Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of a permanent ban of (a) forced prepayment meter installations and (b) the remote switching of smart meters to prepayment mode for households where there is a disabled person present.

A permanent ban on the use of involuntary prepayment meter installation would likely see a move to using debt enforcement via the courts and bailiffs, which is not a desirable outcome.

The Code of Practice that Ofgem have agreed with industry and consumer groups sets out clear procedures that suppliers must follow, strengthening protections for customers in vulnerable situations, including banning involuntary switching for customers in high-risk categories.