Prepayment meters: Consultation on new powers under the Energy Act 2004 and update on recent developments

This document seeks views on how Ofgem should use the new power, introduced by the Energy Act 2004, to extend the range of payments which can be collected through a prepayment meter. Ofgems initial view is that it would be in consumers interests to allow the recovery of an energy debt from a previous property; that it is unclear whether it is in consumers interests to allow the collection of debts relating to gas from an electricity meter and vice versa; and that there may be grounds for considering that it would not be in consumers interests to allow the collection of energy services charges through the meter. Ofgem would welcome the views of consumer groups and the industry on use of the new power. Subject to views, Ofgem will then proceed with work on draft regulations.