Ofgem pledges permanent help with energy bills

13/07/2022


The industry watchdog wants to protect prepayment customers and those struggling financially.

By Charlotte Whyatt · 29th June 2020

Ofgem has announced that they will provide more financial help and support for prepayment customers and those struggling to pay their energy bills.  

When the UK went into lockdown the UK’s energy suppliers voluntarily agreed to put measures in place, like being able to nominate a third-party to go and top up your prepayment card if you’re self-isolating, to ensure these kinds of customers remain supplied with energy.  

The industry regulator now wants to offer more permanent protection. Even prior to coronavirus they were concerned about the growing number of prepayment customers, who are also often classed as vulnerable, that go without energy after their credit runs out.  

Under Ofgem’s new proposals:

  • Suppliers must provide emergency and friendly hours credit to prepayment customers, so extra credit when their meter is about to run out to tide them over until they’re able to top up.
  • Those prepayment customers who fall into the vulnerable category will be able to receive credit while they work out another way to pay. For example, somebody who is unable to go out and top up due to a disability.
  • Suppliers will set repayment rates based on the customer’s ability to repay and keep an eye on the arrangement to make sure it’s still viable.

Many suppliers do already offer help to vulnerable and prepayment customers, for example offering emergency credit between £5 and £20, but the introduction of these proposals will help to make it standard across the industry.  

“It is always best for customers to keep up with their energy bills if they can. But at this time when many may face financial hardship, these proposals mean those who are struggling to keep up are assured of some breathing space,” said Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive of Ofgem.

Source: Ofgem

Compare our best energy deals and switch in minutes

Get started >

A service you can trust

Trustpilot excellent rating

How switching works

  1. Enter your details

    Answer a few quick questions and then we can find you some great energy deals based on your location and usage.

  2. Compare our best deals

    Once we’ve got your prices we’ll help you compare the best ones, and we can answer any questions you have too.

  3. We’ll handle the switch

    With us there’s no obligation, but if you want to take one of the energy deals then we’ll handle it all for you free of charge.

DID YOU KNOW?

49 % of consumers say they have never switched, or have only switched once. Make sure you're not missing out on a better deal.

Don't overpay - switch today

Get Started