In response to the news that energy firms have agreed to stop the forced installation of prepayment meters, the charity Scope calls for an outright ban backed up with compensation.

Tom Marsland, Policy Manager at disability equality charity Scope, said:

“Energy suppliers committing to stop forced installations of prepayment meters is welcome but not enough, a total ban on this practice is needed right now.

“Energy suppliers should urgently review all their forced meter installations and switches, that way disabled people who aren’t on the Priority Service Register (PSR) won’t be missed out.

“This needs to be backed up with an offer to switch disabled people forcibly moved back to a credit meter.

“At the same time Ofgem needs to step up to the plate, get tough with suppliers, and order suppliers to pay compensation to disabled customers affected by this.

“But the root cause is eye-watering energy costs, and to address this the government needs to introduce a discounted or social energy tariff for disabled people.”