Help for households with energy prepayment meters is one the government’s many responses to the corona virus crisis.
An agreement between the government (1) and suppliers says: “We will support prepayment meter customers directly or indirectly impacted by COVID-19 to stay on supply”. It contains options but help given will be repaid in due course (2). Customers should call helplines as follows (top 7):
British Gas | 0333 202 9802 |
EDF | 0333 200 5100 |
E.ON | 0345 303 3040 |
N POWER | 0800 073 3000 |
SCOTTISH POWER | 0800 027 0072 |
SSE | 0345 026 2658 |
OVO | 0330 303 5063 |
Citizens Advice has published detailed online advice for prepayment customers. There is also a Citizens Advice helpline on 0808 223 1133. Calls are free.
1 Department of Business. Energy and Industrial Strategy 2 Based on individual circumstances, this could include: • extending discretionary/ friendly credit or sending out a pre-loaded top up card • enabling customers to nominate a trusted third party to be able to pick up discretionary credit sent to a shop on their behalf • switching smart prepayment meters into credit mode or extending non-disconnection periods (consumers will be made aware any credit will need to be paid back) • promoting online smart prepayment top-up channels • having particular regard to the regulatory requirements and the potential impact of COVID-19, when applying the ‘safe and reasonably practicable’ test when considering switching a customer from credit to prepay • take reasonable steps to contact prepayment customers with advice on what to do in the event of self-isolation.