A scandal erupted last winter when it emerged some energy firms had been forcing customers to have pre-payment meters, which rack up energy bills. However, energy firms can still fit pre-payment meters without customers' consent, so long as they abide by Ofgem's rules. Energy firms have to make at least 10 attempts to contact a customer before a pre-payment meter is installed. Why do energy firms fit pre-payment meters? Customers with pre-payment meters pay more for their energy than those without, because pre-payment meters are more expensive for energy firms to operate.

Source: Daily Mail September 13, 2023 17:42 UTC