Complaints from customers to the Energy Ombudsman reportedly numbered more than 100,000 last year. The ombudsman is described on its website as being approved by UK regulator Ofgem to independently handle disputes between consumers and energy suppliers. Ofgem subsequently ordered all domestic energy companies to suspend the system of forcibly installing prepayment meters, while Business Secretary Grant Shapps described the practice as “outrageous”. It is unclear whether authorities will want to ban the forced switching of customers to prepayment meters. Energy UK chief executive Emma Pinchbeck said: “With millions of people struggling to pay energy bills as the cost of living soars, more people than ever are contacting their energy supplier for help.

Source: The Times February 04, 2023 06:06 UTC