Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has had recent discussions with energy companies on the length of time that vulnerable pre-payment meter customers who self-disconnect can be left without energy.

Ofgem’s rules require energy suppliers to identify and support prepayment meter customers at risk of self-disconnection through the provision of emergency credit and additional support credit. Ofgem has recently undertaken a Market Compliance Review assessing how suppliers support customers in vulnerable situations, including those on prepayment meters. Ofgem has started compliance engagement with suppliers and asked them to take action to address the weaknesses that have been identified.

Regarding inherited debt, energy suppliers should update their records when the occupant of a property changes and supply the new occupants with a new card/key in a timely manner.