Prepayment meters can be refused for these six reasons - even if you owe money
dailyrecord.co.ukA finance expert has explained reasons households can refuse a prepayment meter installation after Ofgem has asked all energy firms to stop fitting the devices.It comes after The Times revealed that British Gas debt agents "broke in" to vulnerable customers' homes to fit meters.An undercover investigation published Wednesday alleges that third party debt collectors acting on behalf of the supplier obtained court warrants to legally enter homes of customers in arrears.
Once installed, households have to pay into the metre for gas and electricity.Debt finance expert Scott Nelson at MoneyNerd has explained the certain circumstances you can refuse a prepayment meter installation and these range from illness and physical ability to whether you've been given a chance to repay your bills.In 2018, Ofgem previously warned firms over using the tactic, as it is meant to be used as a last resort.
It has now asked all energy suppliers to review their use of court warrants to enter customers' homes who are behind payments.If faced with a debt collector - called sheriff officer in Scotland - there are legal rights that people have when it comes to letting them into your home.
Now, one expert has also shared the circumstances where you can refuse a prepayment meter.According to Mr Nelson, the top reasons that you may refuse a prepayment meter include:Perhaps the debt on the account has been accrued by a previous tenant, or that the debt never existed in the first place.If this is the case, you need to contact your supplier and explain the situation.
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