Prepayment Meters

Aaron Bell Excerpts

Monday 23rd January 2023 Commons Chamber

[Graham Stuart]

Heat and light, not least as driven by the current energy prices, constitute a significant cost to families and to the nation. We have to work with the system to provide additional credit and support for people, but, having had 30 suppliers close business, with high costs imposed on the system and thus on consumers, we must get the balance right, so that we have a system that encourages people to pay their bills but also protects those who most need help.

[Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Con)]

I thank that the Minister for his statement. I have a number of constituents who use prepayment meters. Should energy companies not be using all their efforts this winter to focus on supporting those constituents with their energy costs, such as with the voucher scheme he has already mentioned, rather than trying to transition them forcibly on to prepayment meters?

[Graham Stuart]

My hon. Friend is right, as ever, and that is an important part of the message we are sending out today. I think this urgent question helps to strengthen that message to suppliers and others to ensure that people who are in a vulnerable position are supported to the greatest extent possible.