Forced installation of prepayment meters banned for over 85s

Forced Installation of Prepayment Meters Banned for Over 85sThe government has announced a ban on energy suppliers forcing the installation of prepayment meters for customers over the age of 85. This move has come as a relief to many elderly people who have been pressured into having prepayment meters installed in their homes, often due to debt issues with their energy supplier.

Prepayment meters work by requiring customers to pay for their energy usage in advance. This can be through the purchase of a card or key, which is then inserted into the meter to activate the energy supply. The cost of energy is deducted from the credit on the card or key, and customers must top up their credit regularly to ensure a continuous supply of energy.

While prepayment meters can be useful for those who struggle to pay their energy bills, they can also be a source of stress and anxiety for many elderly people. This is because they require regular trips to the shops to top up credit, which can be difficult for those with limited mobility or who are reliant on others for transport.

Furthermore, prepayment meters often come with higher energy tariffs than standard meters, which can result in higher energy bills for those who already struggle to make ends meet.

The government's ban on forced installation of prepayment meters for customers over the age of 85 is therefore a significant step in protecting vulnerable individuals from unnecessary stress and financial hardship.

Instead, energy suppliers will now be required to offer alternative payment options, such as direct debit or pay-as-you-go smart meters, which offer more flexibility and convenience for elderly customers.

This ban is part of a wider effort by the government to protect consumers from unfair practices by energy suppliers. In 2018, the government introduced a cap on energy prices for customers on standard variable tariffs, which has helped to reduce bills for millions of households.

Energy Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, said: "Protecting vulnerable customers is a priority for this government, and the ban on forced installation of prepayment meters for over 85s is an important step in achieving that goal. We will continue to work with energy suppliers to ensure that all customers are treated fairly and have access to affordable energy."

The ban on forced installation of prepayment meters for over 85s is a positive development for elderly customers who have been struggling with the stress and financial burden of these meters. By offering more flexible payment options, energy suppliers can help to ensure that vulnerable customers are able to access affordable energy without undue stress or hardship.