Energy bills could increase again in energy suppliers’ bid to recover debts

Regulator Ofgem mulls fresh hike for most vulnerable customers amid cost of living crisis

Households could be charged an average of £30 per year by energy suppliers as they try to claw back a forecast rise in unpaid bills following curbs on prepayment meter (PPM) installations under plans being considered by the regulator.

Ofgem, the energy regulator, recently toughened up its oversight of PPMs following a scandal in which it emerged that a company used by British Gas to pursue debts was “breaking into” people’s homes to fit them.

The regulator temporarily suspended all installations, before bringing in a new code of practice. Energy firms must now try to contact a customer at least 10 times and conduct a ‘site welfare visit’ before they can forcibly install a PPM.