforcement Energy Meters Pre-payment
Legislation
Electricity Act 1989
Gas Act 1986
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk