The 2023 tightening
After significant public criticism in 2022-2023, Ofgem tightened the rules on involuntary prepayment meter installation.
Suppliers must now offer other options first, must not install for the most vulnerable households, and must have safeguards in place.
Voluntary installation (customer-agreed) continues as normal.
Who cannot have a forced installation
Households with a serious medical dependency on continuous supply (dialysis, oxygen therapy).
Households where children under 2 are present.
Households with serious mental health conditions.
Households with severe physical disability.
Extreme financial hardship situations.
Some over-75 households.
The remote switching issue
Some smart meters can be switched to prepayment mode remotely by the supplier. This has caused controversy because it can happen without the physical warrant of entry process.
Rules apply to remote switching too — the same vulnerability protections and other-options-first requirement.
If your supplier is proposing prepayment installation
Ask specifically about hardship funds, extended payment plans and vulnerability assessment. All should be offered before prepayment.
Complain if you feel the process is not being followed. The Energy Ombudsman can review the case.
A Debt Relief Order or IVA can clear the underlying debt and prevent the need for prepayment.