Lib Dem Bill to ban prepayment meters seeks to protect vulnerable from exploitation

EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Bill to prevent vulnerable people from exploitation by energy companies will be brought to Parliament tomorrow [3rd February]. The Bill tabled by Liberal Democrat Energy spokesperson Wera Hobhouse MP seeks to halt the installation of prepayments meters until April. 

It comes as prepayment meters have been criticised for costing a “poverty premium” to vulnerable people and those already struggling with their energy bills. An investigation by The Times has reported that energy company engineers are ‘forcing themselves into homes’ to install them. 

Under the terms of the Bill, energy companies would be prohibited from forcing households into prepayment meters as a result of unpaid bills or debt to providers, at present the Government has only asked them to voluntarily stop installing them. 

Commenting on her Bill ahead of tomorrow's reading, Liberal Democrat Energy Spokesperson, Wera Hobhouse MP, said:

“These predatory prepayment schemes cannot go on a moment longer. No one should need to pay a poverty premium because of this Government’s incompetence. 

“The cost of living crisis this Conservative Government has plummeted us into is already making life more challenging for vulnerable people, retired pensioners and hardworking families. The last thing they need is to have their energy security taken away and replaced with an expensive meter liable to run out at any moment. 

“Conservative MPs have a choice to make tomorrow, they can back my Bill and keep vulnerable people secure, safe and warm, or they can plunge people further into debt and leave millions wondering how long the heating and lights will last on their limited budget.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

1. Full text of the Bill:

Prepayment Metres (Prohibition) Bill

A Bill to end the installation of prepayment metres in private households until April 2023; and for connected purposes.

2. The Times exclusive investigation into prepayment meter practices can be found here.