Business · Companies · 8 hrs ago
British Gas resumes forced prepayment meter installations
British Gas can again force-install prepayment meters in customers’ homes to recover unpaid energy bills, after Ofgem lifted a restriction that had applied to the supplier for almost four years.
The change comes months after British Gas paid a £112m settlement over its role in a previous scandal involving debt collectors entering vulnerable customers’ homes.
That scandal erupted during the 2022 energy crisis, when investigators found agents had overlooked signs of vulnerability, including serious health conditions and disabilities.
The installations can start this winter, as households face high energy bills and campaigners warn the change could add to fears about falling behind on payments.
Ofgem says a forced installation should be a last resort, and rules require suppliers to try to contact customers at least 10 times and make a welfare visit first.
Some households remain protected, including those with someone over 75, a child under two, or a person with severe health issues or medical equipment.
British Gas says it will check customers’ circumstances and offer support and repayment plans where possible, while campaigners warn that safeguards must be enforced.
British Gas has resumed force-fitting prepayment meters in the homes of customers who cannot afford their energy bills.
The move follows Ofgem’s decision to lift a block on the company that had been in place for almost four years.
British Gas paid more than £100m in a settlement over its role in a previous prepayment meter scandal.
The company says involuntary installations will be a last resort and will follow vulnerability and affordability checks.
Fuel poverty campaigners warn the change could increase households’ fears and stress as energy bills rise this winter.
- Who
- British Gas is resuming forced prepayment meter installations, following a regulatory decision by Ofgem.
- What
- The company can again fit prepayment meters in customers’ homes to recover unpaid bills.
- When
- From this winter. The article was published on 2 November 2026.
- Where
- In customers’ homes; the article does not state a specific location.
- Why
- British Gas says it needs to take appropriate action to recover unpaid bills from customers who can pay but do not engage.
British Gas and Ofgem
End Fuel Poverty Coalition
Purpose of forced installations
British Gas and Ofgem
British Gas says they can be used to recover unpaid bills when customers can pay but do not engage.
End Fuel Poverty Coalition
The coalition warns the change could increase people’s fears and stress about energy bills.
Safeguards
British Gas and Ofgem
British Gas says involuntary fittings will be a last resort, with vulnerability and affordability checks; Ofgem says warrant installations should be a last resort and carried out safely and lawfully.
End Fuel Poverty Coalition
The coalition says some system failures identified in earlier investigations are still happening, and magistrates are still approving bulk batches of applications.
A block prevented British Gas from fitting prepayment meters in customers’ homes to recover unpaid bills.
Ofgem lifted its industry-wide moratorium on forced meter installations for some suppliers.
The Guardian reported that British Gas had resumed force-fitting prepayment meters.
British Gas agents will be able to force-fit prepayment meters in homes.
- Settlement
- More than £100m paid by British Gas
- Regulator
- Ofgem
- Contact attempts
- At least 10 required before a prepayment meter is installed
- Welfare visit
- Required before installation
- Protected households
- Forced fittings remain banned in homes with people over 75 or young children
- Forecast household energy debt
- More than £7bn
What people are saying
It’s almost as if regulators and ministers are failing to remember the lessons of the last energy price spike.
should only be a last resort, with rigorous checks to ensure debt is recovered lawfully, proportionately and safely
We know many households are struggling with energy costs, and we offer significant support to those who need it most.