The energy regulator is proposing that new rules brought in to protect struggling prepayment meter customers should be a compulsory part of licence conditions for suppliers.
The voluntary code of practice, unveiled in May, bans forcibly installing prepayment meters (PPM) into the homes of people over the age of 85 and gives extra protections to vulnerable households.
All UK household energy suppliers signed up the code but regulator Ofgem said it now wants to make the voluntary arrangements “binding”.
It has also proposed that suppliers get compensated for a type of credit offered to the most vulnerable PPM customer, PA Media explain.
Neil Kenward, director for strategy for Ofgem, said:
“We are committed to ensuring robust protections are in place for vulnerable customers.
“The voluntary code of practice for prepayment meters enhanced protections, setting clear rules for when a prepayment meter is or isn’t acceptable, as well as new requirements around the installation of prepayment meters.
“We are now seeking to make these voluntary arrangements binding, and we welcome all views on this statutory consultation.”
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